Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The park is bordered by the Interamericana; the entrance is just past Km 76. Any bus
along this route can drop you off at the ranger station, though most people arrive in a
private vehicle.
Cerro de la Muerte
Between Empalme and San Isidro de El General, the Interamericana reaches its highest
point along the famed Cerro de la Muerte (3491m). The 'Hill of Death' received its grisly
moniker before it was paved, but it's still a white-knuckle drive, snaking the fog-shrouded
spine along a path riddled with blind corners, masochistic bus drivers and hair-raising
cliffs. The upside? Travelers who catch a small break in the fog will enjoy exquisite panor-
amic views of the Cordillera de Talamanca.
Cerro de la Muerte marks the northernmost extent of the
páramo,
a highland shrub and
tussock grass habitat typical of the southern zone. This Andean-style landscape is rich in
wildlife and home to many of the same species found in nearby Parque Nacional Chirripó.
The area is also part of Parque Nacional Tapantí-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte, which offers
even more opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.
DON'T MISS
MEETING YOUR MAKER
Although the treacherous drive across the Cerro de la Muerte might offer ample oppor-
tunities to meet your maker, look to the heavens about 6km north of San Isidro. There
you'll see a towering statue of Christ, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff above.
Sleeping & Eating
Note that addresses in this part of Costa Rica are nonexistent. The following are listed by
their Km distance marker.
Mirador de Quetzales
HOTEL
( 8381-8456, 2200-4185;
www.elmiradordequetzales.com
;
Interamericana Km 70; cabins per person
incl 2 meals US$60;
)
