Packing light is a key aspect when planning your trekking journey. Alleviating the load of your backpack will reduce your effort and fatigue, not to mention you will move faster and reduce your king time. However, we all know how hard it is to decide what items to leave behind. In this post, we will help you to pack lighter and make these hard decisions to shed some extra kilograms.
When traveling in group or pairs, sharing the load will benefit the group in general. If one hiker is logging behind, the rest will have to wait for him/her. Thus, sharing the load will benefit the group’s general performance. Notice that distributing the load evenly means that strong members can carry more weight than others. It will not be fair to split the weight in equal number of pounds for all members as some may not be as strong as others. Work as a team and benefit the group’s overall performance.
Group of hikers
Cut Down on your Wardrobe
This is simple. You can reuse your clothes. You will not need clean clothes every single day of your trip. In fact, you will only need clean and dry clothes after hiking. That being said, you can reuse the clothes you used for hiking and save clean and dry garments for indoors. Thank about it, you will sweat these garments anyways, and they will get dirt and wet as well. Getting dirt is part of the adventure, and this is okay even for your pictures. just remember to put the clothes that are meant to be clean into a plastic bag if your backpack is not waterproof.
Repackage Food and Personal Hygiene Items
Food and personal hygiene products are usually over packed or the quantity required for the trip is very small. Therefore, you can use ziplock bags or smaller containers to repack the exact amount you need. Not only will you carry a lighter backpack but you will also have more room in it, an it will be more organized. This will really make a difference to pack lighter than you could imagine. Of course, depending on the trek you may take more stuff with you. Just to mention one the Urán- Chirripó Loop requires you to carry your own sleeping bag and many other things, but applying these principles you will make it possible to carry your own stuff.
Popular Trekking Tours in Costa Rica
Are you planning to go trekking in Costa Rica? check out these popular treks in Costa Rica.
This really sounds silly, but it must be said. When packing up, ask yourself two basic questions: Is this item necessary for the trek? and if so ask yourself the second question. What quantity do I really need with me? If you answer honestly to these two questions, chances are you will have a very light pack and enjoy your hiking experience. This does not mean you cannot pack your earbuds, or other light and great items. Just consider not including stuff that will only add much bulk to your pack. By employing these simple principles, you will definitely pack lighter than you thought.
Mt Urán at 3,660 m.a.s.l.
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
Reservations for Chirripó National Park open up on September 28th
Chirripó National Park is by far the best destination to go trekking in Costa Rica. The park has been closed since Febrary 15th due to contractual disputes on the services given at Base Crestones Lodge. Nevertheless, all this is in the past. Starting from September 28th 2020, hikers can once again enjoy visiting this extraordinary park. Reservations will be available to book admission until April 2021.
It is important that visitors know that due to the spread of COVID-19 they will need to follow the protocol stablished by the park authorities. Moreover, the number of visitors that can stay in the station has been reduced to 50%. That is 30 visitors per night. However, the administration has improved the common areas to comply with the requirements stablished by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica. Finally, you can contact us with any inquiry about the booking process or make your reservations through us. See you at the summit!
View from the summit of Chirripó peak
Tours Available to Visit Chirripó National Park
Trekking in La Amistad International Park is possible to four different summits. Choose the adventure that better adjusts to your travel itinerary.
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.
ABOUT 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.
The trekking level difficulty of any tour is by far the most important aspect to consider when planning your trekking or hiking activity.Trekking and Hiking are great outdoor activities. Both provide you with excellent benefits for your overall fitness and health. However, you need to take the time to read the difficulty level for each tour offered on our website.
Even though for every person the difficulty of treks and hikes may vary, Costa Rica Trekking Expeditions has established certain factors to determine the trekking difficulty level for both hikes and treks offered on this website. This way, you have a clearer idea of what to expect and the physical condition you need. Therefore, You are warned to take this seriously and do not risk your health taking a tour level that you are not familiar with yet. Finally, be honest with us and make sure your hiking experience meets the characteristics for each level.
eASY
A tour like this is suitable for most people, young and old in good health (no heart deceases or any other that will affect your health when taking the tour). Elevation gain in this hikes does not exceed 500 m (1640 ft). On the other hand, the total distance is no more than 4 km in a hike (1 day hike).
