Public Use Regulations of Chirripó National Park
First, we want to inform you that the Chirripó National Park (PNCH) has created an official public use regulation, outlining some new rules about what is NOT allowed inside the conservation area during your visit, starting January 15, 2023.
To begin with, it is mentioned that visitors are not allowed to register on the same day of their entry. Therefore, only those who have registered the day before are allowed to visit the protected area.
Additionally, it is mandatory for each tourist to carry a personal whistle throughout the entire hike.
On the other hand, visitors entering through any of the three trails can begin their hike starting at 3:00 a.m. Similarly, the descent must begin no later than 12:00 p.m.
To enter the park as a tourist on the day tour or Chirripó express, as we call it, through the San Gerardo route, all visitors must enter starting at 3:00 a.m. at Kilometer 4, which is known as “The Limit” of the park.
The national park emphasizes that the Chirripó Express is NOT a tour to watch the sunrise at the summit of Cerro Chirripó, but rather a tour to explore the ecosystems present along the way.
During the Hike
However, park staff may inspect and confiscate bags, sacks, boxes, backpacks, and other personal packages from visitors at any time, to prevent the entry or exit of prohibited items, animals, weapons, objects, plants, or substances.
It is also stated that any visitor who disobeys instructions from park staff, volunteers, and guides will be subject to sanctions and expelled from the Protected Area, with no responsibility on the administration’s part, and may be banned for up to one year.
Furthermore, it is mentioned that to fly any drone within the park, authorization must be requested from the administration, and a copy of the license issued by Civil Aviation must be presented. Learn more about this in our blog by clicking here.
Additional Rules
To conclude, here are some additional rules also mentioned in the regulation:
- The entry, transport, or consumption of substances containing alcohol, drugs, or other substances is not allowed.
- Throwing, burying, or leaving material, waste, or trash within the park boundaries is not allowed.
- Building rock piles or cairns (apachetas), also known as landmarks, along the trails is not allowed.
- Placing stickers, images, symbols, or any other type of accessories not authorized by the Administration of the La Amistad Pacific Conservation Area is not allowed.
- Making bonfires or starting fires is not allowed.
- Cooking, heating, or processing food with gas stoves or other means, inside or outside the PNCH, is not allowed.
- Graffiti on any structure is not allowed.
- Climbing on the rocks known as Crestones is not allowed.
- The use of horns, speakers, or sound players, both on the trails and at the refuge, is not allowed.
- Walking outside the established hours, walking on unauthorized trails, and walking off the trail are not allowed.
- Entering the ASP without completing the required registration with the PNCh administration the day before your entry is not allowed.
On the other hand, here is a video with more recommendations for climbing Chirripó that will be very helpful. We also invite you to check out our blog on What to Bring to Chirripó?
