Parc national de Chirripo

Le parc national Chirripo est un magnifique joyau naturel situé dans les provinces de San José et de Limon au Costa Rica. Il abrite le Cerro Chirripo, le plus haut sommet du Costa Rica, qui culmine à 3 820 mètres (12 530 pieds). Le parc présente des paysages alpins époustouflants, des forêts de nuages et divers écosystèmes. La randonnée jusqu'au sommet du Cerro Chirripo est une aventure difficile mais gratifiante, qui offre des vues panoramiques à couper le souffle et un sentiment d'accomplissement.

Télécharger le progrès

Total dans la base de données : 0 fichiers

Tuiles téléchargées

    Situation et moyens d'accès

    Chirripó National Park is situated in Costa Rica's Southern Zone (Zona Sur), approximately 150 kilometers southeast of San José. The park's main entrance is near the town of San Gerardo de Rivas, which serves as the primary base for visitors. The nearest major hub is San Isidro de El General, accessible by road from San José.

    • By Car: From San José, take the Pan-American Highway (Route 2) south to San Isidro de El General, then follow signs to San Gerardo de Rivas. The drive takes about 3.5 hours.
    • By Bus: Buses depart from San José's Tracopa station to San Isidro, where you can transfer to a local bus or taxi to San Gerardo de Rivas.
    • Parking: Limited parking is available near the trailhead in San Gerardo de Rivas.

    Heures d'ouverture et billets

    The park is open year-round, but access to the summit trail is regulated. Reservations are mandatory for overnight stays at the Crestones Base Camp.

    • Entrance Fee: Approximately $18 for international visitors, with discounts for Costa Rican residents.
    • Reservations: Required for the summit hike; book online via the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) website or through local tour operators.
    • Daily Limits: Only 52 hikers are permitted per day to preserve the trail.

    Meilleur moment pour visiter

    The dry season (December to April) offers clearer skies and better hiking conditions. Early mornings provide the best views from the summit, though clouds often roll in by midday. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

    Durée de la visite

    Summiting Cerro Chirripó (3,820 meters) typically requires a 2-day trek: 6–8 hours to the base camp, followed by an early morning ascent. Day hikes to lower elevations are also possible but less common.

    Activités

    • Hiking to Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica's highest peak.
    • Exploring cloud forests, paramo ecosystems, and glacial lakes.
    • Wildlife spotting (quetzals, tapirs, and pumas are occasionally seen).

    Installations

    • Base Camp: Crestones Refuge offers bunk beds, basic meals, and potable water (reservations required).
    • Restrooms: Available at the trailhead and base camp.
    • Accessibility: The terrain is rugged; not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

    Ce qu'il faut apporter

    • Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing (temperatures drop significantly at night).
    • Rain gear, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
    • High-energy snacks and a headlamp for the pre-dawn summit hike.

    Règles et règlements

    • No pets or drones allowed.
    • Pack out all trash; leave no trace.
    • Camping is permitted only at designated sites.

    Informations sur le contact

    For reservations and updates, visit the SINAC website or inquire at the San Gerardo de Rivas ranger station.