Chirripo Standard Trek

Looking for a challenge, then hiking to Chirripo National Park the second highest peak in Central America is the ultimate tropic trekking experience. Do not miss seeing the many lakes and u-shaped valleys, such as Moraines' Valley, the Lakes' Valley, and the Rabbits' Valley. Striations can also be observed on several of the rock beds in these valleys.

Day 1 Cerro de la Muerte :
Drive on the Pan-American Highway (2 hrs) heading south to the Chirripo Highlands and Cerro de la Muerte (Peak of Death, 11,000'). Challenge yourself with the expertise of your resident guide to find the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and other cloud forest wildlife. After lunch we will spend the afternoon in the quaint village of San Gerardo de Rivas. Equipment check and dinner.

Albergue el Pelicano Lodge or Similar [Lunch & Dinner]

Day 2 Trek to Chirripo Base Camp :
Depart in the morning to begin trekking into Chirripo National Park. Today you hike in three stages as you ascend the mountain, eating snacks and lunch before arrival at camp by midday. The uphill trail is steep and can take up to 12 hours in poor conditions for slow trekkers. Fit, experienced hikers can do it in 6 to 7 hours. After passing the sign "Trail to Chirripo", you begin a grueling uphill stretch called La Cuesta del Agua (allow 2 hours). This climb crests at Monte Sin Fe ("Faithless Mountain"). Expect to see colorful toucans, trogons, monkeys, and more as you pass through dwarf cloud forests draped in "Old Man's Beard" mosses. Note: A water filter is useful for re-filling your water bottle. There are not many water sources on this day. Camp is 6 km below the summit.

Overnight Shelter in National Park [Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner]

Day 3 Summit of Mount Chirripo :
Arise early to begin trekking to the summit of Mt. Chirripó before the fog rolls in. Chirripo National Park protects 50,150 hectares of high elevation terrain. Cloud forest above 8,250' elevation covers half the park. Along the way you will pass by numerous lakes and it is clear why the Talamanca Indians called this area Chirripo "Place of Enchanted Waters." On a clear day, the view to the Pacific and Atlantic is stunning. It's about a 1 - to 2 hour ascent before descending to Valle de Los Conejos (Rabbit Valley). Hike to Cerro Terbi and Los Crestones reaching camp around early afternoon.

Overnight shelter in National Park [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Day 4 Back to San Gerardo de Rivas :
Continue descending to Refuge Llano Bonito. Hike back to San Gerardo de Rivas and return to San Jose. [Breakfast & boxlunch]

Enjoy nature and help the environment taking a green tour in Costa Rica.