Back

Hike up to Arenal crater lake

cos01-hike-up-to-a-crater-lake-free-rafe-crop

Climb through primary forest to reach the lake at the summit of Cerro Chato volcano before heading down to the waterfall of La Fortuna.

Bursting out from the slope of Arenal, Cerro Chato is a volcanic cone lushly cloaked in dense vegetation and guarding a mesmerising lagoon within its long-extinct crater.

The steep hike up and leisurely walk down present you with a compendium of Costa Rica’s natural beauty – ferns and vines drape across mossy branches that provide a home for monkeys and tropical birds, and the gushing flume of La Fortuna waterfall pours into a jungle-enveloped amphitheatre. On the descent, you’ll have time for a dip in its refreshing plunge pool as a 70m stream of water crashes down metres away from you.

Activity Rating: easy

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
BRA_LencoisMaranhenses_iStock (1)

Destination Guides

Day Excursion with a Difference: Lencois Maranhenses National Park
Learn more
LATAM_Seared Tuna Seasme Crust_Free_shutterstock_196680920

Food and Drink

Seared Tuna with a Sesame Crust and Mango and Avocado Salad
Learn more
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

Get in touch Meet our experts
  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

0 1 2 3 4 5