Cerro Chato

Cerro Chato is a dormant volcano flanking the the southeast side of the Arenal Volcano. Cerro Chato is a much older volcano than its taller and more active neighbor but at 1,140 meters Chato is a formidable height and offers some of the only primary cloud forest in the Arenal Volcano area. Cerro Chato has had no registered volcanic activity for the past 3,500 years but the lake in the hollowed crater is full of minerals that make swimming in the Cerro Chato Lake not an option.

Chato Volcano first erupted 38,000 years ago during the Pleistocene period one of the lava flows cleared the path for the water that cascades at the La Fortuna Waterfall. Cerro Chato has two peaks, named Chatito and Espina as well as a crater about 500 meters wide that is filled with a greenish hue of water.

It is possible to hike Cerro Chato from the Western side of the volcano from the Arenal Observatory Lodge and to hike along its ridge and descend down to the eastern slopes near the La Fortuna Waterfall and the town of La Fortuna. The hike itself is very steep and is only recommend for hikers in very good shape and who wish to challenge themselves. There is an entrance fee of $8 per hiker if you wish to go unguided and on your own. The hike to the top of the Cerro Chato from the La Fortuna waterfall is about 2 hours of steep terrain. Coming back down to the Waterfall side is quick and about 1 hour. However starting at the Waterfall side and descending on the western side near the Observatory Lodge or vice versa will take about 4 hours if you move pretty quick and 5 hours if you take your time to enjoy the vegetation or look for animals.

Cerro Chato Hike Times and Booking

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