Summary:

Named by the indians as:"Land of the Eternal Waters", Chirripo is the highest mountain in Costa Rica at 12,532 feet and the second highest in Central America. Along with Chirripo are other mounts known as: Ventisqueros, Cerro Terbi, Mt. Uran, and Crestones Base Camp.Click on [+info] for more information.

The extension of the park is 50,150 hectares. It's main attraction is the Chirripo summit and its adjacent peaks. Although no expertise is required to visit this place, good physical condition is required. Temperatures and heavy rain challenge the visitors, who will likely forget their tiredness upon reaching the summit. The magnificent beauty of the Paramo, lakes and natural stone sculptures make this hiking experience unique.

As in the case of many reserves in Costa Rica, the flora and fauna are abundant in this park. More than 400 species of birds have been observed. Mammals such as the tapir, pumas and jaguars are common to this virgin area of Costa Rica. A visit to this place will put you in very close contact with nature.

Address (How to get there)

From San Jose take highway #2 towards San Isidro del General. From there take the road to San Gerardo de Rivas. This is where the park headquarters are and where you start hiking. From here it may take you from 6 to 8 hours till you get to Crestones base where the lodging is, (prior reservations required). Next day, start very early to reach the Chirripo summit at 12,532’ and prepare to return the same day. Depending on your strength, it will take from 2-3 days to accomplish this journey.