Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano)
Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
679 reviews
Excellent
386
Very good
194
Average
53
Poor
21
Terrible
25
Iris B
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
Don’t underestimate the climb and the mud! But it is worth every step. I would defenitly recommend it 😊 Enjoy!
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lukas
Vilnius, Lithuania2 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Fantastic, unforgettable experience. Really hard and adventurous climb, especially because we did during hard rain
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen
Canberra, Australia9 contributions
Apr 2021
The mid twenties special forces passed girls and guys are advised to climb this volcano. Anyone else, please do not attempt. You will regret it.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ARBreviews
New York City, NY19 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
I’m 33 and regrettably I’m quite out of shape. I’m tall (6’3”) which helped.
The trail is basically four parts: 1) Green Lagoon to the trailhead - basically a road uphill - gets the heart beating but nothing too crazy, 2) the trailhead entrance to the “trail ends here” sign - more brutal then part 1 but minimal scrambling...this section is an appetizer for what’s next, 3) the closed leg of the trail to the volcano rim - this crushed me because I’m out of shape, probably took me the longest despite not being a huge distance...slippery scramble, 4) the descent to the lake...looks scary but if I made it to the top there was no way I was turning back now. The decline to the lake is worse than climbing back up it, and isn’t much different than the other jungle descent. Just do it.
For the ascent, it took me about 2:30 from green lagoon, although if I were in shape I could probably do it in 1:45-2 hours. I descended slowly because this big fella didn’t want to wipe out and roll an ankle, probably 1:45 descent.
I saw exactly 14 other hikers, including myself. I embarked at 8am and enjoyed the lake with just 3 other hikers.
If you’re a bit out of shape, but are willing to embrace the suck, it’s totally possible just take it slow and hit the agua early and often.
I brought 4 liters of water and almost drank it all!
As I write this my legs are jello, but it’s worth it!! Such a magical place.
The trail is basically four parts: 1) Green Lagoon to the trailhead - basically a road uphill - gets the heart beating but nothing too crazy, 2) the trailhead entrance to the “trail ends here” sign - more brutal then part 1 but minimal scrambling...this section is an appetizer for what’s next, 3) the closed leg of the trail to the volcano rim - this crushed me because I’m out of shape, probably took me the longest despite not being a huge distance...slippery scramble, 4) the descent to the lake...looks scary but if I made it to the top there was no way I was turning back now. The decline to the lake is worse than climbing back up it, and isn’t much different than the other jungle descent. Just do it.
For the ascent, it took me about 2:30 from green lagoon, although if I were in shape I could probably do it in 1:45-2 hours. I descended slowly because this big fella didn’t want to wipe out and roll an ankle, probably 1:45 descent.
I saw exactly 14 other hikers, including myself. I embarked at 8am and enjoyed the lake with just 3 other hikers.
If you’re a bit out of shape, but are willing to embrace the suck, it’s totally possible just take it slow and hit the agua early and often.
I brought 4 liters of water and almost drank it all!
As I write this my legs are jello, but it’s worth it!! Such a magical place.
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ariana C
141 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
I want to begin by giving readers some demographics. My boyfriend (36, active) and myself (30, 5’4, 120 lbs, not very active) decided to climb this volcano on a whim (living on the edge). We read a bunch of reviews but I had zero clue what I was getting myself into.
Firstly, please start at Green Lagoon Lodge. We went to Arenal Observatory Lodge and there is a guard at a gate prior to entrance on the property. He does not permit entrance to do Cerro Chato. So we then drove 35 minutes to the Green Lagoon Lodge. We paid 10 USD for both of us. The dudes there provided us with basically zero info (to be expected) because this is definitely a ‘do at your own risk’ activity.
Now let me tell you, I was short of breath about 5 minutes in. The trail starts off on a steady incline up a grassy/rocky terrain. You will pass by several cows and horses and have to walk thru two gates to keep going. I thought this was bad LOL I was in for the shock of my life! The terrain started getting steep shortly after that. This consisted of a ‘path’ that was not a path. I was on my freakin hands. Like, using all four extremities to maneuver and this was barely suffice. I was short of breath the entire way but we reached the end of the Green Lagoon Lodge property and there is a sign indicating the end. By this point I was all ready shooketh but still had no idea how much worse it could get!
To speed this story up...the next hour was grueling. At one point I didn’t think I was going to make it. You are basically on a rock wall that is muddy and covered with vines, leaves and trees. You can just about see where to go. Beware of snakes.
