Chirripo National Park and Southern Costa Rica’s Pan American Highway Travel Guide
Remote, offbeat ecotourism in Costa Rica
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
The Pan American Highway runs south from San Jose and the Costa Rica’s Central Valley, passing Cerro de la Muerte, close to Chirripo National Park on its route south towards San Isidro de El General, the most important settlement in the region. An important agricultural region, this area is home to a number of indigenous reserves (most of which are not open to visitors) and some spectacular landscapes.
Created in 1975, the Chirripo National Park offers travellers the opportunity to enjoy trekking up Mount Chirripo, bird watching and wildlife watching. The region also offers some of the most remote, offbeat ecotourism in Costa Rica.
Chirripo National Park protects 50,150 sq. hectares of high-elevation terrain surrounding Mount Chirripo, the highest mountain in Costa Rica at 3,820m.
Situated in the Cordillera de Talamanca, which, at 320km, is the longest mountain range in the country the Chirripo National Park joins with La Amistad International Peace Park to the south to form the large, protected ecological area known as the Amistad-Talamanca Regional Conservation Unit.
One of the lesser visited area of Costa Rica, Chirripo National Park & Southern Costa Rica’s Pan American Highway remain less commercial than some of the more popular places to visit in Costa Rica, but still have much to offer.
Attractions in Chirripo National Park and Southern Costa Rica’s Pan American Highway
The number one attraction in Chirripo National Park is climbing Mount Chirripo, the highest peak in Costa Rica. At the summit there are spectacular views, on a clear day, of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean sea.
San Isidro is the most important settlement on Southern Costa Rica’s Pan American Highway.
The mountain of Cerro de la Muerte is one of the highest mountains in Costa Rica and is located in the Talamanca range.
After a days walking why not relax in the perfect setting of a beautiful thermal spring located about a 15 minute walk north of the ranger station in San Gerardo de Rivas, off the road to Herradura. As the spring is on private property, the farmer or his children may ask for a dollar for its use.
Activities in Chirripo National Park and Southern Costa Rica’s Pan American Highway
It is possible to climb to the summit of Mount Chirripo via well marked trails with basic mountain huts close to the summit, where you can spend the night.
The trek begins from San Gerardo de Rivas, where you should begin your hike early in the morning with a guide (nobody is allowed to walk without a guide).
Another lesser-known trail is the Herradura Trail (minimum three days/two nights), via Paso de los Indios staying the first night on Mount Uran.
Relaxing
Relax in a beautiful thermal spring near San Gerardo de Rivas...
Getting Around
It is possible to take a bus to Chirripo National Park from San Jose. You will need to travel first to San Isidro, and then take an onward bus to San Gerardo de Rivas, to get to the entrance of park.
Alternatively you could travel with a Travel Expert who can make all the necessary arrangements.
Chirripo National Park and Southern Costa Rica’s Pan American Highway Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?