Cerro Chirripó trail (from San Gerardo de Rivas)
Trail · San José & Central Valley
Costa Rica's highest peak (3,820 m): a 2-day hike from the village of San Gerardo de Rivas up to the Crestones Base hut, then a pre-dawn climb to the summit for views of both oceans. Not in the Central Valley region (Pérez Zeledón, southern zone), included at the owner's request.
- Cost
- about $18
- Time there
- 20 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 1 / 10
- View
- 10 / 10
- Crowds
- 4 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 10 / 10
- Location
- 9.46953, -83.5844 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.8 on Google (616)
Tip
The park limits daily entries and the Crestones Base bunks must be reserved months ahead through SINAC; the park fee is about US$18 per day. Start at 3-5 am, bring layers, and hire porters if you want a lighter load.
Be careful
Altitude, cold and fast weather changes are the main risks: acclimatize, carry rain gear and warm layers, and descend if the weather turns. The park may close in bad weather or after fires.
Getting there
Reservation and permit required in advance (SINAC); the trailhead check-in is the park office in San Gerardo de Rivas.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/10249998897 · Wikidata Q252362 · https://www.google.com/maps/search/Cerro+Chirripo+trailhead+San+Gerardo+de+Rivas · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q252362