If wind, rain
showers and temperatures around 5o
C are worth the satisfaction to have climbed Costa Rica's
highest mountain, an exceptional experience between the oceans
is awaiting you!
Cerro Chirripó, with a height of 12,532 ft. is Costa Rica's
highest mountain; it is situated in the northern part of the
Cordillera de Talamanca, surrounded by other eleven and twelve
thousanders. This hike is a unique experience, not only because
of its diverse vegetation zones (pasture, cloud forest to
páramo), and the wonderful view from the top (providing the
weather is clear), but also the huge physical efforts that
are made to conquer the 13-mile long and steep route.
Detailed description T9h
Day 1
San José - Cerro de la Muerte / Chirripó / San Gerardo de Rivas - (D)
In the morning, ride south on the Pan-American Highway to Cerro de la Muerte (the “Peak of Death”), the highest point of the highway in Costa Rica (2 ½ hours). Here, we will visit the "Finca de Quetzales" and go for a short hike (around 45 minutes) to observe the resplendent Quetzal, the holy bird of the Mayas, and other cloud forest wildlife. After lunch, continue to the quaint village of San Gerardo de Rivas, where we will spend the afternoon. Equipment check and dinner.
ON
Pelicano Lodge or similar
Day 2
Chirripó / Hike to the Base Station Los Crestones - (BF, Picnic-Lunch, D)
Very early in the morning, we start our ascent at the ranger station (4,265 ft.). Because of the extreme slope, we will need about 9 to 12 hours for the 9.9 miles steep, uphill trail up to the base camp (11,155 ft.); this depends on the physical ability and shape of the group. Very fit, experienced hikers may be able to do this part of the trek in 6 to 7 hours. Today we will hike in three stages as we ascend the mountain, eating snacks and lunch, before arrival at camp around midday. After passing the sign “Trail to Chirripó” we will begin a grueling uphill strech called “La Cuesta del Agua”. This climb crests at Monte Sin Fe, the “Faithless Mountain”. With a little bit of luck, we will be able to observe colorful toucans, trogons, monkeys, and more as we pass through dwarf cloud forests draped in “Old Man’s Beard” mosses. At the base camp, 6 km below the summit, we stay overnight in simple huts at Refugio Los Crestones. Note: For re-fills of your water bottle, a water filter is useful. There are not many water sources today.
ON Refugio Los Crestones (Shelter in the National Park)
Day 3
Chirripó / Trek to the Summit and back to Los Crestones- (BF, Picnic-Lunch, D)
Very early we start our ascent to the summit of Chirripó before the fog rolls in (approx. 2 hours for the 6 km distance). At a height of 12,532 ft. we will then enjoy an incredible panorama, the weather permitting: to the north Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, to the south the summits of the Cordillera de Talamanca, to the east and west both Costa Rican coasts – the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. During today’s hike we will pass by numerous beautiful lakes, which have inspired the indigenous people, the Talamanca indians, to call this area “Chirripó” meaning “Place of enchanted waters”. After our ascent to the summit (approx. 2 hours), we will descend to Valle de Los Conejos (“Rabbit Valley”), then hike to Cerro Terbi, reaching Los Crestones and the base camp in the afternoon.
ON Refugio Los Crestones (Shelter in the National Park)
Day 4
Chirripó - San José - (BF)
After breakfast, we will continue descending to Llano Bonito, then hike back to San Gerardo de Rivas, from where we will ride back to San José, arriving in the evening.
BF =
Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, BL = Box Lunch
