Rising over a mile in height, Arenal Volcano in the northwestern region of Costa Rica offers visitors a rare opportunity to view one of the world's most active volcanoes. After sleeping quietly for over 400 years, Arenal erupted with tremendous force during July 29-31, 1968. "A lunar landscape" was created by the volcano as several square miles were covered by rocks, lava and ash.

Over twenty years later Arenal continues to erupt, but at a smaller scale. Visitors viewing the volcano can see it throw out red hot rocks up to 1000 feet in height and some of the rocks are over 25 feet in diameter! In addition, the volcano can be fairly noisy with explosions which sound like dynamite that echo off the nearby mountains. At night lava flows and the ejection of glowing hot rocks can provide viewers with an impressive fireworks display. Short periods of inactivity are usually followed by loud explosions, large "cauliflower" shaped eruption clouds, and the emission of hot, red rocks which crash and shatter down the steep gray slopes of the volcanic cone and can be heard from a mile away.

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 newly covered observation deck with four new rooms (#27 - #30). each with one queen size bed, private bath with hot water and a direct view 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, just completed in May 1991, guests have an excellent view of the volcano and lake. There the visitor can find articles, displays and photographs of Arenal

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 drive to Arenal from San Jose is through some of the most scenic regions of the country. Green and vibrant pastures, undulating mountains and valleys, dairy farms as well as tropical fruits and vegetables enhance the 3 ½ hour drive. En route papayas, citrus, cacao, coconut, cassava, and breadfruit can be seen in cultivation.

The volcano is surrounded by lush rainforest, farms and mountains. The rainforests to the southwest join the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve (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 is a good way to finish the day.

	Low Season Rates May 1 to Nov 30, 2001				High Season Rates December 1, 2000 to April 31, 2001
	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Single	Double	Triple	Quad
Standard (La Casona)	$42	$54	$72	$89	$49	$63	$81	$98
Standard (Observatory)	$59	$79	$96	$106	$69	$91	$106	$122
Superior (Smithsonian)	$82	$102	$120	$133	$94	$119	$131	$146
Superior (Observatory)	$93	$112	n/a	n/a	$103	$129	n/a	n/a

These rates include tax

Other Services Offered by the Lodge
Rates per person

• Waterfall Walk - Free
• Guided Morning Lava Flow Walk - Free
  Guests must pay $7 park entrance fee
• Guided Hike to Cerro Chato - $30
  Up to 4 guests. Additional guests $5 per person
• Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge - $70
  Full day tour from the lodge. Includes: lunch, fruit bar, snacks & park entrance fee
• Cuevas de Venado - $55
  Full day tour from the lodge. Includes: transportation, guide & cave entrance fee. Minimum 3 guests.
• Night Tour to Tabacon Hot Springs - $35 (Minimum 2 guests)
  Includes transportation and admission fee.
• Horseback riding - $7/hr
  Minimum 3 hours

All rates are subject to change without notice