Chato Volcano

Location: Arenal Volcano National Park, Tilaran Mountain Range

Altitude: 3609 feet above sea level

About:

The enormous El Chato Volcano is located in Arenal Volcano National Park, northwest of San Jose in the province of Alajuela. Approximately 3,609 feet high, El Chato sits in the southeastern shadow of Costa Rica’s most well-known and active volcano, Arenal. Scientists believe that it first erupted during the Pleistocene period 38,000 years ago. Now dormant, experts estimate that the volcano was last active some 3,500 years ago.

El Chato belongs to the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range. It covers an area of 6.2 miles, and is comprised of two peaks: Chatito and Espina. Mount Chato Lagoon, a mammoth water-filled crater, stretches 1,640 feet in diameter. The oblong body of water is roughly 820 feet north to south and 492 feet east to west, with a maximum depth of 616 feet. An arduous yet rewarding four to five hour hike to this dreamlike lake passes through lush rainforest and up astoundingly steep hills.

Hiking:

The El Chato trail leaves from the Arenal Observatory Lodge, and is about four to five hours round-trip. It is almost entirely uphill, and ends at the greenish-blue reflective waters of the El Chato Lagoon. This is a strenuous and intense trail, so hiring a knowledgeable guide is strongly recommended. Guided tours can be arranged in the town of La Fortuna.

Flora and Fauna:

In addition to hiking, bird and wildlife watching are top-notch at El Chato and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park. Howler and spider monkeys, white-nosed coati, sloth, deer, fer-de-lance, boa constrictors, parrots, parakeets, black vultures, resplendent quetzals, trogon, hummingbirds, motmots and toucans are all known to inhabit the park. Plant life includes ferns, heliconia, mountain guayabo, freijo, rosewood, and chicle and balsa trees.

Facilities:

A ranger station and restrooms are located at the entrance to the park. Trail maps are available at the ranger station.

Fees and Schedule:

Entrance Fee: $6 at the gate
Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily

Getting There:

Car:Drive east from the international airport toward San Ramon, then north to Bajo Rodriguez. Continue through La Tigra, Chachagua, and finally on to La Fortuna. From La Fortuna, drive west toward Tabacon Resort and continue 1.2 miles past Tabacon. Turn left on a hard-packed dirt road, following signs to Arenal National Park.

Bus: From San Jose, the bus takes about five hours, covering 81 miles. (Tel. 2221-3318)
Buses depart for La Fortuna at the Termino Atlantico Norte in San Jose; $3.55; 6:15, 8:40, and 11:30 a.m.

Buses depart from La Fortuna to return to the Termino Atlantico Norte in San Jose; $3.55; 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

Contact:

Arenal Ranger Station: Tel. 2461-8499