In the case of trekking, the same conditions are given but for more than one day. The trails in both categories have no major obstacles. That is, no crossing streams, walking over wooden logs, using hands to move through, and the like. The backpack consists of a camel bag (or bottle of water), snacks, poncho, candies or similar (very light backpack and no need to carry anything additional) Trails are in great condition and well signed posted. Tour does not exceed 5 hours including resting near waterfalls or any other natural attraction, unless more hours are required for transportation.
In order for any visitor to take a tour of this category or superior, they are expected to have walked under similar conditions or do regular exercise like running or walking (cardiovascular activity). For hiking activities (1 day tour) the trail for this category does not exceed 8 km long, but notice it can be even less than 4 km with obstacles including using your hands to climb up for short distances (please check out the tour description to make sure if there can be obstacles like this). When some sort of climbing is involved, hiking is never suitable for elders.
Distances for trekking in the moderate level can go up to 12 km each day. Additionally, the elevation gain in this kind of activities does not exceed 1000 m (3280 f). Notice any trek that exceeds this elevation gain will belong to any of the upper level on this scale. Moreover, trails are mostly in good condition with occasional streams to cross, hanging bridges, big stones, muddy ground, or logs on the way. Hiking goes on for more than 3 hours each day. Backpack includes lunch, snacks, camel bag or bottle of water, and poncho. Adding more weight to the backpack will make any tour like this to be challenging (next level). Thus, consider this before taking the tour. For most treks porter service is available at extra-cost so that you can book the service in advance.
CHALLENGING
For hikers in good physical health and good hiking condition (people used to hiking similar distances in a regular basis). Hikes involve distances up to 12 km long in total. Additionally, the elevation gain does not go beyond 1,300 meters. Enough water, snacks, and candies are necessary in your backpack, which should not exceed 4 kg in total.
On the other hand, treks of this sort can be up to 15 km a day including a light backpack to carry only the supply of water (1.5 lt at least), snacks, candies and essential items to be able to reach the campground. Moreover, carrying all the items by yourself will upgrade the difficulty category to Demanding (up to 6 kg) or Extreme (up to 12 kg). Unless you have experience carrying loads under similar conditions, do not carry your own stuff. We suggest you to hire porter service for this purpose. Including a hiking pole will be of great help for this types of hikes, so if possible take one or two sticks with you. On the other hand, trails require good physical condition as occasional streams to cross, hanging bridges, big stones, muddy ground, or logs can show up on the way. Finally, It may take up to 8 hours of hiking each day.
DEMANDING
First of all, experienced hikers are expected for this kind of hikes, which consist of a total of 18 km in total. Hikes of this kind mostly involve long distances and elevation gain as factors for upgrading the level. Daypack include at least 2lt of water, candies, enough food (sandwiches or similar) to regain calories lost. The weight will not exceed 4kg, if so hikers will face an Extreme hike instead. The
total elevation gain does not exceed 2000 m.
Trekking journeys consist of trails up to 18 km long per day and a total elevation gain of 1,500 meters each day. Back pack includes only the necessary stuff during the hiking time (water, snacks, candies, etc). Carrying all your stuff makes it an extreme trek. Treks of this sort usually involve walking through narrow trails with frequent obstacles on the way, crossing streams or using logs as bridges, trails are usually muddy, and very little maintenance is given to the trail.
EXTREME
The magic of hiking
Trail to Cerro EnaCerro UránCerro Uran HikeSunset chirripo national parkSirena Station CorcovadoTrekking Cerro Urán
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
Pérez Zeledón is located in the South of Costa Rica, and it is the 19th canton of the San José Provice. The main city is San Isidro de El General. This is a small and lovely city from where several tourist attractions can be visited. On this post, we tell you about activities and attractions you can enjoy while staying here. Most importantly, about the tours in Pérez Zeledón you can find.
Pérez Zeledón is well-known as a tourist destination because of the presence of the Chirripó peak. Certainly, this is the highest mountain in the country and the second highest in Central America. Consequently, Pérez Zeledón is a must-see destination for hikers visiting the country. This area has plenty of options for trekking besides Chirripó. Chirripó National park is the most emblematic attraction of this canton. However, there are several other places and activities visitors can enjoy.
