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!
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Chirripo Highlands Day 2 : Chirripo National Park Day 3 : Chirripo Summit
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.
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.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$834
Notes
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Included
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
2 Nights Accommodations
1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Meals as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Professional, bilingual guide service as listed
Excursions and activities as listed
Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided on your trip free of charge. Occasionally the snorkeling gear that is supplied is worn, and there may not be enough sizes available to fit every traveler. Therefore, you may want to bring your own snorkeling gear (particularly a mask and snorkel).
Gear Rental: Sleeping Bag
Gear Rental: All Camping Gear
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Local guides full-day tours: $5-$10 per traveler per day
Local guides 1/2-day tours: $5 per traveler per day
River guides: $5 per traveler per day
Support staff: $2-3 per traveler per day
Drivers: $5 per traveler per day
Taxi drivers do not expect tips for their normal services
Baggage Handlers: $1 per bag
Hotel hospitality (maid service): $1-$1 per traveler per night
Restaurants: Most restaurants include in their bill a 10% service charge, as well as a 13% sales tax. If the service charge has been added, no additional tip is necessary; however, the wait staff is happy if the amount is rounded up.
USD and major credit cards are commonly used in Costa Rica, and it is very common to see higher cost items priced in USD. It is recommended to carry cash (NEW $20 bills or smaller ONLY) for taxis and restaurants. Most hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards, as well.
Colones are the official Costa Rican currency. It is common to receive change in colones if you pay for something in USD cash. Smaller cost items (sodas, metered taxis, etc.) will commonly be priced in colones.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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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When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
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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