Chato Volcano Volcano

Address: Chato Volcano area, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica (near Arenal/Poás regions)

Admission: No formal summit facilities; park or reserve fees may apply locally

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.

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.

• 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.