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Arenal Volcano in north central Costa Rica erupted
for the first time in 1968 and has been continuously active
ever since; it has been the object of intense observation
over the past 25 years. The Arenal Observatory Lodge was built
in 1987 as a research station for scientist from the Smithsonian
Institute and Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica.
Located in the base of Volcano and overlooking
Lake Arenal, it is ideally situated for observing this active
giant. The frequency and intensity of the eruptions, coupled
with the Observatory Lodge's "next door" proximity
for make for a truly spectacular natural history experience.
At night the lava and the ejection of glowing rocks provides
views with an impressive natural fireworks display.
Bird watching is excellent here and there
is easy walking on the farm roads and trails. Local guides
take visitors daily through forest to the lava flows and to
nearby waterfall. Longer hikes to Cerro Chato, and extinct
volcano whose crater is now a small lake. Horses are available
for exploring on horseback.
The twenty-four rooms, all with private baths are spacious
and comfortable.
The dinning room, in the Main Lodge, offers a wide variety
of excellent cuisine featuring the fruits, fresh produce,
beef, beans, rice and abundant salads that are the traditional
fare of Costa Rica.
For over twenty-five years, seismologist from the Smithsonian
Institute and The National University of Costa Rica have been
intensely monitoring Arenal. Now you can share in the excitement.
On a cloudless night from your secure vantage point, you
can watch a magnificent display of fireworks on a cosmic scale
as the rumbling Arenal Volcano explodes massive plumes of
mote fire high into the sky.
In the counterpoint to the primal power of the one of the
word's great wonders, you will relax and enjoy the refreshing
ambiance of the working farm around you; 860 fertile acres,
including 80 acres of Macadamia and 185 acre of reforestation
project, planted in Honduran Pine and Eucalyptus, all surrounded
by the tropical splendor of the newly-created Arenal National
Park.
Birdwatching is extraordinary, offering sightings of a wide
variety of rare species such as the three-wattled bellbird
and the ever rare bare-necked umbrellabird. Easily traversed
forews trails and roads, the spectacular beauty of crater,
lakes and waterfalls, the beauty of birds and butterflies
make your outing one you will always treasure.
In addition one day and overnight tours are available from
the Lodge to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge; an evening visit
to the hot springs at Tabacón; the Venado Limestone Caverns,
the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Guanacaste's beaches and resort
areas.
Recommendations
Be sure to bring your passport, personal first
aid kit, a boot flashlight, camera with films: ASA 100 for
open areas and ASA 400 for the forest, binoculars, pocket
knife, repellent, sun hat, sun block, strong shoes or boots
with good traction, long pants, short pants, light shirts
or t-shirts.
Facilities
The new Observatory Superior Block contains
a covered viewing deck, it has 4 rooms, each with private
hot water bath and one double bed, each have an excellent
and direct view of the volcano (N. 27-30).
The new Smithsonian Block contains a viewing
deck, conference room and 10 rooms with private hot water
bath, each with one double bed and one single bed. These superior
rooms will each have a excellent, direct view of the volcano
(N 16-26).
The current Observatory Block has 9 standard
rooms (N. 1-9) each with private hot water bath. Two rooms
(N 7-9) have direct views of the volcano. The main dining
room is located here.
La Casona is the original family converted
to a capacity of guests. It is located approx. 500 meters
from the principal Lodge. It contains 5 room (N 11-12-14-16)
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 the lake.
The Lodge has a total of 28 rooms.
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