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 The best place to observe all of the volcano's various activities is
from the nearby Arenal Observatory Lodge. The location of the lodge was
chosen by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute who needed a close
but safe vantage point for their research on Arenal. Located over 1.7 kilometers
south of the volcano and separated from it by a deep valley, the observatory
provides a safe ringside seat to both scientists and visitors alike.
Arenal Observatory Lodge has 24 rooms in two separate blocks. The Observatory
Block features rustic, but comfortable cabins with bunk beds (these were
originally used by researchers at the volcano). There are 9 standard rooms
(#1 - #9), each with private hot water bath. Two rooms (#7 and #9) have
direct views of the volcano. The main dining room is located here, as well
as a new covered observation deck with four new rooms (#27 - #30). each
with one queen size bed, private bath with hot water and direct views of
the volcano. La Casona is the original family farmhouse converted to a
capacity of 10 guests. It is located approximately 500 meters from the
principal Lodge. It contains 5 rooms which share 2 hot water baths and
a common sitting area with fireplace. From the front porch guests have
an excellent view of the volcano and lake.which was just completed in May
1991, has articles, displays and photographs of Arenal to augment visitors
understanding of the volcano. A suspension bridge connects the Observatory block to the new Smithsonian Block. This modern building contains a viewing deck, conference room and 10 rooms with private hot water bath, 9 with a queen size bed and a single size bed and 1 with two single beds. These superior rooms have an excellent, direct view of the volcano with easy chairs in front of a plate glass window that covers the whole wall facing the volcano. View the spectacular lava flows in complete comfort. From the Observatory visitors can also enjoy views of nearby Lake Arenal which is the largest fresh water lake in Costa Rica and a popular place for catching guapote (Rainbow Bass). The lake is also renowned for windsurfing due to a near constant wind at its northern end.
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 is a good way to finish the day.
Rates (include Tax & Breakfast Buffet)
Other Services Offered by the Lodge
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