We finally made it to the top and initially was disappointed by the view. However, you can descend about 100 ft to a lower viewing area. We decided the remainder of this descent was too dangerous and did not make it down to the lagoon. We stayed there for about 30 minutes to eat snacks.
Now, the way down started off great. We were cruising and I thought to myself, ‘ah this is way easier than the ascent.’ Well, the universe heard me and then said a giant F-class you and it started down pouring. So the already slippery trek was now made 100x harder! I fell three times and nearly busted my face.
Bottom line: I am glad I did this and quite frankly, shocked I was able to. But I wouldn’t do this again and I wouldn’t recommend on a day with a chance of rain or in the dark. I also wouldn’t recommend to anyone with respiratory or joint issues. If you go, pack a light backpack with at least 1 liter of water and a small snack. Good luck!
Firstly, please start at Green Lagoon Lodge. We went to Arenal Observatory Lodge and there is a guard at a gate prior to entrance on the property. He does not permit entrance to do Cerro Chato. So we then drove 35 minutes to the Green Lagoon Lodge. We paid 10 USD for both of us. The dudes there provided us with basically zero info (to be expected) because this is definitely a ‘do at your own risk’ activity.
Now let me tell you, I was short of breath about 5 minutes in. The trail starts off on a steady incline up a grassy/rocky terrain. You will pass by several cows and horses and have to walk thru two gates to keep going. I thought this was bad LOL I was in for the shock of my life! The terrain started getting steep shortly after that. This consisted of a ‘path’ that was not a path. I was on my freakin hands. Like, using all four extremities to maneuver and this was barely suffice. I was short of breath the entire way but we reached the end of the Green Lagoon Lodge property and there is a sign indicating the end. By this point I was all ready shooketh but still had no idea how much worse it could get!
To speed this story up...the next hour was grueling. At one point I didn’t think I was going to make it. You are basically on a rock wall that is muddy and covered with vines, leaves and trees. You can just about see where to go. Beware of snakes.
We finally made it to the top and initially was disappointed by the view. However, you can descend about 100 ft to a lower viewing area. We decided the remainder of this descent was too dangerous and did not make it down to the lagoon. We stayed there for about 30 minutes to eat snacks.
Now, the way down started off great. We were cruising and I thought to myself, ‘ah this is way easier than the ascent.’ Well, the universe heard me and then said a giant F-class you and it started down pouring. So the already slippery trek was now made 100x harder! I fell three times and nearly busted my face.
Bottom line: I am glad I did this and quite frankly, shocked I was able to. But I wouldn’t do this again and I wouldn’t recommend on a day with a chance of rain or in the dark. I also wouldn’t recommend to anyone with respiratory or joint issues. If you go, pack a light backpack with at least 1 liter of water and a small snack. Good luck!
Written 22 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabrielle mundy
5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
My husband and I decided to take on the challenge of hiking the Cerro Chato volcano. Yes it is technically private property of the government and technically blocked off due to weather making the hiking path more difficult. However, it is very doable if wearing the proper attire and shoes. We wore all long sleeves and shoes with good tread. Hydrate the day before, don’t drink a bunch like we did! Haha
Bring electrolytes and power bars to give you energy!
There is no security on the green lagoon side, however if you try to access the hiking trail from the Arenal National Park side... there is a guard.
So... We got dropped off at the green lagoon lodge. They make you pay $10 a person and they tell you their trail is 1 hour and after that if you want to keep hiking they are no longer responsible for you and you are on your own. We did their 1 hour hike and when we got to the sign that says “ this is the end of the trail” we just kept going! Pura Vida! You may be the only ppl out there so pack accordingly.
It’s a beautiful hike that takes around 5 hours round trip... but it took us 7 due to us stopping and taking breaks. I recommend starting your hike early so you make sure you don’t get stuck in the forest at dark. The sun goes down around 5ish.
There is a path u can see to follow, it’s just an adventure navigating around the trees and rocks. It’s like climbing a million stairs in the middle of a forest. You will get dirty but that’s all part of the fun!
Once you reach the top of the volcano you can choose to go down to the green lagoon which is in the crater of the volcano. It’s a 30 min hike down and it’s all mud with little footing. You have to grab branches and slide down. If you brave the hike down you will get to swim In the beautiful COLD lagoon. It felt amazing after a long hike. Bring a bathing suit to change into if you don’t want to hike back wet!
The hardest part of the hike was getting from the green lagoon back up to the trail, not much to grip onto. But it’s possible, we did it!
The way back takes less time because you are going all downhill.
