Arenal Observatory Lodge

The lodge is located just 1.8 kilometers from the active crater of Arenal Volcano, and is separated from it by a deep river valley. The location was specifically chosen by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute, who needed a close but safe vantage point from which to study the volcano. Seated on 870 acres of land adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park, the site contains 270 acres of primary rain forest with well-marked trails, 400 acres of reforestation projects, and 200 acres of working farm lands.

Arenal Observatory Lodge is situated on a ridge 120 meters above Lake Arenal. The ridge rises between the Agua Caliente and Quebrada Danta rivers. This topographical feature is important, so any possible lava flow will not affect the Lodge. It is within ZONE "D" Low Danger Area, near the volcano. Moreover, as prevailing winds are from the East, the lodge would seldom be affected by ash or other fallout from a major eruption, as the lodge is located to the southeast of the volcano.

Meals are served in our large main dining room, which features walls of windows with views of the volcano and Laken Arenal. Our chefs prepare a variety of continental and Costa Rican dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, local fruits and vegetables, as well as locally raised beef, poultry, and fish from Lake Arenal.

We also have a comfortable bar open from 10:00am to 12:00 midnight everyday. This is a wonderful spot to gather with other guests. And of course, it’s a good place to be for any volcanic eruptions.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge is a modern hotel with many conveniences and a small gift shop stocked with certain necessities. Still, adventure travel in Costa Rica is different than most other forms of tourism and a little foresight and planning will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Smithsonian rooms:
Four Smithsonian rooms are located just off the main lodge and dining area. Each of these rooms feature a king-sized bed, modern private bath, and amazing volcano view through it’s over-sized windows. Two of these rooms also feature views of Lake Arenal. Ten Smithsonian rooms are housed in a modern building located about 120 yards from our main lodge, reached via a 134 foot suspension bridge through a small patch of rain forest. These rooms feature huge walls of glass that provide premiere views of the volcano from the comfort of your bed, or from the two chairs strategically placed for you comfort and enjoyment; varnished wood floors, private bathrooms, and one queen- and one full-sized bed. The Smithsonian also features a viewing deck, a conference room and our own volcano museum, with an active seismograph constantly monitoring the volcanic and seismic activity just outside your door.

Standard rooms:
Our nine Standard rooms provide a rustic, yet comfortable base for your volcano viewing and rain forest activities. These rooms were originally designed and used by researchers. Each room features one bunk bed and two full-sized beds, as well as a private bath. These rooms are located just off the main lodge and dining area, and two of them feature direct views of the volcano.

La Casona rooms:
Budget travelers will find four comfortable rooms in La Casona, our original family farmhouse. Three of the rooms here feature queen-sized beds with direct views of the volcano. The fourth room, with it’s three bunk beds, is perfect for groups. Located about 500 meters from the main lodge and dining area, La Casona features a large common sitting room with a fireplace, as well as a spacious front porch with volcano view and two full bathrooms for shared use among the guests.

Jr. Suites:
These suites are near the restaurant with a beautiful view to the volcano. They feature 2 king size beds, private bathroom with hot water, ceiling fan, a small fridge with mini-bar, coffee maker, and a terrace with view to the lake and volcano.

ACTIVITIES - Arenal Observatory Lodge isn’t just a beautiful spot from which to watch the pyrotechnical wonders of the Arenal Volcano. It’s also a great base for a whole wide range of activities and adventures.

The volcano is surrounded by lush rainforest, farms and mountains. The rainforests to the southwest join the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (a world famous cloud forest visited by thousands of tourists and scientists each year because of its great ecological diversity), and abound with wildlife. Trails through the rain forests as well as long old lava flows are also available. Nearby hot sulphur springs make an interesting visit for a natural sauna.

The 860 acre (347 hectare) farm which surrounds the Observatory gives visitors access to 295 acres of primary and secondary forest, 250 acres planted in Macadamia, and a 185 acre working reforestation project planted in Honduran Pine and Eucalyptus.

Birdwatching is excellent here and there is easy walking on the farm roads and trails. Local guides take visitors daily through forest trails to the lava flows and to a nearby waterfall. Longer hikes to Cerro Chato, an extinct volcano whose crater is now a small lake, may be arranged. Horses are available for exploring on horseback.

A popular one-day tour from the Observatory Lodge is to the Caño Negro Reserve. This is a 24,633 acre (9,969 hectare) reserve surrounding a lake which covers about 2000 acres during the rainy season and shrinks to a few pools in the dry season. Caño Negro is a special place for birdwatchers as it is a good place to see the Roseate Spoonbill, Jabiru Stork, Wood Stork and many species of ducks and shore birds.

A swim in the nearby Tabacón Hot Springs or in our new pool with Jacuzzi is a good way to finish the day.

Room Rates	Until Nov 30 /09				Dec 1 /09 - Apr 30 /10
Type of Room	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Single	Double	Triple	Quad
La Casona	$56	$69	$88	$109	$73	$87	$102	$116
Standard	$83	$97	$114	$126	$103	$117	$125	$146
Smithsonian	$112	$126	$147	$159	$138	$152	$162	$174
Jr. Suite	$134	$140	$160	$168	$167	$175	$183	$193

Rates Include:
Full breakfast buffet - Taxes (13.00%) - Complementary morning walk with a local guide (Does not include entrance to Arenal National Park) - Walking trails - Swimming pool and Jacuzzi
Children under 6 years free meals and lodging 7-11 years, 50% meals cost, free lodging*
(*Sharing room with their parents)

Contact CentralAmerica.Com For Information & Reservations

E-mail Observatory@CentralAmerica.Com
For reservations use our e-mail Reservation Form
Call us toll free from US or Canada 1-888-535-8832 / 1-800-948-3770