The Chirripo National Park was created on August 19th, 1975 under the law number 5773 in order to preserve 50.150 hectares of forests in the Talamanca Mountain Range. This park’s territory encompasses three different provinces of Costa Rica: Limón, San José, and Cartago. However, due to its geography the access point to the park is through San Isidro de El General.
Chirripo National Park was named after the highest peak of Costa Rica: the Chirripó peak which is at 3.820 m.a.s.l. Moreover, the attractiveness of this colossal mount calls the attention of many visitors from Costa Rica and from all over the world. Those tourists who want to assume the challenge of climbing up the peak and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes around the park. Therefore, It is highly recommended to book the spots with plenty of time in order to have the opportunity to visit this wonderful area.
The park protects the Chirripó river (Pacific side) as well as Chirripó atlantic river. The protection of these basins with their infinity of streams and springs provide security to downstream settlers. It also provide high quality water, for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational and hydroelectric use.
Weather is constantly affected by climate conditions, which vary a lot in very short periods of time. Consequently, it is advisable to take all the necessary stuff to do this tour. However, The climate in general is very humid between May and December; and it becomes very dry and sunny in the months of January to April. The higher parts are subject to strong winds, frosts, frequent drizzles and sudden changes in temperature, to such an extent that the lowest recorded in the Chirripó and in the country has been 9 C below zero. The average annual rainfall is 3,500 mm, at 5,000 mm.
When visiting Chirripo National Park, it is important to take into account that it is not only to climb up the highest mount of the country, but there are other attractions in the park. The Crestones rock is just in front of the park station. Actually, the station is named after those huge rocks “Base Crestones Station“. If you are traveling with enough time, you make take a hike to the top of the rocks and take a look at the pacific coast.
Cerro Ventisqueros is the second highest peak of Costa Rica, and it is also possible to visit it during your trekking journey to the park. You may want to do this hike the first day of the arrival (if you arrive early the first day of your trip) this will give you more time to visit other locations in the area. Make sure you take sweater and all the required staff for the hike. The trail to reach this peak goes along the top edge of the mountains and the wind is very strong and cold. That is the reason why it is called “Ventisqueros” which means a lot of wind.
There are three trails that you can take to reach the Chirripó Mount. The most common one and known by most of the people is through San Gerardo de Rivas. However, you can also have a nice experience traveling through San Jerónimo or Herradura. Those two others trails are available only for specific days, and there are only a few spots available through each of those. You had better start planning your trip with plenty of time if you want to take the less transited trials.
Trekking the Chirripó summit is possible through three different sectors. Choose the option that better fulfills your expectations
We are a tour operator established in Costa Rica that offers hiking and mountaineering options for those who wish to explore the most remote and majestic places in Costa Rica.
When planning your trip, it is advisable to know certain aspects about the country you visit. Therefore, we have a section you may want to read in order to know generalities of the country.
San Isidro de El General
Pérez Zeledón, San José
Costa Rica 11901
+(506)83782641
info@trekkingcostarica.com
