Footprint Travel Guides
  • Promotional Feature
  • Europe
  • British Isles
  • Food and Drink
  • Australasia
Footprint Travel Guides
  • Europe
  • British Isles
  • Australasia
  • Rest of World

BY RICHARD ARGHIRIS

The early-morning climb to the summit of Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest mountain (3820 m), is a refreshing trek after the relative comforts often encountered in Costa Rica. 

1 18 5 Chirripo 496152256 World Xplorer 72

The hike takes you through magnificent cloudforest draped in mosses and ephiphytes before entering a scorched area of páramo grasslands with incredible views to the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines on clear days. The wildlife – birdlife in particularly – is incredible and, even if you don’t see it, you will certainly hear it. The trek itself is not difficult but it can be a bit tiring for novices.

From the refugio inside the park, you can also explore the nearby Crestones, a volcanic outcrop that has been etched on to the minds of every Costa Rican, and the creatively named Sabana de los Leones and Valle de los Conejos. There are useful orientation maps on www.sangerardocostarica.com. 

The cold (it’s often frosty in the morning) may be a bit of a shock after other regions of Costa Rica, but you can rent blankets and sleeping bags from the refugio; gas cookers are also available for hire. In addition to the high camp there is a shelter about halfway up. It’s about four hours’ walk from San Gerardo and three hours’ walk on to Refugios Base Crestones. You’ll want to plan for at least two nights on the scenic, beautiful mountain, although you can do it with only one night if you’re tight for time, rising very early to summit on the second day in time to go all day down in one trek. While nights can be a bit chilly, daytime temperatures tend to be quite warm. 

For a general update on San Gerardo and climbing Chirripó, visit www.sangerardocostarica.com.

1 18 5 Chirripo 10879807 Alan Kraft 72
Previous Article
  • Rest of World

Mammals of Costa Rica

  • December 10, 2022
  • Sarah Cameron
View Post
Next Article
  • Rest of World

Birds of Costa Rica

  • December 10, 2022
  • Sarah Cameron
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Rest of World

Best of Cuba

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
View Post
  • Rest of World

Best of Argentina

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
View Post
  • Rest of World

Iguazú Falls

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
View Post
  • Rest of World

Trekking in Argentina

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
View Post
  • Rest of World

Argentina’s Best Festivals

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
View Post
  • Rest of World

Welsh Patagonia

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
View Post
  • Rest of World

Train to the Clouds

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
View Post
  • Rest of World

Tango

  • Sarah Cameron
  • December 10, 2022
Footprint Travel Guides
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Input your search keywords and press Enter.