This half day hike starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, where you will be met by your guide. You will then be driven southwards around the Arenal Volcano to the Observatory Lodge where you will begin your walk.
Ascend through dense primary forest, where it is common to spot a great variety of flora and fauna, before arriving at the summit of Cerro Chato — an inactive volcano that is said to be Arenal's 'older brother'. Here there are fantastic views across the San Carlos Valley and, on a clear day, to Arenal Volcano itself. You can also descend slightly to the beautiful emerald green crater lake and perhaps have a swim.
At the end of the walk you will visit La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing swim before returning to your hotel.
This is a moderate hike with some challenging uphill sections that can be muddy, so you need to be in good shape and enjoy walking to get the most out of it. Please note that as this is a shared excursion there will be other pick-ups and drop-offs at other hotels.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Natural History Tour
Follow the hanging bridges through the Arenal rainforest canopy and the walking trails along the forest floor to spot numerous bird, animal and plant species. Clearings and open spaces in the forest canopy offer a glimpse of the magnificent Arenal Volcano in the distance.
Arenal Rainforest Sky Tram and Trek
Enjoy a peaceful gondola ride above the Arenal rainforest and take in the breathtaking views of the volcano and the still, blue lake. Choose to return to your starting point the same way or via the Canopy Tour; an exhilarating zip-line through the forest canopy.
Arenal Volcano Hike
This easy and manageable hike will allow you to enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano as you walk along the base of this marvellous 'Mountain of Fire'. See recent lava flows and rock formations and learn about the big eruption of 1968.
Arenal Volcano National Park Tour
Embark on a journey of exploration through the beautiful Arenal Volcano National Park, spotting unique flora and fauna along the way and learning about the activity and history of the still-active Arenal Volcano.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
The Caño Negro refuge itself is located 25 kilometres south of Los Chiles in the northern area of the Alajuela province, approximately a two-hour drive from Arenal. It has been declared a site of international importance for the nesting of migratory birds and occupies an area of 9,969 hectares in the Río Frío Basin.
Eco Termales Hot Springs
The Eco Termales hot springs are a beautiful sanctuary surrounded by nature. The smallest of the hot springs in the Arenal area, Eco Termales is perfect for privacy and relaxation.
Lake Arenal Kayaking Excursion
Take to the water of Lake Arenal in your own kayak and explore the shores to spot a multitude of different bird species, and perhaps hear the unmistakable call of a howler monkey.
Peñas Blancas River Floating
Drift silently along the Peñas Blancas River, which winds through lush, verdant forest, and see a huge variety of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tortoises, crocodiles and several types of birds.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
