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Chato Volcano: Arenal's Dormant Sibling

Hike to the summit of the dormant Chato Volcano, explore lush rainforest, and discover the emerald lagoon in its crater.

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Cerro Chato, or Chato Volcano, is an inactive volcano near the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Its lush rainforest and emerald green lagoon in its crater offer a challenging hike with rewarding views. Though its last eruption was approximately 3,500 years ago, it contributed to the formation of La Fortuna Waterfall.

A brief summary to Chato Volcano

  • San Carlos, Alajuela Province, CR

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate hiking shoes and clothing suitable for muddy and slippery conditions.
  • Bring insect repellent, as you'll be hiking through the rainforest.
  • Consider visiting during the dry season (December to April) for easier trail conditions.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for the challenging hike.
  • Be aware that the hike can be strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From La Fortuna, take a taxi south on Ruta Nacional Treciaria 702. Turn onto Diag Avenida 301 and head west almost to La Fortuna Waterfall. Just before the waterfall parking, the road forks; head uphill to the right. This leads to Green Lagoon Wellbeing Resort, the primary access point for the Cerro Chato trail. A taxi from La Fortuna should cost around $10.

  • Walking

    From La Fortuna, the Green Lagoon Lodge is about a 2-hour walk. Head south on Ruta Nacional Treciaria 702, then follow the directions as above. Walking is not recommended before undertaking the challenging hike to the volcano.

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Discover more about Chato Volcano

Cerro Chato, often called Chato Volcano, is the dormant neighbor of the famous Arenal Volcano in northern Costa Rica. Rising to 1,140 meters (3,740 feet), Chato hasn't seen volcanic activity in about 3,500 years. This has allowed a unique ecosystem to flourish, with a dense rainforest blanketing its slopes and a stunning green lagoon filling its crater. From a distance, the shape of the volcano's summit resembles a sleeping woman. Chato's geological history is intertwined with Arenal, as they are part of the same volcanic system. Chato is believed to have formed first, its eruptions shaping the surrounding landscape before becoming dormant. One of Chato's lava flows contributed to the creation of the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, now a major attraction in the area. Hiking Cerro Chato is a popular activity, though it can be challenging due to steep, muddy, and technical trails. The reward for the strenuous climb is the opportunity to see the beautiful turquoise waters of the lagoon. While hiking to Cerro Chato was once officially accessible from the Arenal Observatory, access is now primarily from the Green Lagoon Lodge.

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