Do you remember Caroline’s account of her climb up Cerro Chato in 2016? Back then, this hike still allowed the most adventurous travelers to reach the crater of the small volcano near Arenal.
Today, this climb is no longer legally permitted.
Cerro Chato is now a restricted-access area within Arenal Volcano National Park. SINAC, the Costa Rican agency responsible for managing protected natural areas, prohibits access to the volcanic cone and regularly reminds visitors not to take the unauthorized trails leading there.
Could the situation change in the future? Is there hope that Cerro Chato will reopen? Here’s what we know so far.
Why is Cerro Chato closed?
Cerro Chato isn’t closed simply because the trails are difficult or muddy during the rainy season. The reality is more complex.
The volcano is located within Arenal Volcano National Park, in an area where certain sections are designated as protection and conservation zones. The historic trails used by hikers are not official tourist access routes authorized by SINAC.
Over the years, tourist traffic has also led to the degradation of natural habitats. In 2019, SINAC specifically reported issues of vegetation loss and soil erosion linked to the opening of several unauthorized trails.
Authorities have also highlighted the fragile and potentially dangerous nature of certain areas of Cerro Chato. The terrain is steep, conditions can become particularly difficult during rains, and the access lacks the infrastructure and safety measures of an officially developed tourist trail.
For these reasons, SINAC does not currently recognize any official tourist trail leading up to Cerro Chato.
How long has Cerro Chato been closed?
The closure is not a recent development.
Access to the Cerro Chato cone has been prohibited for several years, and SINAC has repeatedly issued warnings asking visitors to respect the restricted areas.
In March 2019, environmental authorities organized an operation in the Cerro Chato area to combat unauthorized entry and clandestine tourist activities. SINAC clearly reiterated at that time that it did not authorize access to the volcano and that no individual or tour operator could legally promote or sell excursions to Cerro Chato.
The closure should therefore be understood as a long-term measure for the protection and management of the area, and not as a mere temporary closure due to a heavy rainy season.
Can you still hike Cerro Chato?
No, not legally.
The old routes that used to lead to the crater and lagoon of Cerro Chato are not officially designated tourist trails open to the public.
SINAC asks visitors not to enter restricted areas and not to follow unauthorized trails. Individuals who offer or organize commercial excursions to these areas may also face penalties.
It is therefore not recommended to attempt to use the old access routes that were in use before the closure, even though some routes continue to be mentioned on blogs, old maps, or hiking apps.
For travelers, the rule is simple: Cerro Chato is not currently among the volcanoes officially open for tourist hiking.
Will Cerro Chato reopen?
This is the question many travelers are asking.
The answer is: it’s possible, but no reopening date has been announced at this time.
The General Management Plan for Arenal Volcano National Park, published by SINAC in 2025, does, however, offer an interesting nuance. The document identifies the northeastern flank of Cerro Chato as an area that could, eventually, be officially opened to the public.
This potential opening would, however, be contingent upon the completion of technical studies and a preliminary assessment of the site’s safety, conservation, and management conditions.
In other words, Cerro Chato is not necessarily doomed to remain closed forever. But a potential reopening would not necessarily mean the return of the old hiking trail as it was used before the closure.
SINAC might, in the long term, opt for a new official, marked, and monitored access route, with specific rules regarding visitor numbers and environmental protection.
For now, no official date has been announced for the reopening of Cerro Chato.
Why might Cerro Chato reopen one day?
Cerro Chato has obvious tourism potential.
Located right next to Arenal, it offers a landscape very different from that of its famous neighbor. Its ancient crater is home to a lagoon surrounded by tropical rainforest, which once made it one of the most unique hikes in the region.
However, any potential reopening would need to strike a balance between tourism and conservation.
The site is located within a protected and particularly sensitive natural area. Opening it to the public would likely require:
- an official, clearly marked trail;
- an assessment of risks related to the terrain and weather conditions;
- measures to limit soil erosion;
- management of visitor numbers;
- minimal infrastructure to ensure safety;
- access control to prevent the development of unauthorized trails.
The management plan for Arenal Volcano National Park specifically suggests this possibility: certain areas of Cerro Chato could be officially opened to the public following technical studies and appropriate planning.
