Access Routes
The most important thing before visiting Cerro Chirripó is to ask yourself: What access route will I take to enter the National Park?
This is because there are three routes, each located in different communities. For this reason, in
this blog
we explain how to reach each of these towns.
The Traditional Route
First, there is the traditional route, one of the most visited. It is located in the community of San Gerardo de Rivas, where you will pass through Llano Bonito and the Cuesta de los Arrepentidos.
Herradura – Cerro Úran
Second, there is the Úran route, located in the community of Herradura de Rivas, a neighboring community of San Gerardo de Rivas.
San Jerónimo – Sabana de los Leones
Finally, there is the Sabana de los Leones route, located in the community of San Jerónimo de San Pedro.
Next, with the community defined, here is the detail of how to get to Chirripó.
Firstly, if you are traveling from San José, Alajuela, or Heredia by private vehicle, you must take the Inter-American Highway South (Route 2), until you reach San Isidro del General. Then, take Route 242 towards the community of Rivas, for approximately 8.5 km. Next, at a Y-shaped intersection, turn right to continue on the road that leads to the town of San Gerardo de Rivas.
On the other hand, if you are coming from the Pacific coast, take the Costanera Sur Highway (Route 34), until you reach the junction with the Dominical–San Isidro de Pérez Zeledón Highway (Route 243). Then take Route 242, which will lead you to San Gerardo de Rivas.
You can also use “Caminatas al Chirripó” as a reference in the Waze or Google Maps app to navigate there.
The estimated travel time is: 3-4 hours approximately.
Another option could be using one of the two public transportation services available to reach San Isidro del General. The two companies offering this service are: Musoc and Tracopa.
However, the advantage of traveling with Musoc is that you can purchase tickets online. Although there is a fee for online sales, it is worth it as it saves you from long lines.
Similarly, if you are coming from any Pacific city, you could take the bus from the canton of Quepos. The company in charge of transportation from Quepos to San Isidro is Grupo Blanco. Importantly, they operate daily with schedules at: 5:30 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. / 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival in San Isidro, you must find the bus at the central market marked Canaán–San Gerardo.
Firstly, if you are traveling from San José, Alajuela, or Heredia by private vehicle, you must take the Inter-American Highway South (Route 2) until you reach San Isidro del General. Then, once you pass through the city, continue driving for approximately 26 more kilometers. Next, you will reach the intersection of the Unión–Fátima–Zapotal road (Route 333). Continue on this road, without turning, for about 10 kilometers until you reach the town of San Jerónimo de San Pedro.
Estimated duration: 3-4 hours approximately.
Another option could be to use one of the two available public transportation services to reach San Isidro del General.
The two companies offering this service are: Musoc and Tracopa.
However, the advantage of traveling with Musoc is that you can purchase tickets online. And although there is a fee for this online service, the cost is worth it, as it saves you from long lines.
Now, once you are in San Isidro del General, take the bus departing from the northeast corner of the Central Market. Ensure that you board the buses marked “Zapotal–San Jerónimo.”
Finally, these buses run 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.
Learn more about the park’s attractions by clicking here. | Visit our frequently asked questions blog by clicking here.
