Arenal Volcano: Hiking Cerro Chato

our plan for the day was to make it to Monteverde, so we decided to wake up early and go for the Hike, exciting as we were on tight schedule. The bus to Monteverde was leaving at 2PM. 

We woke up at 7AM and we arranged with the hostel owner (cabinas las palmas) to drive us to the entrance of the trail and then at 1 PM to pick us up and drive us back to the hostel. the idea was to have time to shower after the hike and he was nice enough to have our room cleaned the last one.  

- the drive to and from Arenal Observatory Lodge was 4000 colones for 3 and we decided to take as we were as said in a hurry 
- entrance fee for the hike 10$ for students (without a guide) 
- La fortuna waterfall entrance was 11$ for anyone 

Hike Cerro Chato + going down to the lagoon

We were very lucky with the weather, except some drops that fell at some point it was dry, that helps a lot with the hike. We read some people needed 4-5h, I guess it depends on mainly 2 things, how fit you are and the weather. 

We needed in total 2h for the hike up and going down to the lagoon plus 1h going back to the Arenal Observatory Lodge. The hike is challenging, but doable and I don't think a guide is  needed. 

TAKE with you:
- hiking shoes 
- i would suggest short pants (but i saw people recommend long pants)
- sun cream 
- ​bathing suit (both for the lagoon and the waterfall)
​- water 

the hike is tough especially if it rained or is raining. Take it slowly, it helps more to go in your own rythem than taking loads of breaks. The most difficult part is once at the top the climb down to the lagoon. there are some areas were you have some ropes to help you go down.  

one the way back look who came our way :)

Back to the entry point, we had to hurry a bit as we were running out of time. We paid the entrance at the waterfall, and started going down the 942 stairs (we did not count them though). The view is spectacular. 

at the end of a very exhausting day getting into the cold water of the waterfall was a blessing. make sure you don't get to close to it though ;)

we did it! :) and on the road again

#ILoveToTravel