Pérez Zeledón is influenced by the presence of the Talamanca Mountain Range and the abundance of forests in protected areas. As a result, it is the best place for trekking and hiking activities in Costa Rica.
Birding tours in Pérez Zeledón area offer a great variety of options and the amount of species you can find is impressing. Furthermore, because of the strategic location of the city of San Isidro, birders can easily travel to different habitats in short times. In other words, a wide variety of birds can be found in short distances. In addition, some of the places for great birding activities include Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary, Bosque del Tolomuco, San Jerónimo, Santa María de Brunca in Buenos Aires, and San Gerardo de Dota. Above all, this last place is well-known by the presence of Quetzals.
White Water Rafting
Pérez Zeledón is an excellent area for rafting. You can book your tour for an amazing experience that starts in downtown San Isidro, where you will be picked up.The tour takes around 5 hours and rafting is performed along the Rio General. For bookings, fill out our contact form and we will provide all the assistance you need.
Canopy
Another activity you can enjoy while staying in the area is Canopy. This activity can be done at Mirador Valle de El General where you will have an experience loaded with adrenalin.
Rappelling
You can enjoy this activity when visiting San Jerónimo of San Pedro. This small village offers rural tourism and local people have developed small businesses with different options. For instance, Agro San Miguel Adventures is one of these local businesses. This family project offers rappelling tours, as well as short hikes and delicious local food in their restaurant.
Coffee Tour
As previously pointed out, San Jerónimo offers several tour options for visitors. Here, some locals offer a tour through their coffee plantations explaining the process required so people can have a good cup of coffee. Therefore, you will have the experience of seeing how coffee is produced and the opportunity to taste a cup of coffee produced by them.
Crestones Rocks at the distance
Location
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
Las Quebradas Biological Center (also known as FUDEBIOL) is one of the tourist places that is located near the town of San Isidro de El General. It is located in the community of Quebradas at 8 km from San Isidro del General. It was found on May 13th, 1989 under the legal framework of the Law of Foundations No. 5338 of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica and on November 27, 1990 it was declared public utility by the Government of Costa Rica according to resolution No. 195 (Monge, 2012).
This peaceful place is surrounded by forest and full of wildlife thanks to the FUDEBIOL fundation that preserves the forests and therefore water resources. This important resource provides with drinking water throughout the year. Furthermore, this nature reserve is an amazing place to go hiking. The property has several trails through primary and secondary forest excellent for having contact with nature. Additionally, you can take a shower in the fresh waterfall. Thus, this nature reserve is one of the tours in Pérez Zeledón you can enjoy.
Attractions
FUDEBIOL is a 35-hectares property.This land hosts a great variety of plants and animals, being the preservation of water resource their primary objective. Thus, the place offers waterfalls, trails, green areas for picnic, and wildlife. This is a great place to find some peace of mind and enjoy in family or with friends.répliques de montres,Fake Watches UK,Replica Rolex.
Lodging
The foundation offers lodging for groups of visitors, students, or researchers. They also need volunteers to fulfill their goals of preserving the nature reserve.
Conservation Effort
The Foundation was created in order to preserve natural resources, especially the aquifer system. Two of FUDEBIOL’s most important tributaries are La Pizota and La Catarata streams. The Pizota is the main one, since it is where the Quebradas River is born. Apart from these tributaries, it has a primary and secondary forest, since this was a farm where the cabuya was planted (Monje, 2012).
Hiking trails in Las Quebradas Biological Center
Can I hire Guiding service?
Yes, you may hire a guide. Please, make sure you request the service in advance and let us know if you have any specific expectations.
Location
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
Hiking to La Chirripa is a joyful and nice experience. La Chiripa is a camp ground located in San Jerónimo de San Pedro Village. This is a private property situated next to the Chirripó National Park. Different from the popular Chirripó National Park, this place offers a nice and short trail to the camp ground, from which you can visit waterfalls and natural tunnels with abundant fresh water.cheap replica watches,orologi replica,replica watches for sale.
This place offers great landscapes and exuberant vegetation, diversity of flora and fauna can also be found along the journey. Moreover, there is a hut, where people can have meals and socialize during the trip. However, visitors stay in camping tents during the stay. Finaly, this place is a great option for families that want to have a calm trip to the mountains with some privacy and a low difficulty as the distance is only 5 km to reach the camp ground and low altitude (2,100 m.a.s.l.).
