What it's all about:
Costa Rica's principle mountain park offers excellent walking and hiking at all elevations. Birding and butterfly observation is excellent at lower elevations, and higher up sweeping views and a stunted tree line show off Central America's rooftop.
The climb:
Chirripó Lake
Take it slow, getting accustomed to the elevation changes. There are emergency shelters and caves along the way, and a great hostel near the top. Trails, 16km to the peak (3,820 meters, 12,530 feet), are well marked, and non-technical climbs are popular and accessible.
If you can't handle all your gear, locals or mules can take it up for you. The climb takes you through several ecosystems due to the fast-changing elevation, pasture land, tropical lower montane rainforest, montane raiforest, large oak trees, highland forests, bare paramo landscape at top. Carry water and warm clothes; it can freeze at night.
Other than Easter week, there are rarely problems in getting a spot. Plan at least three days of hiking; four would make for an excellent trip.
How to Get There:
Either drive or take a bus on the Interamerican Highway south to San Isidro de El General. From there, buses leave for San Gerardo de Rivas, the village which serves as the entry point to the park. Or, if driving, continue south out of San Isidro. After crossing the Río San Isidro, look about 500 meters (five blocks) later and there will be a steep turnoff to the left. There is a sign.
