Set high on a ridge facing Costa Rica’s most active and spectacular volcano, the Arenal Observatory Lodge offers the adventurous traveler a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy the sound and the fury of Arenal Volcano’s constant eruptions from the comfort and safety of your room, or from one of the many ideal volcano viewing sites around the lodge.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge is the best place to experience the thrill and beauty of the Arenal Volcano because of its location, its long history as a research center and the knowledge and the experience of its staff and guides.

The main dining room is located in the Observatory Block, as well as a covered observation deck with four new rooms. The obersravtion deck is the perfect location to birdwatch in the early morning as hundreds of birds come for fruit set out on various feeders.

Arenal Observatory Lodge has 24 rooms in two separate blocks. Four of the Smithsonian rooms are located just off the main lodge and dining area. Each of these rooms features 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 rain forest.