Chirripó National Park
We hope this information helps clarify any questions you have about Chirripó National Park.
Where is Chirripó located?
Chirripó National Park (PNCH) is located in the Talamanca Mountain Range, southeast of San José, in the community of San Gerardo de Rivas.
How tall is Cerro Chirripó?
Chirripó stands at 3,821 meters above sea level and is considered the highest mountain in Central America and the tallest in Costa Rica.
What is Base Crestones?
It is the name of the lodge located within the national park.
Chirripó Reservations
How to make a reservation? Reservations to climb Cerro Chirripó must be made six months in advance. The requirements are as follows: 1. The exact date you wish to visit PNCH. 2. The number of participants. 3. Full name and ID or passport number of each group member. 4. A 50% deposit for the selected package. See available tour options.
Available Routes to Climb Chirripó
What are the three access routes to visit Chirripó National Park?
1. San Gerardo Route: MEDIUM-HIGH DIFFICULTY
First, there is the traditional route, which is the most popular among tourists. The hike lasts between 6 to 8 hours. It begins by crossing pastures on private properties until reaching the park entrance at kilometer 4. This is the most famous route and includes stops at Llano Bonito Shelter, Cuesta de los Arrepentidos, and Monte sin Fe. It is also the route used for the cross-country race. This route is available every day of the year, with a maximum of 44 people per day, and a local guide is not mandatory.
2. San Jerónimo Route: MEDIUM-HIGH DIFFICULTY
Secondly, there is the route that crosses the Sabana de Los Leones, a lesser-known attraction due to the limited time of many visitors. This route involves a 15-kilometer ascent. Unlike the traditional route, it is only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with a maximum of 8 people per day.
This route requires the mandatory accompaniment of local guides. The hike lasts 6 to 8 hours, and also includes an overnight stay at Base Crestones Lodge, just like the traditional route.
3. Herradura Route: HIGH-EXTREME DIFFICULTY
Finally, there is one of the most challenging routes, which requires significant preparation to enter the national park. The first night is spent at Paso de los Indios, and the second night at Base Crestones Lodge. The total distance is approximately 30 kilometers. Access days are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with a maximum of 8 people per day.
This route requires the mandatory accompaniment of local guides.
Chirripó Attractions
What are the attractions of Chirripó?
The main attractions of the park are:
• Cerro Ventisqueros (3812 meters above sea level), only 8 meters lower than Cerro Chirripó
• Valle de las Morrenas, where you will also find glacial-origin lagoons
• La Sabana de los Leones, the only high-altitude savanna in the country
• Lago Ditkevi
What is the best time of year to climb?
Since Chirripó is located in a geographical area influenced by both Pacific and Caribbean climates, the weather can be unpredictable.
For this reason, the months with the least rainfall are from December to April, and temperatures can drop to 0 ºC, creating ice coverings at dawn—a highly anticipated spectacle for visitors.
In fact, July is a month when the “San Juan summer” occurs, making it a dry period during which Chirripó can also be visited.
However, during May, September, and October, the flower season begins along with the green season. Although the likelihood of rain increases, and ice sightings decrease, this season offers the chance to enjoy spectacular sunrises, orange-hued Crestones, and the possibility of seeing both oceans—everything depends on “luck.”
How to Get There
San Gerardo and Herradura
How to get to San Gerardo or Herradura?
To access both the San Gerardo and Herradura routes, you must arrive at the offices of Chirripó National Park, located in the community of San Gerardo de Rivas, which is just 9 km away from the neighboring community of Herradura.
To reach these access points, follow these routes:
– Private Vehicle:
If you are coming from San José and nearby areas, take the Inter-American Highway South (Route 2). Drive approximately 140 km along this highway until you reach the city of San Isidro de El General. Once there, take Route 242 towards Rivas for about 8.5 km. From the town of Rivas, you’ll reach an intersection; turn right to continue along Route 242 for another 9 km until you arrive at the town of San Gerardo de Rivas.
