Chirripo National Park is a trekking destination ...
Central Valley Costa Rica
Chirripo National Park was added to my travel itinerary by my travel partner. I was not quite sure that I wanted to leave the coastline to venture inland. Was I wrong! This was an absolutely scenic trip and listed under the section I called the road to Chirripo National Park among one of the most scenic drives in Costa Rica.
Chirripo National Park is located about 150-km (94 mi) south of San Jose and covers 43,700-hectares (108,000-acres) of land and is Costa Rica's principal mountain national park. The landscape of Chirripo National Park is diverse and includes flat lands, oak forests, fern groves, swamps, cloud forests, lakes and peaks that reach 3,500m (12,500 ft). Mount Chirripo is the highest peak in Costa Rica.
A series of glacial lakes have given the park its name "Chirripo" which means eternal waters. Chirripo National Park is not unique in vegetation to the rest of Costa Rica but it has oak trees that tower over the canopy. And, the plants that grow up the trunks of larger trees do exceptionally well in this climate. Unfortunately, the Chirripo National Park cloud forest is being destroyed by clearing for agriculture.
Chirripo National Park is home to several endangered bird species — the resplendent quetzal and the harpy eagle. The bird watching in this national park is outstanding. In addition to birding, there are reptiles and mammals such as the spider monkey, capuchin, rabbit, coyote, green spiny lizard and the alligator lizard.
It is possible to ascend Mount Chirripo, as a trail leads to the summit. This trail is 16-km (10 mi) long and easy to follow. It does not require technical climbing ability but requires reasonable fitness. Visitors need advanced reservations to book the hostel.
The hike takes at least two days. The Chirripo National Park park entrance is at San Gerardo de Rivas. The entrance is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is recommended to leave early to make it to the hostel, as it will take seven or more hours to get to the hostel. Please note that his is dependent on fitness and there are reports of hikers who took more than ten hours. The most difficult part of the trail is the hike to the hostel.
Temperatures can drop below 0°C (30°F) at night. It is recommend to bring appropriate gear for these conditions.
The weather in Chirripo National Park ranges and is dependent upon elevation. Near the summit winds of nearly 165 kph (100 mph) have been recorded.
Heat stroke can also be a problem especially with the rapid rates of dehydration in the humidity, the exertion of climbing and the incredible intensity of the sun.
Trekking Costa Rica is an increasingly popular outdoor activity. There are a couple of destinations where there are trails for trekking. Chirripo National Park is one of the Costa Rica trekking destinations.
It's important to pre-plan your trek to Chirripo National Park. Trying to get a permit at the last minute is nearly impossible. We found the ranger to be less than helpful. Be sure to book in advance.
Southern Costa Rica has several terrific travel destinations and include the Rio Chirripo Valley & Chirripo National Park. The former is a terrific drive from the coastline and ascends to the park.
Some of the other hot destinations in Southern Costa Rica include Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary, Durka Biological Reserve & the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve.
