Best Attractions in Chirripó National Park
Best Attractions in Chirripó National Park Chirripó National Park is undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural destinations. The park is home to a wide array of stunning landscapes, offering something for every kind of nature lover and adventurer. Below is a list of the best attractions in Chirripó National Park that you definitely won’t want to miss during your visit: Chirripó Summit First and foremost, the Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest peak, is the highlight of any visit to the park. Standing at 3,821 meters (12,536 feet) above sea level, this summit offers a challenging, yet immensely rewarding hike. On clear days, you’ll be able to catch a rare and spectacular view of both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. From the top, you’ll also be able to see the San Juan and Morrenas lakes, as well as the Turrialba, Irazú, and Barú volcanoes, located in Panama. Without a doubt, this is one of the best attractions in Chirripó National Park. The Crestones Next, the Los Crestones peaks, rising to 3,721 meters (12,205 feet), are another incredible attraction. These dramatic and iconic rock formations were declared a National Symbol of Costa Rica in 2011. Among them, the famous “Aguja” rock, or “Needle,” stands at an impressive 60 meters tall. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Cano Island, Cerro Ami, Cerro Amó, and the General Valley, showcasing the diverse beauty of the region. The surrounding landscapes provide a perfect mix of rugged terrain and serene vistas, making it one of the top spots to visit. Cerro Terbi Just a 10-minute walk from Los Crestones will lead you to Cerro Terbi, standing at 3,760 meters (12,336 feet). This location offers breathtaking views of the Sabana de los Leones and Cerro Ventisqueros, making it an ideal spot for relaxing and taking in the scenery. The views from here are a must-see and offer a unique perspective of the park’s rich natural beauty. Valle de los Conejos Alternatively, Valle de los Conejos serves as the starting point for exploring most of the park’s attractions. From here, you can observe the U- and V-shaped formations of the valleys, which were formed as a result of glaciation. Though the valley was once abundant with rabbits, climate change and human activity have made sightings less frequent, especially during the day. Nonetheless, this area remains an important starting point for your adventure. Cerro Ventisqueros Another must-see attraction is Cerro Ventisqueros, which stands at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet). The name “Ventisqueros” comes from the constant winds in the area, which contribute to its rugged character. Although the trail to this peak is somewhat technical, it is well worth the effort. The panoramic views from this location are some of the most stunning in the entire park, making it a favorite for many visitors. Laguna Ditkevi Next on the list is Laguna Ditkevi, one of the most visited lagoons in the park due to its easy accessibility. According to an indigenous legend, entering the lagoon while impure would summon a dragon to devour you, though if the dragon believed you were worthy of forgiveness, it would allow you to leave unharmed. Whether or not you believe the legend, this mystical lagoon is a must-see on your visit to Chirripó National Park. Laguna San Juan Known by several names, including El Pececito and Lagunita, Laguna San Juan is the second-deepest lagoon in Costa Rica, with a temperature of 14°C. This lagoon is the source of the Chirripó Pacífico River and is considered the least visited lagoon in the park. Despite its lesser-known status, Laguna San Juan is still a beautiful and serene spot to visit. Valle de las Morrenas As a result of the sediments that concentrate along its shores, Valle de las Morrenas is another interesting attraction in the park. With a temperature of 14°C, it is the second-most visited lagoon in the region and offers peaceful surroundings and picturesque landscapes. Sabana de los Leones Finally, Sabana de los Leones has gained popularity in recent years, especially as part of the San Jerónimo-Base Crestones route. The name is thought to originate from a story of a lion sighting, but others believe it refers to the grass in the area that, when the wind blows, resembles a lion’s mane. This spot is now more accessible, with day trips to Sabana de los Leones available from San Jerónimo de San Pedro. Chirripó Map Before you embark on your journey, be sure to check out the map created by the national park, which will guide you to all these amazing attractions. To conclude, we hope this guide has been helpful in planning your visit to the best attractions in Chirripó National Park. Which of these incredible spots are already on your bucket list? We’d love to hear which attraction you’re most excited about! If you have more questions about Chirripó, feel free to click here to learn more. Don’t forget to share your photos using #yosubialchirripo #caminatasalchirripo #puntomasaltodecostarica!
