hiking· volcanic· Hiking· Cloud Forest
Cerro Chato
A collapsed volcano crater now holding a cold green lake, climbed through Arenal's shadow
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La Fortuna
A collapsed volcano crater now holding a cold green lake, climbed through Arenal's shadow
“Golden hour transforms this completely”
Cerro Chato stands as a serene counterpoint to its famous neighbor Arenal, an extinct volcanic cone cloaked in dense rainforest and crowned with a pristine crater lake. The 1,140-meter peak offers hikers a moderate ascent through misty cloud forest, rewarding them with panoramic views of Arenal and the surrounding lowlands, as well as opportunities to cool off in the cool crater waters. Though it last erupted 3,500 years ago, the volcano's geological legacy remains visible in the rich volcanic soils that sustain the lush vegetation. Best visited during the dry season (December to April) when trails are most accessible, Cerro Chato delivers a quieter, more intimate experience than its busier counterpart.
Cerro Chato's traditional crater trail is officially closed due to environmental degradation and safety concerns, so plan to view the extinct volcanic cone and its emerald crater lake from surrounding viewpoints like Catarata La Fortuna, Arenal Observatory Lodge, or hanging bridge parks instead of hiking to the summit. The volcano's forest-covered slopes support howler monkeys, capuchins, sloths, toucans, and poison dart frogs within one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions, making it rewarding for wildlife observation from accessible vantage points.
What Changes Through The Year
Dry Season (Dec–Apr)
December to April offers the most accessible conditions for viewing and photographing Cerro Chato from surrounding viewpoints and trails around La Fortuna.
Getting There
From La Fortuna town, head toward Arenal National Park entrance. Cerro Chato trailhead is located near the park boundary, approximately 5-7 km from La Fortuna center, accessible by road.
What to Bring
Safety Considerations
Who This Is For
“The crater lake sits at high elevation with no visible inlet or outlet, making the water exceptionally cold year-round; locals recommend timing your swim for late afternoon when sun exposure has warmed the surface slightly. Starting the hike very early (6-7 AM) significantly improves visibility at the summit, as clouds typically roll in by mid-morning.”
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Hidden Gems
Impossibly blue river deep in Tenorio Volcano
Waterfalls
A dramatic 70-metre waterfall, tropical rainforest, wildlife, and swimming
Viewpoints
A famous and accessible active volcano
Viewpoints
One of the most dramatic and iconic highland regions
Camping
The most biologically intense place on Earth — no services, no shade, no compromise
Living traditions near this place
🌙 Night Atmospheres
After the volcano, before the stars
♨️ Thermal Culture
Volcanic heat meets river current in the most accessible thermal zone
♨️ Thermal Culture
Considered one of the most luxurious and iconic hot spring experiences in Costa Rica
🪶 Indigenous Cultures
The last speakers of Maleku weave language into palm fiber