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Chirripo Hike

Example 3 Day Tour
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Chirripo Peak, or Place of Enchanted Waters, is the highest mountain in Costa Rica and attracts climbers from all over. At an altitude of over 12,500 ft, great height of Cerro Chirripo relative to its surroundings reveals the stark contrast, which makes it the 38th most prominent peak in the world. In the mountains of La Amistad International Park find the ecosystems of the Talamanca Mountain forest and Costa Rican Páramo with high biodiversity. Due to their extreme height, these peaks create sky islands for many species of plants and animals. A great Hiking tour in Costa Rica!
Hiking on the Chirripo Costa Rica trip. The forest gets more sparse the higher we go.One of the highest peaks in Central America. The top of Chirripo Peak.The view from the top of Chirripo Peak! You can see for miles!Emerald Toucanet A monkey clings to the treeNext to no vegetation at the top of the Chirripo Hike.Good Morning Costa Rica! Pura vida!
Places Visited
Activity Level: Challenging
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Chirripo Highlands

This morning drive south following the Pan-American Highway through Cerro de la Muerte (Peak of Death at 11,000ft ) and on to the Chirripó Highlands. You will be introduced to Talamanca’s forest and the surrounding Páramo forest which is home to the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and other cloud forest wildlife. Arrive to your lodge in the quaint village of San Gerardo de Rivas at the base of the Chirripo Mountain. The rest of the afternoon is yours free to enjoy the area.

Day 2: Chirripo National Park

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Depart early morning to begin trekking into Chirripó National Park. The uphill trail is steep and can take up to 12 hours in poor conditions for slow trekkers. Fit, experienced hikers can do it in 6 to 7 hours. After passing the sign "Trail to Chirripo", you begin an uphill stretch called La Cuesta del Agua for about two hours. This climb crests at Monte Sin Fe (Faithless Mountain). Amongst the wildlife that you may encounter as you hike up and pass through dwarf cloud forests draped in "Old Man's Beard" mosses are monkeys, toucanets, trogons and several other species of birds. Today’s trek will finish at the Chirripo Shelter and Base Camp at 6 km below the summit where you will overnight. While temperatures may start out warm today, be prepared for chillier climates as you ascend. Costa Rica hikers have even found themselves in snow from time to time. Arrange for a private guide on your hike for an additional cost.

Day 3: Chirripo Summit

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Rise before dawn this morning to trek to the summit of Mt. Chirripó before the fog rolls in. Chirripó National Park protects 50,150 hectares of high elevation terrain and cloudforest above 8,250' elevation covers half the park. Along the way you will pass by numerous lakes making it clear why the Talamancan Indians called it Chirripo or "Place of Enchanted Waters." If hiking on a clear day, the view to the Pacific and Atlantic is stunning. It's about a 1-2 hour ascent before descending to Valle de Los Conejos (Rabbit Valley). Hike to Cerro Terbi and Los Crestones before you continue descending to Refuge Llano Bonito and the mountain base. Transfer back to San Jose this afternoon.

Accommodations

Pelicano Mountain Lodge

Pelicano Mountain Lodge
Pelicano Mountain Lodge, pool
Pelicano Mountain Lodge

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$971

Notes

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Included
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • 2 Nights Accommodations
  • 1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Chirripo National Park Entrance Fee
  • Gear Rental: All Camping Gear
  • Gear Rental: Sleeping Bag
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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