We will be in Arenal for just a couple of days but we would like to do the Cerro Chato hike. I have read that it's quite a difficult hike and that you can either do a four or six hour hike. We are a group of six and we are all pretty active, a few being in excellent shape. I just was wondering if any of you have done the hike and if you think it's worth it. Any advice? S

ttt, I'm interested in the answer too.

RickandPat,
Wondering if you found any more information on the Cerro Chato hike. I booked our hike through the Observatory Lodge.When are you planning on going? We are going in Feb.

Third week of March. I'm sure we can manage the hike, we've done some tough ones. Sounds like the 6-hour option is if you add on the La Fortuna falls.

we will be in Arenal the 3rd week in March as well - I looked up some inofrmation on this hike and it saounds pretty good. How did you book the tour and do you have any information about it?
thanks
Lisa

I booked ours from the Arenal Observatory Lodge website. We are going to stay there the night of our hike.Our hike starts early, I think we have to be there by 7:30am.

Hi Ttraveler!
My husband and I just returned from Costa Rica last night. We did the Cerro Chato hike. Let me preface the rest of my reply with this: Every time we mentioned to a local that we were going to climb Cerro Chato, they just looked at us, smiled, went blank and said "ok". This happened 4 or 5 times and then we started to get nervous. Actually, I got nervous. My husband said, "it's just hiking".

Well...the hike IS strenuous.

We started the trail at the Volcan Observatory Lodge, hiked vertically to the top and came down on the side that takes you to La Fortuna Falls. You should do it with a guide.

If you want to do it to test yourself physically. I would do it. The lushness of the rainforest is surreal. It is unbelievable and worth experiencing!

As I mentioned, we hiked vertically for at least an hour and a half. The trail is steep, narrow and muddy. You basically hike up tree roots. You get to the top, get a view of the lake and head down.

Let me mention that about 3/4 of the way up,our experienced and physically fit guide said he didn't think that hikes should be done on this trail. Not because it's dangerous but because if someone twists an ankle or gets bitten by a snake there is no way to get help quickly. Espcially if you are bitten by a poisonous snake...He said you would essentially die up there.

The likelihood of twisting an ankle is definitely there. Wait till you see the trail.

The way down: Treacherous. Even if you are fit, the way down is tiresome because you have to think where you are going to put your foot for every single step. There is no plain walking! You will feel like your knees are ready to give out.Even our guide (does the hike at least once a month) was feeling it.

After 4 hours we finally reached the area where you can descend further to La Fortuna falls. We skipped the Falls, we were completely spent and achy. Our quads were "fried" for at least 2 days.

It sounds like your group is physically fit, I still think you will feel the hike's impact. Especially on the way down. It is relentless. We are somewhat active and in our early forties and we survived. You guys should be fine.

I would recommend going to the Tabacon Hot Springs afterwards. If you can fit in a spa treatment there, I would highly recommend that too!

If you decide to do the hike, let us know what you think!

It is afterall, "just hiking!" Extreme hiking.

PS We booked our guide through Sunset Tours in La Fortuna after we arrived. We were the only ones signed up for the hike. It was like hiring a private guide.

thank you so much for posting your experience - I don't mind climbing up, but I hate downhills, even on a good trail. Given the above, I htink we'll find a more suitable hike for 3 middle aged women and 2 teenagers!
Lisa

This does sound like an interesting challenge--I thank you also for the info. The root climbing sounds a bit like our vertical climb up to the higher falls at Montezuma a couple of years back. In flip flops, silly me!

Something else that helps is 3-4 ibuprophen, 3 times a day (with food of course) before and after for a day or two. I'm not one to suffer needlessly!

baneleja,
Thanks for your wonderful information.. I loved reading about your hike. I have been planning and planning around this hike for a couple of months now.. but after speaking to my fellow travelers I think that we are going to choose another long hike. I really would like to be out for 3-4 hours but like lweissmann some of us are concerned about the downhill. I am also taking my niece with me for the first time so I want to bring her back in one piece.. he he..
Anyone else have any suggestions for some good long hikes in the Arenal area.

I will be in Arenal area next week and am very interested in hearing any recommendations for long hikes in the area. (decided not to do the Cerro Chato hike as we originally planned )