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.

After having lain dormant for over 400 years, Arenal Volcano erupted violently on July 29, 1968, wreaking havoc with the local population and creating a “lava landscape” for miles around its base. At the Arenal Observatory Lodge, you can enjoy the sound & fury of Arenal Volcano’s constant eruptions from the comfort of your room, or from one of the many perfect volcano viewing sites around the lodge.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge has thirty spacious rooms. All are comfortable and most have volcano views from the privacy of your own bedroom. Five rooms are fully equipped for disabled travelers, with rooms, bathrooms, hallways, parking areas and even the new swimming pool designed accordingly.

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. Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on 870 acres of land adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park.

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.

These rooms feature huge walls of glass that provide premiere views of the volcano from the comfort of your bed, or from the two sitting chairs strategically placed for you comfort and enjoyment. These rooms feature 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.

6 av. 6-47, zona 9, 4th Level
Phone: +502 279-2456 Tel/Fax: +502 334-0161
Guatemala City
Guatemala