Even though Costa Rica Trekking Expeditions still does not have the tour information available in the website,visitors can request the details about the trek and prices through our contact page. Please, do not hesitate to ask as many questions and book with us this lovely expedition.
Location
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
Cerro Urán is a 3,660 m.a.s.l mount located in the Chirripó National Park. This high mountain is mostly composed of sharp rocks which give it a majestic appearance. Even though this is not the highest peak in the country, it has the best views from its top. The reason is that the nearby mountain formations are not as high as Urán, resulting in very wide and clear landscapes to both sides of the country: Pacific and Caribbean. Thus, this is a new Chirripo tour for adventures who want the very best of trekking in Costa Rica.
In October 2019, the national system of conservation areas (SINAC) opened up the option to visit Cerro Urán in a 3-day trek. This new option allows trekkers to have a wonderful adventure tour different from the traditional trek to Chirripó peak. You may find more information about the tour by clicking on the information box below.
Besides its imposing altitude and clear landscape, the trail to Mt Urán is wonderful. The hike starts in a nice village called Herradura, which belongs to the Rivas district. Visitors spend the night prior the trekking tour here and start the hike the next day very early in the morning. From the village, trekkers will travel around 40 min in a vehicle that will drop them off at the entrance of the trail. Once in the place, hikers get ready to start climbing the slopes of the Talamanca Mountain Range all the way to the continental divide.
This trail goes through an area of pasture lands first, and then submerges you into the deep rain-forest of the area. As hikers ascent, they will encounter huge oak trees covered with moss that give them a mystic appearance. The mere fact of hiking withing this quiet and peaceful forest will turn this expedition in a wonderful experience. Not only will you get in touch with nature, but with your own being. Finally, the trail reaches the open country found above 3,000 m.a.s.l.
Trail within the rain-forest
From this forest, the trail continues on the continental divide where you will have a wide view, mostly to the Pacific side. In the end, hikers will arrive in the shelter named “Paso de Los Indios”. The place was given this name because “Paso de Los Indios” means Indians’ Pass and this place has been a path for indigenous people since ancient times.
Tours Available to Visit Cerro Urán
The following are the two options to visit Mt Urán in Chirripo National Park. Consider reading the information for both tours so you can decide according to your needs, distance, number of days and other factors. Please, e-mail us if you need further assistance on making your choice.
Besides the wonderful rainforest on the way to the Talamanca Mountain Range, you will experience nice landscapes to the Pacific side of the country on your way up. Once you reach the higher elevation of the mountain range, you can also witness the beautiful landscapes of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
Outstainding Sunrises
Possibly, one of the activities trekkers love the most is watching sunrises and sunsets. Thus, this tour offers an incredible scenario to witness a huge variety of warm colors and the amazing show the sun offers when setting. In addition to the visual experience, one finds a strong feeling of peace and gratefulness when perceiving nature events. The sunset can be seen from “Paso de los Indios” shelter, while the sunrise is astonishing from the top of Mt Urán.
Sunrise Mt Urán
Challeging trail
The trail to “Paso de Los Indios is very steep and there are some sectors that require passing small bridges. However, it is overall a good experience for hiking. Most of the trail goes withing the shades of a dense jungle in the rainforest and only the very last 2 km on the continental divide are exposed to sun radiation. Nevertheless, this is the part where you will enjoy having a clear climate so clouds do not interfere your view.
Crestones Rocks at the distance
Mt Urán
The summit of this outstanding peak is an incredible spot to appreciate the magnificence of mountain formations in Costa Rica. From here, you can get to see both coastlines simultaneously, if weather conditions allow it. It is a great place to share with your close friends and celebrate the success of being able to conquer this summit.
Mt Urán at 3,660 m.a.s.l.
Some Frequent Asked Questions
What do I need to bring when visiting Chirripo?
There are some items that are essential when taking any of the tours to visit “Cerro Urán”. These include a headlamp, raincoat, hiking shoes, bottle of water or a camel bag, winter hat, warm gloves, wind breaker, shoes to stay in the base camp, towel, and sunblock. Additionally, you must bring a sleeping bag. If you cannot bring one with you, let us know while making your reservation so we can provide it. This will have an additional cost.