It was one of the most exhausting and rewarding things we have every done! Such an incredible experience that not many people can say they have done! If you love adventure and a long hike I highly recommend it! When you are hiking it feels like it never ends but don’t give up, it’s well worth it!
Bring electrolytes and power bars to give you energy!
There is no security on the green lagoon side, however if you try to access the hiking trail from the Arenal National Park side... there is a guard.
So... We got dropped off at the green lagoon lodge. They make you pay $10 a person and they tell you their trail is 1 hour and after that if you want to keep hiking they are no longer responsible for you and you are on your own. We did their 1 hour hike and when we got to the sign that says “ this is the end of the trail” we just kept going! Pura Vida! You may be the only ppl out there so pack accordingly.
It’s a beautiful hike that takes around 5 hours round trip... but it took us 7 due to us stopping and taking breaks. I recommend starting your hike early so you make sure you don’t get stuck in the forest at dark. The sun goes down around 5ish.
There is a path u can see to follow, it’s just an adventure navigating around the trees and rocks. It’s like climbing a million stairs in the middle of a forest. You will get dirty but that’s all part of the fun!
Once you reach the top of the volcano you can choose to go down to the green lagoon which is in the crater of the volcano. It’s a 30 min hike down and it’s all mud with little footing. You have to grab branches and slide down. If you brave the hike down you will get to swim In the beautiful COLD lagoon. It felt amazing after a long hike. Bring a bathing suit to change into if you don’t want to hike back wet!
The hardest part of the hike was getting from the green lagoon back up to the trail, not much to grip onto. But it’s possible, we did it!
The way back takes less time because you are going all downhill.
It was one of the most exhausting and rewarding things we have every done! Such an incredible experience that not many people can say they have done! If you love adventure and a long hike I highly recommend it! When you are hiking it feels like it never ends but don’t give up, it’s well worth it!
Written 18 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Southern Wayfarer
1 contribution
Nov 2019 • Friends
I shot a time lapse of the hike and have put it on YouTube. Please be aware of what you are getting into as the trail is completely washed out now. My username on YouTube is Southern Wayfarer if you wanna watch. Video titled Cerro Chato hike Nov 9th 2019 Costa Rica.
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex
31 contributions
Sep 2019
Well at least you pay a parking ticket to know you car wont be stolen, right? LOL
The hike was 1 hour, it was raining and if not my gorgeous friend who was with me, I'd say fck it and go home for more shots.
The hike was 1 hour, it was raining and if not my gorgeous friend who was with me, I'd say fck it and go home for more shots.
Written 5 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika
Caracas, Venezuela9,854 contributions
Sep 2019
This is the best trekking I have done in my life so far. A local recommended to go there and no agency will recommend you to go there.
The bad thing is that you enter the Green Lodge and they charge you 10 dollars to pass the private property as they are thieves.
The trail is almost virgin. Is not bad is simply the nature as it is and you will walk by the path the water leaves when falls down the mountain. There are gigantic trees fallen in the path and you simply have to go over them.
We got to the top of this inactive volcano but didn't go to the lake (another 45min to go down) because I saw that trail a little dangerous and it was raining and we could not see anything and not even the lake.
Bring a liter of water per person and some fruit.
The trail is "forbidden" as everyone would say but many tourists go there.
The bad thing is that you enter the Green Lodge and they charge you 10 dollars to pass the private property as they are thieves.
The trail is almost virgin. Is not bad is simply the nature as it is and you will walk by the path the water leaves when falls down the mountain. There are gigantic trees fallen in the path and you simply have to go over them.
We got to the top of this inactive volcano but didn't go to the lake (another 45min to go down) because I saw that trail a little dangerous and it was raining and we could not see anything and not even the lake.
Bring a liter of water per person and some fruit.
The trail is "forbidden" as everyone would say but many tourists go there.
Written 13 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
haktus
Zurich, Switzerland1,242 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
For our kids age 12, 14, 18 this walk was one of the highlights. From green lagoon lodge where you register it took us 1.30 to get to the top. People with some hiking experience will not have a problem with the 600m in elevation gain (starting at 600 up to 1184). The decent to the lake, swimming and back to the top took us 45 mins and the back down 1 hour (this was quick).
Overall great jungle experience with very good weather. Take enough water.
Overall great jungle experience with very good weather. Take enough water.
Written 28 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina T
O'Fallon, MO66 contributions
Isn't this closed? I thought the government put a ban on hiking cerro chato for safety precautions.
