Country Guide » National Parks
Chirripó National Park is located in the Talamanca Mountain Range, about 151 kms. from San José, in the southeastern region of the country. The park is home to the highest peak in Costa Rica: Cerro Chirripó (12,538 ft.) a favorite of mountain climbers and hikers. The national encompasses parts of three of Costa Rica’s provinces and contains at least five eco-systems including subalpine wet forest.
Part of what makes this park appealing to some is that it demands a lot from visitors, meaning it’s not your usual “walk and take in the sights” tourist spot, in order to reach the Chirripó summit, visitors have to walk a 16 kms. uphill trail, after which another 5 kms. await them before reaching the mountain peak. On the way visitors can see over 400 bird species, more than 250 reptile species and flora that varies as they move through different habitats.
Weather in this region varies according to the season, with the lowest recorded temperature reaching 14° F and the highest 80° F. Nights can get quite chilly and foggy, which is why visitors who stay overnight should always be accompanied by expert guides. In 1983 the park was named a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO.
