If you don't mind mud and physical contact with nature, then you'll love the Cerro Chato hike, you can't get any closer to nature than here and will be surprised by it's beauty no matter what the weather conditions are! Too bad you can't get there without passing private property (and therefore have to pay access right). The Arenal Observatory... More

My husband and I did this hike mid-march. We do alot of hiking in the Rocky Mountains near where we live but this one was still challenging due to the different terrain and how steep it was. I enjoyed scrambling up tree branches and through mud to get to the top. And climbing almost straight down to the lake was... More

I'm not athletic nor am I hiker, but I am healthy and more fit than I give myself credit for (it's another excuse to vegetate). However, my super athletic, outdoorsey friend who is an experienced hiker and climber talked me into hiking Cerro Chato because, "everyone should see the crater of a volcano." I cannot believe I fell for that... More

I was definitely mixed on this hike. On the plus side, it was nowhere near as exhausting as some people have said. I'm 53 and in good shape but It wasn't too bad and we definitely saw people older and not in great shape. The hike wasn't beautiful although the weather wasn't great. The last 120m from the peak to... More

OHH MY GOD!!!! What a very challenging extreme hike. My legs were sore for 3 days, and I even am a regular at the gym! We had our entire trip booked for us, so we had a guide with us. Took us safely up and down. There are two ways up to get to the top to see the crater... More

Wow - this hike was extreme!!!! I`ve honestly gotta say for someone who never works out, I`m glad I had planned ahead and did bootcamp for 1 month. This hike was hard on the muscles. Carry only water and food - maybe a small towel to wipe that sweat off your face! When the hike is completed, go down to... More

If your fit, have some hiking experience and enjoy this kind of thing, do it. This is one seriously beautiful hike. We started at the hotel near the waterfall, paid $10. and off we went. We wore breathable clothes and good hiking boots. The trail, once in the forest was steep, all roots and mud. The vegetation was lush and... More

I did a solo hike to the summit and down to the crater in December. Starting from the Arenal Observatory Lodge it took me approx 3 hours roundtrip. There is a fee of $4 at the gate to park at AOL. Unfortunately it was raining during my hike, so not only did it hamper visibility at the summit it also... More

I am a female of average fitness level. I work out several times per week and eat right, but I do not consider myself very athletic. This hike was very challenging for me and, while I am glad I did it, I would not do it again. The reward at the end is a beautiful lagoon which was WAY too... More