Chato Volcano
Volcano Extinct volcano west of Arenal, popular hikes
Cerro Chato near Arenal in Alajuela has a crater lake and steep forested trails; hikers reach the rim for lake views and return through secondary rainforest.
Chato Volcano (commonly called Cerro Chato) is an older volcanic cone in Costa Rica’s Alajuela Province, lying beside the more prominent Arenal Volcano. The cone includes a crater that contains a small lake and is a distinct geomorphological feature close to Arenal’s flank.
A steep trail historically led from the nearby La Fortuna area to the crater rim and down into the crater; terrain is steep and can be muddy and slippery. The cone is considered inactive in contrast to the more active neighbouring Arenal.
The volcano sits in the northern highlands of Costa Rica near La Fortuna and the Arenal National Park area in Alajuela Province.
- Relationship to Arenal: Forms an older, now-dormant volcanic cone immediately adjacent to the more recently active Arenal volcano.
- Crater lake and trail: Contains a crater that holds a small lake; the summit and crater are reached by a steep hiking trail that crosses rainforest terrain.
How to Get to Chato Volcano #
Access commonly begins from towns near Arenal (La Fortuna) or from routes off Route 141 and local roads. Local tour operators in La Fortuna can arrange hikes and transportation to trailheads; off-road or 4x4 transport may be necessary for some approaches.
Tips for Visiting Chato Volcano #
- Check local volcanic activity advisories with Costa Rica's emergency services before planning a visit.
- Hire a local guide for trails, and respect protected areas-some sections are privately owned or part of reserves.
- Combine a visit with nearby La Fortuna or San José for logistics and acclimatization.
Best Time to Visit Chato Volcano #
Dry season offers the most predictable weather for hiking; check local conditions for trail access year-round.
Weather & Climate near Chato Volcano #
Chato Volcano's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (3373 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (292 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (243 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (335 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (356 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (353 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (352 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (352 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (367 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (340 mm).
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