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.
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.
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.
When choosing to travel to Costa Rica, it is very important to know about the best time to visit this wonderful country. Costa Rica is a tropical country, and there are only two seasons: dry season and rainy season. Although this is a very small country, weather varies depending on whether you are in the Pacific or the Caribean side. Other regions may have a very particular climate due to other factors that affect its conditions. On this article, it will be explained the climate patterns depending on the specific place you want to visit.
Costa Rica is an enormously diverse country in terms of everything (flora, fauna, climate, natural attractions). This diversity is due to topographical characteristics, its position in the Central American isthmus, and a series of microclimates originated because of the change in elevations, humidity and so on. Thus, you will notice a lot of changes in the weather conditions within very short distances. For instance, while traveling from San José to the Caribbean through Braulio Carrillo highway, you will notice that in San José it is probably a sunny day and very windy (during dry season). In contrast, as you go through this park, the conditions are totally different. It is cloudy, and there might be light showers.
Climatic Regions
As it has been explained, the country has several conditions that makes it a very diverse country in terms of weather. We provide on this post a short description about the main climatic regions of the country. However, it is important to ask for information about the specific place. In some destinations, weather may be more favorable because of the location, mountains influence, altitude, and any other factor that are common in this nation. It is important to mention that climate is very likely to change at any time. Even when you travel during dry or rainy season, the conditions might change in a short period of time. Particularly, in the south pacific of the country.
This region includes mostly the Guanacaste province starting from Tárcoles river in Puntarenas towards the north. This is a very dry season having the lowest average in rain (1400 to 2500 mm annually). This is the reason why it has a dry forest. Trees seems to be dead and very small. The forests create wonderful landscapes, and this hot conditions make it good for birdwatching near the remnants of water. Actually, these places gather lots of birds in the wetlands like Palo Verde and Solimar. The rainy season takes place from May to November. From December to April, the conditions allow traveling during sunny days. Moreover, temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C (77 °F – 82°F). Consider taking sunblock, mosquito repellent, wear light colors, a hat or any other that can protect you from sunlight and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are very common in the area.
Central Pacific Climate Region
This regions represents the coastline from the south slope of Tárcoles river to the Barú river. The annual precipitation goes from 3000 to 4000 mm. In the highlands of the region, precipitation can reach 6000 mm. If you want to enjoy the beach, the dry season starts in January, ending in March. From April to December rain takes place. However, it does not mean there are no sunny days or mixed days (with sun and rain). Finally, the forest type is a transition between the dry forest of the Nicoya Peninsula and the tropical rain forest of the Osa Peninsula.
South Pacific Climate Region
This is a very diverse region. It goes from the south slope of the Barú river all the way to the border with Panama, covering the Valle de El General (San Isidro) and all the cities in the pacific side of the country. High mountains like Cerro de la Muerte, Chirripó National Park, and La Amistad International Park, reduce the speed of strong trade winds from the Caribbean. As those winds go through the dense forests in the mountains, clouds loaded with humidity are drained. This condition generates dry conditions in the region allowing dry season. Precipitation is very contrasting. In Valle de El General the average is 2200 mm annually, while in the coastline it goes from 3000 mm to 4000 mm. The Osa Peninsula represents the area with the highest level of precipitations(5000 mm annually).
Atlantic Climate Region
This territory includes Las “Llanuras del Norte” (the plains of the north). The precipitation in this region is one of the highest and more constants of the country throughout the year due to the influence of humid winds from the Caribbean sea. A well difined dry season is not seen in this region. In fact, the lowest precipitation times are from January to March, and from September to October. Consequently, temperature ranges from 27ºC to 30ºC (80 °F – 86°F). Take a poncho, and pack your belongings into plastic bags when visiting this regions, especially Tortuguero which demands traveling by boat unless you take a plane.
Central Valley Climate Region
It is defined as the valley between San Ramón and Paraíso. Precipitation goes from 1500 to 2500 mm annually. Cartago has a lower range of precipitation (1400 mm), fog is very constant as well as wind. Dry season starts in December until April. Temperature is very low (19°C to 22°C) so take warm clothing to visit the Capital of Costa Rica, San José.
We really hope this post helps you arrange your trip to Costa Rica. It is mandatory to let you know highlands are the most changeable places of the country in terms of climate.This applies mostly if you plant to visit Costa Rica for trekking expeditions. Particularly, the mounts located in the South since those are influenced by both slopes’ weather conditions simultaneously. For more information, you may want to ask through our contact from, and it will be a nice to give you a piece of advice.
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.
For a large number of people around the world, Corcovado National Park is a par excellence destination. The reason is that this park is home to 2,5% of the world’s biodiversity, and many who have come to the country suggest this park to their friends or relatives. However, there are many other places in the Osa Penninsula that you will love to visit while staying in this zone. Madre Selva Rainforest Experience is one of them.
Madre Selva is a 560 hectares private reserve, several of which were once land dedicated to livestock. Nevertheless, in the same way many other farmers in Costa Rica made up their minds, the owner of Madre Selva (Jhonson Villalobos) started protecting the forest in his property. Jhonson was a hunter in the past; however, it was part of Costa Rican people’s culture to hunt at that time. This was one of the ways to make their living. Nowadays, he protects not only the forest in his property but also the huge diversity of animals that inhabit the reserve.
Landscape in Madre Selva Rainforest Experience
The project is located in Progreso, a community near Drake Bay. Some of the activities you can do here are trekking, birdwatching, camping, horseback riding, night tours, and swimming beside the waterfalls. This place is a great option if you are visiting Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez, or even the Corcovado Park since it is quite close to any of those destinations. So you may schedule one or two days in your itinerary to live this intense adventure. Do not forget to bring waterproof hiking shoes (during rainy season). You may also buy rubber boots once you arrive in Costa Rica.
Camping in Madre Selva is a sensational experience. There, you can witness what they meant to when they named the project since the Mother Nature shows up in all its splendor. Mixed flocks of birds, frogs, reptiles, and a variety of insects can be easily seen. Mammals like monkeys, tapirs, peccaries, agoutis are also usual. You will feel how you draw energy from this incredible living forest. The singing of birds, streams running through their channels hitting the ground and stones as they go down, the call of different species, and the dark nights allowing you to see the stars during clear sky nighs are just some of the experiences that you will live.
Route of the Felines Trail
These people offer an excellent trek called Route of the Felines. The trek is called this way due to the quantity of records of wild cats they have registered. Trap cameras that let them know about the large number of wildcats pass through this territory. In a nutshell, this an 8 hours walk starting from Rancho Quemado. There are two observatories where you can rest and eat something while enjoying the views of “Laguna Chocuaco” in one of them and “Isla Violines” in the other one. At the end of the tour, you will arrive in the camping area where you can also spend the night. The next day in the morning, a hike to the waterfalls is the second activity you should do.
For further information about bookings you may contact us through our contact forms provided on this website. You may subscribe to this blog and get up-to-date information about different destinations, activities, lodges, and more in Costa Rica.
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Location of Madre Selva
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.
