Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The dry season (from late December to April) is the most popular time to visit Chirripó.
February and March are the driest months, though it may still rain. On weekends, and es-
pecially during holidays, the trails can get a bit crowded with Tico hiking groups. The park
is closed in May and October, but the early months of the rainy season are still good for
climbing as it usually doesn't rain in the morning. In any season, temperatures can drop
below freezing at night, so warm clothes (including hat and gloves), rainwear and a three-
season sleeping bag are necessary. In exposed areas, high winds seem even colder. The
ranger station in San Gerardo de Rivas is a good place to check on the weather conditions.
The maps available at the ranger station are serviceable for the major trails. Getting
highly detailed topographical maps of the region is difficult, though some bookstores in
San José stock them occasionally. If you know your trip will include a lot of time in Chirr-
ipó's less-traveled regions, order maps in advance through
www.cartographic.com
.
DAY HIKING CHIRRIPÓ
Although it might be possible to leave San Gerardo de Rivas, summit Chirripó and return
to town in a single day, don't do it. It would be an utterly exhausting slog for even the
most fit hikers, and nearly guarantee returning in the dark over the muddiest parts of the
trail. If you don't have the time, consider a long day hike in the Cloudbridge Nature
Reserve.
Activities
Wildlife-Watching
The varying altitude means an amazing diversity of fauna in Parque Nacional Chirripó.
Particularly famous for its extensive birdlife, the national park is home to several en-
dangered species, including the harpy eagle (the largest, most powerful raptor in the Amer-
icas) and the resplendent quetzal (especially visible between March and May). Even be-
sides these highlights, you might see highland birds including the three-wattled bellbird,
black guan and tinamou. The Andean-like
páramo
guarantees volcano junco, sooty robin,
slaty finch, large-footed finch and the endemic volcano hummingbird, which is found only
in Costa Rica's highlands.