Similarly, if you are coming from the Pacific coast, take the Costanera Sur Highway (Route 34). Drive until you reach the Dominical–San Isidro de Pérez Zeledón Highway (Route 243). Drive approximately 36 km to San Isidro de El General. From this point, follow the instructions in the previous paragraph.
– Public Transportation:
Likewise, if you are coming from San José, you can use public transportation services offered by the companies MUSOC or TRACOPA. These companies provide routes to San Isidro de El General. Both offer one daily bus that reaches the center of San Isidro de El General via the Inter-American Highway South (Route 2), with a travel time of 3 to 4 hours.
Contact numbers:
MUSOC: +506 2771 0414
TRACOPA: +506 2221 4214
Additionally, if you are coming from any Pacific city, you can travel to San Isidro de El General by taking a bus from the canton of Quepos. Grupo Blanco operates daily with the following schedules: 5:30 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. / 3:30 p.m. This bus will take you to the city of San Isidro.
Contact number:
Grupo Blanco: +506 2771-4744
Once in San Isidro, you must take a bus to San Gerardo de Rivas. This can be done through the Hernández Solís company (Sinaí, Route 242), which operates daily. The bus departs every 45 minutes.
Contact number:
Hernández Solís: +506 2771-2314
Please note that public transportation companies may adjust their schedules on Sundays and holidays.
San Jerónimo
How to get to San Jerónimo?
San Jerónimo Route
– Private Vehicle:
To reach this route, you must first arrive at San Isidro de El General. From there, continue on the Inter-American Highway South (Route 2) for approximately 26 km to the intersection with the Unión-Fátima-Zapotal road (Route 333). Continue on this road, without turning, for about 10 km until you reach the town of San Jerónimo.
– Public Transportation:
Another option is, once in San Isidro de El General, to take the bus departing from the Central Market, located at the northeast corner. Look for the line marked “Zapotal” San Jerónimo.
Additionally, the bus departs daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The trip takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, and the fare is ¢1,850. San Jerónimo is the final stop on the route.
Please note that public transportation companies may adjust their schedules on Sundays and holidays.
Can I buy bus tickets from San José to San Isidro?
Yes, you can purchase tickets online at the following link: https://www.musoccr.com
Cancellations or Space Substitutions
What happens if I cannot attend after making my reservation?
First, you must review the total number of people included in your reservation. If your reservation is for a group of 4, 3, or 2 people, and only you cannot attend, the reservation remains active. Therefore, no changes can be made unless all other group members decide to cancel the trip entirely.
Can changes or substitutions be made to a Chirripó reservation?
The following exceptions apply for a substitution, provided the individual can present the appropriate documentation:
1. Death of a family member of the participant. (A copy of the death certificate must be attached.)
2. COVID-19 Health Order. (A copy of the health order issued by the Ministry of Health must be attached.)
3. Pregnancy or Disability. (Proof of pregnancy or a copy of the disability document issued by an authorized insurer.)
4. Medical discharge document (epicrisis) issued by the C.C.S.S.
Will I receive a full refund if I cancel a reservation?
No, due to the cancellation policies of the park and concessionaire, refunds are based on the number of days remaining until your scheduled visit.
Can a reservation be rescheduled?
No, unfortunately, the park does not have a system that allows reservations to be moved to another date.
Additional Services Available for Climbing Chirripó
Can I hire a local guide?
First, if you wish to hire a specialized local guide for your entire adventure, you can do so through Caminatas al Chirripó. For the 4-day, 3-night tour, the cost is $300 + VAT, and for the 3-day, 2-night tour, the cost is $200 + VAT. The guide must be hired 15 days before your arrival. The guide will be exclusive to those who hire the service and is completely optional for the San Gerardo route.
However, for the San Jerónimo and Urán routes, a guide is mandatory, and the packages already include the cost of the service.
Can I hire someone to accompany me on the first day until sunrise?
Additionally, if you would like a local person to accompany you until sunrise, this service is available from 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. at a cost of 42,000 colones, or 20,000 colones if departing between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. It is important to note that this person will not act as a guide to the lodge; they will only accompany you until sunrise, after which you can continue your journey. This service can be arranged through Caminatas al Chirripó.
