Surrounded by 45 hectares of primary and secondary rainforest at the base of Arenal Volcano, Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa offers volcano views and serene spa experiences, but it also immerses you in the vibrant rhythms of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Those traveling as a couple seeking moments of quiet awe, or as a family with older children ready for exploration will find this property delivers unforgettable nature encounters right from your terrace. From morning bird calls to a walk to breakfast with monkeys playing in the trees, wildlife is all around you.
The forest surrounding the property belongs to Montaña de Fuego’s Private Reserve, a reforestation project conceived by Don Leo, the hotel’s owner, during his youth. Most of that land was once used as pasture for dairy cattle, but today it has been transformed into a thriving primary forest that supports and protects a wide variety of native species.
Thanks to this work, the reserve has received recognition from UNESCO and was awarded as Costa Rica’s Biosphere Reserves.
Wildlife That Greets You Daily
“What is a surprise is to find trails with so much wildlife on the grounds of the resort. There were many wild animals and insects with beautiful flora.” says Truman, one of our happy visitors, in his Trip Advisor review. This heartfelt exclamation captures the soul of Montaña de Fuego’s grounds, alive with birdsong, fluttering wings, and the occasional scurry of rainforest critters. The hotel’s gardens and self-guided trails regularly reveal bright toucans, curious coatis, and tiny frogs tucked between orchids. Many bungalows overlook lush greenery, so morning coffee often comes with a feathered show of hummingbirds or motmots sampling nearby blossoms.
Birdwatching from Paths to Your Porch
Montaña de Fuego provides convenient access to Arenal’s rich fauna, as it is nestled in the rainforest. Guests can easily venture into Arenal Volcano National Park or nearby reserves, but part of the magic is observing right from your front porch as hummingbirds and toucans fly right by.
Reports mention abundant hummingbird species, flower-visiting tanagers, and brilliantly colored motmots lingering near garden paths. Whether you’re lounging, taking a dip in the thermal mineral pools, or strolling through the tropical flora, birds will be your constant companions.
We encourage visitors to use resources like Ebird hotspot maps to identify all the bird species you will see on the property and during your visit to the region,
Everyday Jungle Neighbors
Beyond the dazzling birds and colorful tree frogs, Arenal is home to a variety of other fascinating animals you might encounter during your stay. Both white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys are often spotted moving through the treetops, filling the air with their distinctive calls. Green iguanas bask in sunny clearings, while curious agoutis can sometimes be seen foraging near the forest edge. Deer roam the quieter trails, and with a little luck, you may even catch a glimpse of a sloth lazily nestled in the branches or even larger, elusive animals like jaguars, pumas, and tapirs. Each sighting adds to the sense of wonder, reminding visitors that the rainforest is alive with surprises at every turn.
Guest Memories: Wildlife That Whispers, Not Roars
One guest recalled, “We had lots of birds and frogs in the garden during a relaxing pool day,” a reminder that the hotel’s natural surroundings create small but meaningful encounters without ever needing to leave the property. Sitting quietly outside with binoculars while letting the kids roam nearby with their cameras allow for effortless encounters with nature.
In the evenings, attentive staff have been known to lead families on informal night walks, pointing out insects, nocturnal creatures, and hidden forest paths—an experience that, as another family shared, left both children and parents deeply moved.
The Circuit: From Wildlife to Volcano Views
Adventure need not be sacrificed for comfort. After wildlife encounters in the Arenal Volcano National Park, guests can transition effortlessly to thermal mineral pools, spa amenities, or sunset views over Arenal. The hotel's layout allows you to cradle a moment of birdwatching in the morning, and sip a cocktail by the pool in the afternoon, without ever leaving the vibe of nature.
This harmony between wildlife, wellness, and accessibility is one of Montaña de Fuego’s strengths, offering subtle yet profound moments, like finding a tiny frog between flower petals on a casual walk or spotting an oropendula chirping under the rainforest canopy.
The Power of Nature in Every Stay
At Montaña de Fuego, wildlife is woven throughout your stay. From spontaneous bird sightings, guided tours led by staff, to forest trails that feel like a living zoo, the experience enriches both quiet couples’ moments and families seeking meaningful connection.