Chirripo National Park
Located in the Talamanca Mountain region, Chirripo National Park encompasses one of the largest ecological zones in Costa Rica. The park was established in 1975 and occupies 125,600 acres of land. One of the main attractions of this park is Cerro Chirripo Grande - which boasts the highest peak in all of Central America. The views at the top are well worth the rigorous hike necessary to reach it!
Cerro Chirripo Grande is what attracts most visitors to the area. When the weather permits, both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea can be seen from the peak, so be sure to bring your camera! Considering Cerro Chirripo Grande is an eleven mile hike with nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain, it is a very strenuous climb. There are two huts administered by park officials where visitors can spend the night if they care to rest up for another day of hiking, though a permit is required to do so. Visitors should also keep in mind that they will be close to the equator at extreme elevations so sunscreen is an absolute must, along with plenty of water and other supplies.
The forests of Chirripo National Park are amazing! There is astounding botanical diversity to see as you climb from the pastures at 1,000 meters elevation near San Gerardo de Rivas, to the paramo (tundra) ecosystem near the peak at 3,800 meters. At one moment you'll be in thick forest and the next moment you'll be surrounded by cactus; this is due to elevation and how the environment reacts to different environmental conditions.
Be sure to take a map (available at the Chirripo National Park visitor center) when hiking the trails. There are 3 locations in the park that provide a resting spot for hikers climbing Cerro Chirripo Grande. In addition there are a number of hotels and restaurants available outside the park for visitors to stay.
Entrance to Chirripo National Park costs 10USD and is open from 5 am till 5 pm. A permit is required to hike to the peak. Tour guides are available and strongly encouraged.
Located in the cloud forest, the weather in Cerro Chirrpio is fairly predictable. Expect cool and damp conditions and dress for rain. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-60s with night time lows averaging in the upper 40s. The most consistent rain is experienced between the months of May through November with the heaviest rains September through November.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants, a long sleeve shirt, and even a sweat shirt or light jacket.
Fun Fact: The peak of Cerro Chirripo is known to frost overnight at times.
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