Can I hire porter service?
Yes, you can hire porter service to send your baggage. We can arrange this service for you, please make your request when booking and we will make the arrangements for you.
Is guiding mandatory for this trek?
Yes, Guiding service is mandatory to take this trek.
Location
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
Chirripó National Park is a highly visited place in Costa Rica for trekking. Therefore, you need all the information of Chirripo required to arrange your trip in advance. Many hikers visit this park because a friend suggested it while others find out that this is the highest climbable peak in Central America and decide to climb it.
Because of its being widely known and visited, trekkers need to make their reservation for the tour as soon as possible. The reason is that the park gets booked up very easily during high season (December to March) that corresponds to the dry season in the Pacific side of the country, which is by the way considered to be the best time to visit Chirripo. On this post, we provide you details and important information about the trek for most of your doubts so you can take them into account for your travel arrangements.
First of all, you can make all the required bookings with us. There are several tour options to visit the park, as it has three trails from where you can reach its summit: San Gerardo de Dota (Chirripo Classic Tour), San Jerónimo (Chirripo through San Jerónimo), and Herradura (Urán-Chirripó Loop). Each of those are villages, and every village offers a different trail to visit the park.
You can have more information about each trail at the end of the Chirripó National Park page or by clicking on each of the names above to find more details. Consequently, You can pick out the one that better fits your expectations, or you can contact us and ask more questions to help you make your choice.
Number of Spots per Night
1000
Guests
Visitors allowed for One-day Tours
1000
hikers
Number of Nights Suggested for Trekking
nights
Maximum Elevation at the Summit
m.a.s.l
Frequently Asked Questios about Chirripo Tours
How much in advance should I make my reservation to visit Chirripo?
The reservation season for Chirripó opens up 6 months prior the date you want to start your hike. In addition, there are only 52 spots available for each night. As we have explained, it gets fully booked too easily during high season. However, if you just stumbled upon this information, you may check availability with us, it may happen to be spots available yet. By the way, visitors can book only two nights in a row during high season. Nevertheless, you can book up to three nights in a row in the base camp (Crestones Base Camp) during September and October.
What do I need to bring when visiting Chirripo?
There are some essential items you must pack up when visiting Chirripó. These include a headlamp, hiking shoes, raincoat, winter hat, warm gloves, bottle of water or camel bag, wind breaker, shoes to stay in the base camp, towel, and sunblock. Other items that depend on the hiker’s needs are: hiking poles, knee braces (in case of previous injuries), electrolytes (for loss of minerals), and any medication prescribed.
Visitors need to take their own sleeping bag when taking the Urán-Chirripó Loop. For other tour options, you will get two blankets and a pillow at the base camp. In the event you required a sleeping bag, you can rent it in the place at an extra cost. We will provide the required information about what to take in our confirmation vouchers as well.
How many nights are suggested to spend in the base camp?
The number of nights recommended in Crestones Base Camp depends on your experience as a trekker or your intentions. Thus, if you want to visit the park to get to the summit as the only reason, you can even take the one-day tour we offer. You can find all details by clicking on the link provided. Please, consider that is an option for experienced hikers only. On the other hand, if you are good at hiking, but it is too much distance and altitude for a single day, then you may take the tour spending one night at the base camp. Finally, you can take the three-day tour if you want to have enough time to visit other attractions in the park or take pictures if this is your aim.
Do I have to spend the night prior the trek in a village near the entrance of the trail?
In order to start the hike as early as possible, to avoid intense sunlight, and to take advantage of your visit to the park, we strongly recommend to spend the previous night of the trek in any of the nearest village to the entrance of any of the three trails (San Gerardo, Herradura, or San Jerónimo), depending on the tour you have booked. Thus, you can check into at the park ranger office the afternoon prior the tour and get ready for the next day.
Can I hire porter service?
Yes, no matter from which of the three villages you start the trek, you can hire porter service to send your baggage. We can arrange this service for you, please make the resquest while booking and we will provide you the necessary information.
Is guiding mandatory to visit Chirripo?
Guiding service is not mandatory for visitors starting the trek in San Geardo de Dota. However, those who take the tour through Herradura or San Jerónimo side must be accompanied by a local guide.
