Cerro chato: an epic hike, more animals and a swim in the volcano crater!

Approach to the Cerro Chato Trail

Yesterday we enjoyed yet another day that will not soon be forgotten.  Maryann typically hikes on Thursdays, so yesterday, we whetted her appetite with a challenging hike up Cerro Chato, a currently inactive cinder cone close to Volcán Arenal, about 45 minutes from home.  The hike itself was everything it was advertised to be and a bit more.

The second hanging bridge crossing of the day

The hike began on the grounds of the stunning Arenal Observatory Lodge, where we stayed during our first trip to Costa Rica.  The beautiful and well-marked trails took us through manicured gardens, over bridges, around pastures and to a waterfall before the real work began.

Maryann especially enjoyed the kids' shirts.  Can you guess where she went to school?

Monkeys swinging in the trees inspired the rest of us too

On the bank of the Rio Agua Caliente (we think)

Our relatively flat casual ambling was abruptly transformed at the beginning of the much-anticipated "trail" to Cerro Chato.  The trail itself is only 1.5 km but rises approximately 1000 meters, as best we can tell.  The terrain itself challenged the slope in terms of difficulty.  Not only did we need to carefully check each footstep, but we questioned every handhold as a potential snake or thorny tree.

Sendero Cerro Chato

Madeleine and Sully wait for the rest of the crew

After the long, damp and hot slog up the trail, we finally reached the viewpoint.  We saw a few other groups and realized that our crew included the youngest and the oldest of the day that we met.  The strength and fortitude of all of our crew was impressive.

Cerro Chato's crater

The trail continued around the right flank of the lake and then very steeply (sketchy in points) descended to the lake.  We took a quick refreshing swim amongst the fish, frogs and crater lake monsters.

Pura vida

We managed to make it back up to the trail then safely descended back to the flatlands.  No broken bones and even Sullivan (age 5) made it back down on his own power.  About 8 km total but the distance wasn't what provided the challenge.

A near-handhold

Another local friend

We enjoyed the international flavor of the hikers as well and realized we didn't see any other hikers from the US that we know of.  Encountered couples from Canada (Montreal), the Netherlands, Costa Rica and the Czech Republic.  We gave the showers at home a great workout after dinner at the kids' favorite pizza joint.  The adventures will continue.  .  .