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Chato Volcano facts for kids

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Chato Volcano
Cerro chato crater lake 2.JPG
Crater Lake of Cerro Chato
Highest point
Elevation 1,140 m (3,740 ft)
Geography
Chato Volcano is located in Costa Rica
Chato Volcano
Chato Volcano
Location in Costa Rica
Parent range Guanacaste Cordillera
Geology
Mountain type Stratovolcano
Last eruption ~3500 years ago

Chato Volcano, sometimes called "Cerro Chato" (Spanish for "Flat Hill"), is an inactive volcano in northwestern Costa Rica northwest of San José, in the province of Alajuela, canton of San Carlos, and district of La Fortuna. It is southeast of the nearby Arenal Volcano.

Cerro Chato is believed to have first erupted 38,000 years ago during the Pleistocene period and last erupted about 3,500 years ago. One of the lava flows is now the route for La Fortuna Waterfall. The hill has two peaks, named Chatito ("little Chato") and Espina ("thorn"). A crater about 500 metres (1,600 ft) wide is filled with green water, making the Laguna Cerro Chato.

Arenal Volcano with cattle in foreground
Cerro Chato Volcano, on the left, as seen from La Fortuna. Arenal Volcano is seen on the right.

Hiking

The Costa Rican government has closed the trail to Cerro Chato making it illegal to climb. This law was passed in 1998 but was not enforced until 2017, encouraging hikers, tour operators and business owners to sell this attraction and tour. When it was open it was considered a difficult hike and only recommended for hikers of good physical condition. When it rains, the path becomes muddy and can make it even more treacherous, especially when descending into the crater itself. The environmental damage the illegal hiking has created is the main cause of the closure.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Volcán Chato para niños

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