We will therefore likely have to wait for an official decision from SINAC before we can consider the return of hikers to the volcano’s slopes.
What can you visit instead of Cerro Chato?
The closure of Cerro Chato does not mean that the La Fortuna region is off-limits to volcano and hiking enthusiasts. Quite the contrary.
Arenal Volcano National Park offers several areas officially open to the public. The trails allow visitors to explore ancient lava flows and the volcanic landscapes around Arenal without entering restricted areas.
The Las Coladas area, in particular, offers a chance to observe the traces left by the volcano’s past eruptions. The Peninsula area, meanwhile, provides beautiful views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.
The region also offers numerous other hiking opportunities, as well as hot springs and outdoor activities.
For travelers who wish to explore Cerro Chato, the best option today is to explore the Arenal Volcano and its surroundings via the official access points.
Cerro Chato and Arenal Volcano: Two Neighboring Volcanoes, Two Different Situations
Cerro Chato is often described as Arenal’s “little brother” or “cousin.” Both volcanoes belong to the same volcanic complex and are located in the same area.
But their status as tourist destinations is very different.
Arenal Volcano is currently accessible within the areas of the national park that are officially open to visitors. In contrast, access to the Cerro Chato crater remains prohibited.
It is therefore important not to confuse hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park with climbing Cerro Chato. The park is open to visitors, but certain areas remain strictly protected and off-limits.
FAQ: Cerro Chato Closure
Can we visit Cerro Chato in 2026?
No. In 2026, access to the Cerro Chato crater is not officially open to tourists. SINAC asks visitors to respect the restricted areas and not to use unauthorized access points.
Why is Cerro Chato closed?
The closure is due to several factors: protection of a fragile natural area, erosion and damage to unofficial trails, a lack of appropriate infrastructure, and risks associated with the terrain.
How long has Cerro Chato been closed?
The ban on access to the volcanic cone has been in place for several years. SINAC had already officially stated in 2019 that access to Cerro Chato was not permitted and was conducting operations against unauthorized entries.
Will the Cerro Chato hike reopen?
A reopening remains possible in the long term. The management plan for Arenal Volcano National Park, published in 2025, specifically identifies the northeastern flank of Cerro Chato as an area that could potentially be opened to the public following technical studies. However, no official reopening date has been announced.
Can you still see the Cerro Chato lagoon?
The crater lagoon is still there, but tourist access to the Cerro Chato cone is currently prohibited. Therefore, do not attempt to reach it via unauthorized trails.
Can you go hiking near Cerro Chato?
Yes. The La Fortuna region and Arenal Volcano National Park offer several trails that are officially open to visitors. However, you must stay on the authorized trails and follow SINAC’s restrictions.
What can you do instead of visiting Cerro Chato?
Arenal Volcano National Park is the best alternative for exploring the region’s volcanic landscapes. Travelers can also enjoy the many hikes, hot springs, and nature activities around La Fortuna.
Key Takeaways
Cerro Chato isn’t simply the victim of a temporary closure due to muddy trails. Access has been prohibited for several years as part of the protection and management of Volcán Arenal National Park.
Currently, it is not possible to officially visit its crater or follow the old trails leading to the lagoon.
The good news is that the matter may not be settled for good. The park’s management plan, published in 2025, envisions the possibility of future access to certain areas of Cerro Chato, subject to technical studies and appropriate conditions.
For now, however, no reopening date has been announced.
Cerro Chato therefore remains a volcano to be viewed from a distance and a site to keep in mind for future travel plans. If official access is ever reestablished, the hike could once again become part of itineraries exploring the Arenal region.
Last updated: July 2026.
Sources
Author: Terra Caribea – Local travel agency in Costa Rica
This article was written by Terra Caribea, a local travel agency specializing in creating custom trips in Costa Rica.
Information regarding access to Cerro Chato and its regulations is based primarily on official publications and documents from SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación) and on the General Management Plan for Arenal Volcano National Park.
Since access conditions to protected natural areas are subject to change, we recommend that travelers consult SINAC’s official information before departure.
- For more information onthe Volcanoes of the Northwest
