Chirripo Grande

Volcanoes

Climb the highest mountain in Costa Rica

Climb the highest mountain in Costa Rica and visit the Chirripo National Park. With an altitude of 3820, Chirripo has tested many hikers capacity and those who did were rewarded beyond their expectations. Set in the Talamanca Mountain range, this is one of the most exciting tours to do in this country. Because of its altitude, the flora and fauna change drastically and snow is not infrequent either. On clear days, it is possible to see both ocean, the Pacific and the Atlantic over Guanacaste and way beyond the Costa Rican Borders. Ideally, the climb is done at night in order to enjoy the sunrise at the early hours; this is not for the faint hearted as this means that hikers must climb with enough clothing to protect them from the cold and the rain and a sleeping bag. Those who achieve this test are rewarded with the most magnificent spectacle nature has to offer.

Climbing Chirripo

Before climbing a permit has to be obtained from the National Park Office in San Gerardo de Rivas and they will also provide you with a guide. You will need to make a reservation before hand, for this, it is better to just drop by as if you call you are more likely to be told that there is a waiting list! The 19,5 km trail will take you through a biodiversity that changes as you go up until you reach the summit where you will find a landscape not unlike the tundra. There are two huts for spending the night so at least you do not have to carry a tent, however the climb is rather strenuous and only those who consider themselves fit enough should engage themselves in this adventure. The first hut is at Llano Bonito that is roughly half way up. This is more an emergency shelter and if you are up to it keep going! The actual refuges are only 500 meters away from the peak giving you time to climb the last distance on time for sunrise in the morning. Make sure you have plenty of food, snacks and water supply as well as plenty of sunscreen as the sun is strong at this altitude. Enjoy the beauty of the Cloud and Rain Forest of Costa Rica; feel the close contact with nature, it is truly awesome.

The Chirripo National Park

While most people are attracted to the challenging climb, the rain forest of the park is no less amazing. The biodiversity and beauty are unmatched anywhere else and it is worth looking into the Tours and explorations you can do around the whole region. As you enter the park you find yourself in evergreen lower mountain forest, making you way into rainforest as you move up. This is where you see the awesome and majestic giant trees, 50 meters high or more, huge plants, ferns and bamboos. As you go higher you begin to look out into the valley all the way down and you can see the canopy of the trees that are just below; in many ways, this is better than a canopy tour! As you keep going the vegetation changes and the leaves become smaller. The crystal clear water of the stream and freshness of the air is such a contrast to what you experienced a few meters below. By the time you reach the refuge, you do wonder whether you have not left the tropics, as it can be so cold!

The Trip Of A Lifetime

This is yet another wonderful experience that only Costa Rica can offer. The diversity and beauty of Chirripo and the thrill of the challenge will leave you in a state of inner peace and a great feeling pride and achievement. You will find Chirripo by taking the Pan American Highway East of the Capital of San Jose, 50 km past Cartago, you pass the notorious Cerro de la Muerte, meaning mountain of the dead as many years ago, many lost their lives as they succumbed to the severe conditions while walking the pass when it was no more than a small trail. You will then pass through San Isidro el General and reach San Gerardo de Rivas a few miles later. If you travel by bus, there is daily departure from the Coca Cola bus terminal in central San Jose. You will find some cheap lodgings outside the park in San Gerardo de Rivas that are still quite basic, but very friendly. Monte Azul Hotel is a choice, being right by the entrance of the park , perfect for hiking. A trip to Chirripo is a memorable hike that will transport you to a world of beauty, peace and mystery way beyond your dreams…