Hike Costa Rica's Cerro Chato
4.5 Miles
2750 Feet
Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
Hike with picturesque views of neighboring Arenal Volcano through a dense rainforest to a waterfall and lagoon.
Hiking the Chato Volcano, or Cerro Chato, is the perfect way to get an incredible view of neighboring big brother, Arenal Volcano. Arenal has the typical, conical shape that you think of when you hear volcano and is one of the areas most active volcanoes. You'll be perfectly safe hiking Cerro Chato, though, as it hasn't erupted for some 3,500 years.
The trailhead begins at the La Fortuna Waterfall and leads up the eastern slope up to Laguna Cerro Chato, a lake that has formed in the crater at the summit. Although it is a short hike, it is rather steep and can be muddy if it has rained recently (very common), so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and hike with care. Follow this trail to the lagoon and take a break while enjoying the view. Unfortunately, swimming in the lagoon is not advised, as there are some harmful minerals in the water. When you're ready, follow the trail back the way you came, finishing at the waterfall.
To get to the trailhead, drive east from Daniel Odubar Airport on Hwy 1 until you reach San Ramon, where you'll take Highway 702 north towards the town of La Fortuna. Just before you reach town, turn left on Diagonal 301. Follow this to the end of the road where you'll see signs for the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Cerro Chato Trail (Sendero Cerro Chato).
Photos: Boris G, Compass Points Media
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Reviews
Overall rating:
Recently did it from the El Castillo side!
It's a lot harder than the closed La Fortuna trail. It took 2.5 hours one way but it wasn't as difficult as some have made it out to be. For more info check my video: https://youtu.be/CD2Wj2bazOo
CLOSED :(
This trail has been permanently closed. Some travelers considered going anyway but the police are not joking around. There’s 3 layers of barbed wire and rangers stationed to prevent people from sneaking in. One of the locals also told me that if anything happens to a tourist the country gets less funding from the Red Cross.
Hiking along this rainforest trail is unforgettable
Give yourself at least 4 hours to do the hike no matter what your fitness level, especially if you decide to add the side hike to the lagoon (which you totally should). Bring a lot of water, there is no where to refill along the way. Stop at the Observatory restaurant for lunch, dinner or a sunset drink – this spot offers one of the best and closest views of Arenal. See more from our experience at http://mrandmrsadventure.com/2014/05/29/surviving-montezumas-revenge-and-hiking-cerro-chato-from-the-arenal-observatory-lodge/