Cody T
Kansas City, MO66 contributions
I think it has been "banned" for some time. It was when we went in December. The trails were no longer being maintained but it was still a very hikeable trail.
adg423
New York City, NY
Do people ever get stopped from doing this hike? If not, which location is the best to start the hike from? We are going to be staying close to la fortuna waterfall, but it seems like starting at AOL and ending at La Fortuna waterfall would be the best. Does anyone know how much a taxi should cost from la fortuna to AOL?
Bermpsom
19 contributions
30 dollars. Or you can get a shuttle from la fortuna centre to the lodge for 8usd per person. Details on the AOL website along with schedule
Lisa K
15 contributions
I'll be visiting the area with my mom who won't be able to do any strenuous activities. I'm an athlete so would love to do a small challenging hike solo. Should I be concerned about doing this one solo? Is there call service? Any other challenging hikes in the area that take less time?
donovantwaddle
Saint Paul, MN99 contributions
Hi Lisa!
First, let me say that if you're an athlete, you will probably have no issues tackling this hike. BUT...I would strongly advise against doing anything alone in a Costa Rica jungle. Maybe the likelihood of any trouble is slim, but I will say, there are a few dangerous animals in the rainforest. My tour guide said that on one tour, he was climbing the side of the volcano and reached for a root to pull himself up. He came extremely close to grabbing a Fer-de-Lance, one of the most dangerous snakes in the Americas. It's called Terciopelo by locals, and the proper name is Bothrops Asper. If you're in the jungle by yourself and you get bit, it will not be pleasant. They're mostly nocturnal, but if you perchance disturb one, it will get very cranky. Most likely, it will go the opposite direction if it can, but if it's cornered, it will strike. And they are FAST. Their venom is a very potent hemotoxin.
Like the other reply said, there's often people hiking this, but if there's not, or if you're alone, I'd urge you not to do this, or any hike, unless it's on a groomed trail.
I did this hike with a tour guide and another couple from Italy. It was great, but we did it during a torrential tropical downpour, so it was even more challenging for us. We were the only group that climbed into the crater to the lagoon, because our guide (from Red Lava Tours, just a few doors down from the bus terminal in La Fortuna) was a badass. All this being said, as others have pointed out, it's now closed. I'm sure there must be a reason for that. As cool as it is, I'd maybe find another hike in the area. Hit up any Costa Rica tour page on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and they should be able to tell you about other options in the area. Try Desafio Adventure Co, Red Lava Tours, Ecoterra Expeditions, Costa Rica Expeditions, or just Google "tour companies in costa rica."
Please enjoy La Fortuna! It's one of the most beautiful areas of the country.
Pura vida!
Fabian O
Forbach, Germany3 contributions
Is the trail still closed? Is it at least
possible to get to the lake from La Fortuna?
the trail wasn't closed just if it's really rainy , no connection between la fortuna and cerochato
chozka
San Jose, Costa Rica
Para subir a la laguna hay que pagar? Por donde puedo entrar, cuanto se tarda subiendo?
Enrique_EQM
Huarte, Spain309 contributions
El Hotel Green Lagoon te cobra por utilizar la parte del sendero que está en su propiedad (12 $); pero no deberían facilitar la entrada pues la ascensión final está clausurada por el gobierno (razones de seguridad y de estudios científicos).
frey p
8 contributions
Can anyone confirm if this trail is indeed closed? We have reservations with a tour to do this hike this week. Seemed like a reputable company.
josiponey
Montreal, Canada5 contributions
I'm in La Fortuna right now: they still sale tour but when you go there on your own, you buy the ticket down and when you're 100 meters from the laguna it's blocked by fance of barbes wires and a man stand there to stop the visitors.
Very frustating for respecful tourist.
John S
Granbury, TX3 contributions
Where can you start the hike if your are going self-guided?
Kristian L
Palo Alto, CA16 contributions
If you're coming from the La Fortuna side, just go to the front desk at the Green Lagoon Lodge. They take payment and give you a wristband to let you access the trail. The trail head starts in the corner of their parking lot.
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Claim your listingCERRO CHATO (CHATO VOLCANO): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano)
- Hotels near Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano):
- (2.20 km) Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis
- (2.60 km) Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
- (2.42 km) Hotel Lomas del Volcan
- (2.54 km) Brisas Arenal Hotel
- (3.90 km) Hotel Destinos Arenal
- Restaurants near Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano):
- (3.76 km) Soda Los Rodríguez Restaurante
- (5.25 km) Tiquicia Restaurant
- (3.92 km) Piura - Terraza Peruana
- (3.93 km) Red Frog Coffee Roaster
- (5.43 km) Chifa La Familia Feliz