What is the best time to visit Chirripó National Park?
The best time to visit the park is from December to the end of March since this corresponds to the dry season in the Pacific. You may read our post about weather in Costa Rica for more information about climate.
Tours Available to Visit Chirripó National Park
Trekking in Chirripo National Park is possible in four different tour modalities. Choose the adventure that better adjusts to your travel itinerary and expectations.
From Crestones Base Camp the trail to the highest peak is 5, 5 km away. Visitors who stay at least one night can put off their visit to the peak for the next morning. Since the majority of people love to see the sunrise, you may start at 4:30 a.m. to be at the summit in time. We suggest to order breakfast to go (the night prior at dinner time) so you do not need to go back to the station for breakfast. As a result, you can spend more time at the summit.
Ventisqueros Peak
Mount Ventisqueros is the second highest peak in the country (3,812 m.a.s.l). The trail to this mount is only 3 km away from the station, but its acclivity is harder than Chirripo´s. This hike is good for people who want to do some more hiking the first day of their stay (when staying at least one night) as long as they feel energetic enough to do more hiking. From the peak, the sunset is amazing if it is not too cloudy. Make sure to take flashlight and a wind breaker since its name means “lots of wind”. Moreover, remember that dinner is served until 6 pm. So make sure you depart from the mount with enough time to have dinner.
Sunset from Mt Ventisqueros
Crestones Rocks
These huge rocks offer a nice view from the station, but visitors can also climb them and have a nice view from above. At sunset, those turn into many different variation of warm colors from the last rays of the sun.
Crestones Rocks at the distance
Mt Urán
This outstanding peak can only be visited taking the tour through Herradura’s trail. It is located at 3,660 m.a.s.l and form by accumulation of sharp rocks. It has an amazing view from the top and is great for your picture at the summit. When taking the Urán-Chirripó Loop tour, you can reach the summit at sunrise and have a spectacular view of the first sun rays that offer a huge variety of color tones. In October 2019, the SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservación), which is the government authority in charge of preserving protected areas, allowed the entrance of visitors to climb this peak in a two-day tour. Please, ask for the Urán trek as it is a new option to visit the park. For more information about the tour to visit this mount, clink on the Urán-Chirripo Loop tour above.
Mt Urán at 3,660 m.a.s.l.
Sabana de Los Leones
This place is a natural savanna located 4 km away from Crestones base camp. It offers its visitors a lovely landscape of 160 hectares of flat land. A few people who visit the park get to visit this place due to the distance. However, there is a tour option in which visitors can visit the place on their way to the base camp. This trekking tour (named Chirripo through Sabana de los Leones trek) starts in the village of San Jerónimo and the trail goes within Sabana de los Leones. This way, hikers can have the chance to experience the landscape at the same time they make their way to the station.
Crestones Base Station
The station in Chirripó National Park was named after the rocks located just in front of the main building. The place has capacity for 52 visitors in shared bedrooms. Every bedroom has two bunks, so visitors have to share the bedroom with people they do not know, unless they travel in a group of 4. On the other hand, restrooms are shared too. By the way, there is no hot water in the shower. There is a dining area where you have meals, which we always include in our packages. Finally, light in the station is available only until 7 pm, and you can recharge your electronic devices at dinner time only.
Crestones Base Station from the Distance
Location
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
“Veranillo de San Juan” Dog days of Summer in Costa Rica
For local Costa Ricans, especially farmers, it is very common to use the expression “veranillo de San Juan” refering to the period of time when we have a short “summer time” within rainy season. They usually take advantage of this short period of days without rains for agricultural labors. However, tourists can be benefited with nice days during wet season as well.
Normally, this little summer time falls around June 24th, when it is celebrated the day that commemorates Saint John (the Baptist). Nevertheless, it may fall at any time, and it may very a lot depending on weather patterns. In fact, the phenomenon takes place due to the acceleration of trade winds from the Caribbean being stronger than the ones coming from the pacific ocean, taking away clouds and therefore moisture.
This unnormal atmospheric condition usually last for one week, but it can last a little longer for the lucky ones to enjoy this nice weather. Although everyone would like to enjoy of the advantages these days have, the “Veranillo de San Juan” only takes place in the pacific side of the country, some places of Guanacaste, central pacific area, and central valley mainly.best replica watches,replica Rolex watches,replica watches.
