Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails has always valued the importance of our environment by the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. From the very beginning, we have worked toward the efficient use of resources, and practices that have minimal impact on our natural surroundings.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is located within the Arenal Volcano National Park that borders the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – an area that is characterized by dense primary rainforest broken only by unpolluted streams and rivers.
When we acquired our property of 352 hectares (870 acres) in 1972 at the base of the Arenal Volcano – including 110 hectares (272 acres) of natural rainforest, 120 hectares (297 acres) of reforested areas, and also pastureland – we adopted environmentally friendly practices from the start. Our policies and programs promoting sustainability still continue today.
Our objective has always been to be a leading hotel in Costa Rica offering excellent service and comfort to our guests, with a strong commitment to environmental protection.
We Take Care of
the Environment
- Sustainable maintenance of 270 acres (109 hectares) of our property as natural forest and 400 acres (162 hectares) in reforestation with pine and eucalyptus.
- Use of pristine mountain spring water in the hotel which is certified by a laboratory approved by the Costa Rican Health Ministry.
- Use of preferably native species in our gardens and green areas that attract birds and wildlife.
- Use natural and biodegradable products to maintain the gardens.
- Use indirect lighting in natural areas to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Control of rainwater runoff to prevent soil erosion.
- Installation of wastewater treatment plants to avoid contamination of the environment.
- Promote energy and water saving practices among our employees and guests.
- We use low volumes of chlorine in the pool and the water quality is regularly certified by a laboratory.
- Whenever possible, we hang sheets and clothing outside to dry instead of using the dryer.
- We recycle and/or reuse organic waste whenever possible as feed for the animals on the farm owned by the hotel.
- We use fresh produce instead of canned foods in our restaurant whenever possible.
- We use refillable containers for shampoo, soap, etc. in the rooms and we use biodegradable cleaning products.
- We give back to the community by hiring local staff and helping the local school with donations of books, building materials, event supplies, etc.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails promotes responsible tourism when visiting Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas. We ask that visitors please follow these tips when visiting natural areas:
- Always walk on established paths when visiting national parks and protected areas.
- Remember to only leave behind footprints and not trash.
- Remember not to take any flora and fauna, such as flowers, plants, seeds, rocks, animals, etc.
- Observe but do not disturb animals. Do not feed any animals.
- Support local communities by hiring trained local guides, buying local crafts, visiting local restaurants and hotels, and supporting projects that benefit the communities.
- Be sensitive about local culture and traditions.
- Support conservation programs.
An individual’s, organization’s, event’s, or activity’s carbon footprint is the sum of its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. In order to estimate the sum of one’s emissions, the gases are transformed into a known unit such as carbon equivalent.
Carbon footprints allow you to have a better understanding of your level of participation in global warming. Once you know your footprint, you should establish a plan to reduce your emissions. We invite you to calculate your carbon footprint and reduce it. You can calculate your carbon footprint using this link.