Cerro Chirripo is Costa Rica's highest peak. This is also Costa Rica's most challenging climb at elevations well over 3,000 meters. The voyage to Cerro Chirripo can be an adventure on it's own. Travelers must pass through the Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of Death) to reach Cerro Chirripo. This is part of the Pan-American highway which goes over mountains and into clouds well over 3,000 meters in elevation. The winding roads and thick fog makes this a cool and dangerous trip at times.

The Cerro Chirripo ranger station is located in a small town named Canaan, which is located just south of San Gerardo de Rivas. The station is open from 5am - 5pm. Park entrance fees were recently increased to $10 per person, with additional fees for those deciding to stay overnight. Park maps are available at the rangers station. It is however, highly recommended to go with a professional guide, as the animals that inhabit the Costa Rica rainforests and cloud forests camoflauge very well to their surroundings.

Visitors to Cerro Chirripo should be prepared to face cold weather. Hiking boots, long pants, and at least a heavy sweatshirt (jacket is recommended as well) are necessary. Due to the high altitude, frost actually develops on Cerro Chirripo many nights!