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.
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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
Discover more about Chato Volcano
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Volcano Jungle Trails
3.0 km
Explore scenic jungle trails near Arenal Volcano. Perfect for families: hiking, picnics, and a playground in a natural Costa Rican setting.
Soda Tita Rosa
3.7 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Soda Tita Rosa in La Fortuna. Fresh, local ingredients and traditional flavors await!
Soda Las Flores
4.1 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Soda Las Flores in San Carlos. Enjoy traditional flavors and warm hospitality in a cozy setting.
Arenal History Inn
4.1 km
Discover cozy comfort and volcano views at Arenal History Inn, your gateway to La Fortuna's natural wonders and thrilling adventures.
La Cava
4.1 km
Savor artisanal pizzas, grilled specialties, and Costa Rican flavors at La Cava, a San Carlos culinary destination near Arenal Volcano.
El Coloso Arenal
4.2 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at El Coloso Arenal, a local favorite in La Fortuna with a warm atmosphere and delicious traditional dishes.
Marisquería Delcarajo
4.3 km
Savor fresh seafood and authentic Costa Rican flavors at Marisquería Delcarajo in La Fortuna, a local favorite for a vibrant culinary experience.
La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows
4.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall, a natural wonder in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest.
Kalambu Hot Springs
4.8 km
Experience thrilling water slides and relaxing thermal pools at Kalambu Hot Springs, with stunning views of Arenal Volcano.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
4.9 km
Experience luxurious relaxation at Arenal's Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort, with stunning views and natural hot springs.
Ecotermales Fortuna
4.9 km
Experience tranquility at Ecotermales Fortuna, a family-owned hot spring resort in Arenal, Costa Rica, with naturally heated pools and lush rainforest surroundings.
Sloth Watching Trail La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano Private Trail
5.0 km
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Yellow Bark
5.1 km
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Los Lagos
5.1 km
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Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura
5.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chato Volcano Trailhead
2.0 km
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Chato Volcano Trailhead, a must-visit hiking area in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cataratas Escondidas
2.1 km
Explore the breathtaking Cataratas Escondidas in San Ramón, Alajuela - a hidden waterfall paradise rich in natural beauty and adventure.
Frog Pond
2.1 km
Explore the vibrant ecosystem of Frog Pond in La Fortuna, a captivating tourist attraction filled with Costa Rica's enchanting amphibian species.
Catarata Danta
2.2 km
Explore the enchanting Catarata Danta waterfall, a serene retreat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, where nature's beauty awaits every traveler.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
2.3 km
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Papa's Place
2.4 km
Discover the beauty of Costa Rica at Papa's Place, a premier bird watching, hiking, and farmstay destination in Alajuela Province.
Restaurante Rio Lounge
2.4 km
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Ecological Reserve Fortuna Waterfall
2.5 km
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Fortuna Waterfall
2.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Arenal Volcano
2.7 km
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Wood & Art Gallery
3.2 km
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Arenal River Tubing & Hiking
3.6 km
Experience Costa Rica's best river tubing and hiking adventure near Arenal Volcano. Explore rainforests and ride the rapids!
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge
3.8 km
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Arenal Ecoglide Park
3.9 km
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North Fields Coffee Tour
4.0 km
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Essential places to dine
El Jilguero Restaurant
2.3 km
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Restaurante Hojarasca
2.6 km
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Yellow Tree Restaurant
2.8 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine surrounded by nature's beauty at Yellow Tree Restaurant in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
SODA El Turnito
4.0 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at SODA El Turnito in La Fortuna - a must-visit eatery for every traveler.
La Tipica
4.1 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at La Tipica in La Fortuna – a must-visit restaurant for every traveler seeking local cuisine.
SAFFRON INDIAN FOOD BAR AND GRILL
4.2 km
Discover authentic Indian cuisine at Saffron Indian Food Bar and Grill in San Carlos—where every dish tells a flavorful story.
Cafetería y Restaurante Rain Forest Arenal
4.2 km
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Rana Roja
4.3 km
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Sunny's Indian Restaurant
4.5 km
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Restaurante bongos
4.5 km
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Arenal Bongos
4.5 km
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Soda Monkey's Place
4.6 km
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Restaurante Emperador
4.8 km
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Restaurant Garra Pata
4.9 km
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El Chante Verde
4.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at El Chante Verde in La Fortuna - a must-visit restaurant for every traveler.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Neptune's House of Hammocks
3.1 km
Explore the vibrant world of handcrafted hammocks at Neptune's House of Hammocks in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and take home a piece of paradise.
Biosfera Skincare (Experience Store)
3.4 km
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Manus cr tienda online
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Souvenir store
4.0 km
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Arte Natura, Boutique Hotel in La Fortuna - Costa Rica Vacations, Book it Now
4.0 km
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Original Grand Gallery
4.1 km
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Red Frog Coffee Roasters
4.2 km
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Howler Monkey Store
4.5 km
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Britt Shop Baldi
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Britt Shop Sky Trek La Fortuna
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Centro Comercial La Fortuna
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Malibú Clothes
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Artesanías Frans things happys
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Súper Rosvil La Fortuna
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Cristian Supermarket 1
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
MAGIC SPORT BAR, Magic Mountain Hotel
4.0 km
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Restaurante Relax
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Volcán Look Disco
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Terra bar
5.0 km
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Lemnnos WetBar
5.1 km
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Tamarindo Chill
5.1 km
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Cha
5.1 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere at Cha, La Fortuna's beloved bar, perfect for unwinding after exploring Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Bar Patrón Costa Rica
5.3 km
Experience a vibrant cocktail bar in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with exotic flavors, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
La Fortuna Pub
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Tropical Lounge Bar
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Voodoo Mixology
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Sander’s Bar & Restaurante
5.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Sander's Bar & Restaurante in La Fortuna, a must-visit for every traveler.
Balcón Arenal Restaurante y Sport Bar Lazy Twins
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Experience vibrant dining and stunning views of Arenal Volcano at Balcón Arenal Restaurante y Sport Bar, La Fortuna's culinary gem.
The Pool Bar & Restaurant
6.0 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and relaxing atmosphere of The Pool Bar & Restaurant, a top destination for food and drinks in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
BEERLAND CR
6.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse craft beers at Beerland CR, a premier gastropub in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