If I book a package with Caminatas al Chirripó, does that mean I will be grouped with people I don’t know?
No, all our groups are managed independently and are not mixed. Therefore, you will not climb with a group of strangers or have to adjust your pace to wait for others moving more slowly or quickly.
Porterage and Luggage
Can I hire a horse to take me up or down to the lodge?
No, horses are only used in emergencies to bring people down. The cost will depend on the location where the horse needs to pick up the person.
Can I hire a porter for my luggage during the ascent and descent?
Yes, you can hire a porter on the day of registration. The luggage porter service is available for both the ascent and descent, with a cost of ₡2,714 per kilogram.
When should I leave my luggage at Base Crestones for it to be brought down?
The day before your departure from the park, you must inform the lodge staff that you wish to hire the porter service. They will ask you to bring your luggage for weighing (to get an approximate weight in kilograms). They will also indicate where and at what time you should leave it so that the porters and mule drivers can bring it down for you.
Is there parking or a place to leave my vehicle?
Yes, all local hotels offer parking for groups climbing Chirripó and using their services, at no additional cost.
There are also parking facilities near the entrance for those not staying in hotels and needing this service.
What happens if, once at Base Crestones, I can’t make it to the top of Chirripó?
First of all, experiencing the journey to Costa Rica’s highest peak is always incredible. However, its technical trails and even altitude sickness can be challenging for many people. Nevertheless, simply reaching the lodge is a significant accomplishment. Don’t feel discouraged; instead, be proud of yourself, and remember, there will always be a second chance to try again.
Can children go to Chirripó?
Yes, however, it is recommended that parents adequately train their children for this hike.
Can pets be brought along?
No, it is illegal to bring pets into the park.
Base Crestones Lodge
Can I camp at Chirripó or near Base Crestones Lodge?
No, camping is completely illegal, and staying at Base Crestones Lodge is the only accommodation allowed.
Is there hot water at the lodge?
No.
Is there heating at the lodge?
No.
Can additional blankets be rented at the lodge?
Yes, you can rent as many as you need upon arrival at the lodge.
Are there public phones or cell phone signal at Base Crestones?
No, these services are not currently available at the lodge.
Is there electricity at the lodge?
Yes, but since electricity is very limited, it only operates from 6 to 8 p.m. and shuts off automatically. At this time, charging cell phones or any type of electronic devices is not allowed, so it is recommended to bring external batteries or power banks.
Payment Methods and Wifi
Can I pay for luggage transport with a card, SINPE, or cash?
Yes, this service is available on the day of registration.
Is there wifi or the option to pay with a card at the lodge?
Yes, but it depends on the weather and the number of users connected. For this reason, it is always recommended to bring cash.
How much cash should I bring when climbing Chirripó?
During the trip, it is recommended to bring around 30,000 colones. If you don’t want to use a card, consider bringing around 60,000 colones to pay for porter or luggage transport services.
Meals at Base Crestones
What are the meal times at the lodge?
• Breakfast: 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
• Lunch: 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
What time does the Llano Bonito lodge open?
The lodge is open from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Can I buy meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) at the lodge?
No, only a “quick snacks” menu is available, which includes snacks, empanadas, and hot beverages, served from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. These can be paid for with a card or in cash.
Can I choose the menu I want during my stay on the day of registration?
Yes, similarly, we recommend that people with dietary restrictions, such as celiac, vegan, or vegetarian, inform us 15 days in advance so their needs can be accommodated.
For those with special or different diets, the concessionaire requires a medical certificate to change the menu.
What type of food is served at the lodge?
Base Crestones Lodge offers different types of meals depending on the day of the week. However, there are special diet options available for celiac, vegan, or vegetarian guests. Outside of these options, if your diet differs from those mentioned, a medical certificate showing your dietary restriction must be provided to offer the appropriate service.
Is hot water available for purchase at the lodge?
Yes.
Are hot beverages sold at the lodge?
Yes.
Can I bring food or products to cook at the lodge?
No, only dry items for consumption are allowed.
