Overview
This is not a typical mountaineering peak. It has no snow and it is more a hicking peak than a climbing one. BUT, for those of you who dont have much time and wanna spend a few days cooking down south, you got the posibility of walking into thin air and relaxing on desert-island like beaches in a magnificent tropical setting...all within a week!
Cerro Chirripo is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. It is also one of the tallest in Central America. From it's summit on clear days, one can see both Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The 16 km approche hike brings you 2200 meters higher through a dense tropical forest where you will enconter monkeys, tropical birds, lizards and even pumas with luck. There is a high refugio (Base Crestones) with bunk beds, cooking area and cold showers. Expect anywhere between 6 and 12 hours for the approche depending on your physical status. From the refugio (>3400m) there is only 4 km left to the summits. Cerro Terbi (3760m), Ventisqueres (3800m) and Chirripo (3819m) are all within one half day of hiking. You must climb early because the clouds come up at around 10:00 AM and the afternoon temperature can rise very high. You can do the round trip (approx. 45km) in three big days and the tropical experience is very rewarding.
Getting There
From San-Jose, take a bus to San Isidoro de El General from where you can take a shuttle (5ham & 2hpm) to San Gerardo de Rivas, a small puebla where you can find cabins, restaurant and cerveza! The trail head is at the extreme end of the village.
Red Tape
You must get a permit ($6) before you enter the park. The ranger station is at the entrance of San Gerardo de Rivas. He will provide you a reservation for the refugio ($3/night, 60 places), a rudimentary map and informations for mules and porters (optional). There is a reservation system but the left over or cancelled passes are redelivered on a first come first serve system so get in line very early in the morning if you don't have a reservation. There is rarely more than 48 hours of waiting. We got our pass the same day. The basic backcountry rules are obviously to be respected.
The rangers can keep some of the unnecessary stuff in their office and they'll only charge you $2.50. Though it's better to keep your passport with you.
When To Climb
The dry season runs from December to May. Rain season is a pain in the neck and you don't wanna be there!
Camping
The only camping permitted is near Cerro Uran at 8km from the high camp (Base Crestones). But beside that mountain, you don't need a tent. The refugio is confortable (very cold night) and you can climb all the other peaks from there.
Mountain Conditions
The ranger will give you recent weather information. Always be prepared for rain and/or cold weather (night).
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