This condition benefits a lot of visitors and may give them the nicest trip while visiting in Costa Rica because it takes place during low season, meaning there are no crowds, you pay less and enjoy more. Hikers and surfers would really appreciate to have a trip like this having more relaxation and attention for them.
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
When visiting Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez, it is highly suggested to visit Laguna Chocuaco Lodge. This is a gorgeous place where you can do activities like hiking, fishing in a natural lagoon, trekking to the jungle, birdwatching, or simply relaxing at a place surrounded by the tropical rainforest.
The lodge
This lodge is located in Racho Quemado of Osa at just 40 minutes from Drake Bay. Very convenient for those who enjoy doing different activities. Moreover, the lodge offers nice and comfortable rooms at a very cheap cost, $47 per room in double occupancy including breakfast and taxes.
Their story
The Villalobos family bought the property in 1970. At that time, Costa Rican peasants worked in agriculture with great love and dedication. Seven years later, one of the children. Carlos, obtained a bachelor degree in wood engineering from Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. He told his family it was not necessary to continue cutting down the forest for agriculture. “A standing tree is worthier than a sawed one”, he said. His whole family disagreed and told him he was crazy.
In 1990, the Villalobos family realized Carlos was right. They started preserving the forests in their property and quit hunting wild animals. Five years later, Carlos bought another property and preserved its forest. One year after that, he got a scholarship to take a course in Agro-ecotourism. From that time on, he got a new perspective and started working in tourism. For many in the village, he was out of his mind, but in 1999 tourists begun to visit the place and time gave him the reason. Soon, 8 more families joined the touristic activity. Today, most of the locals work in tourism.
Attractions and tours
The property has a short trail in which you can take a short hike. Many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles show up, specially during the morning or at the end of the afternoon. You may also enjoy paddling on the Chocuaco Lagoon. This is a relaxing boat tour in which you can watch several species of aquatic birds from the area. Carlos also offers a trekking tour to his property. He called it “Jungla Corcovado” (Corcovado Jungle) because it borders the Corcovado National Park. Basically, you can see almost all of the species that inhabit the national park in this property.
This activity consists of an expedition passing through the village of Rancho Quemado, heading to “La Mina de Oro” (gold mine) and finishing at Caminos de Osa’s lookout. Besides the hoseback riding experience, you have the opportunity to watch several species of colorful birds of the Osa Peninsula and common mammals in the area. Once in the lookout, you have a nice view of the Chocuaco Lagoon. We return to Laguna Chocuaco throught a different route in search of tapirs if conditions allow it. Animals you may see include felines, tapirs, peccaries, and monkeys. The tour takes from 3 to 4 hours.
Duration 3 hours
Recommendations: Long pants, rubber boots, bottle of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and hat.
Price $45 per person
Chocuaco Lagoon Boat Tour
The tour starts near the cabins from where we walk 10 minutes towards the main channel of the lagoon. During our trip through the dense vegetation in the surroundings of the trails and the waterway, several species of birds will show up, other species of reptiles and mammals may appear during our visit. We will also see the agro ecological production system employing fences made up of living trees, trees planted in the paddocks, protection of the rivers, as well as the preserved primary and secondary forests in the property. Once on the boat, we will travel by a water path that has more than 40 years of use; where engines to propel the boats are not allowed in order to preserve the ecosystem in this natural wetland. Instead, visitors row the boat during the journey. Through that waterway, we sail for 1 kilometer until we reach the Chocuaco lagoon. It is surrounded by mountain ranges, a unique landscape, and an unmatched panoramic view. You can see and hear many waterfowl. It is possible to Watch caimans and do amateur fishing. The place is very peaceful and excellent for feeling relaxed.
Duration 3 hours
Recommendations: Light clothing, boots, bottle of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and hat. It is mandatory for safety to put on the lif jacket.
Price $45 per person
Departure hours: 7 a.m or 2 p.m
Now you have many reasons to visit Laguna Chocuaco and enjoy this truly nice place in the Osa peninsula. For further information you may send a message through our contact section.
location of Laguna Chocuaco Lodge
COSTA RICA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
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.
ABOUT 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.
