Costa Rica’s 7 Natural Wonders Part 4
Cerro Chirripo National Park (Summit of Mount Chirripo)
Taking the number 3 spot on the list of 7 Natural Wonders in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripo (Chirripo Mountain). At over 3800 meters (12533 ft) it is the highest peak in Costa Rica, and the second highest mountain summit in Central America. The experience of climbing Cerro Chirripo is one enjoyed by relatively few, but the experience of being awestruck by this magnificent peak… now that experience is a hard one to miss!
Cerro Chirripo is nestled the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range which is part of the “Parque Internacional de Amistad” which it shares with Panama. The name Chirripo comes from a Talamanca Indian word meaning “Place of Enchanted Waters”…which is very fitting if you have tried to reach the summit during the rainy season which begins in late April all the way through December. The name actually comes from the many different rivers that find their origin at Cerro Chirripo. This mountain is so tall that on a clear day you can actually see the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east! And while you might think that fact would put this peak out of reach for a lot of climbers, with a little training and preparation you too could be paying an up close and personal visit to this very special natural wonder!
Over the years the numbers of climbers who do venture to the top of Cerro Chirripo has also steadily climbed, and now there are even more resources than ever to ensure your success. Key additions such as the Albergue at the top boasting electricity and internet until 5 pm daily is probably the biggest luxury, but the use of mules to carry your gear and food and even cooks to prepare meals have made reaching the summit more accessible for all.
Don’t misunderstand though, reaching the summit of Chirripo is certainly not for the faint-hearted or under-prepared! Because of its magnificent height, the flora, fauna, and especially the climate all change quite drastically from bottom to top. Having to climb up to that altitude with all the layers of clothing, your hiking gear and sleeping bag is just of the challenges of Cerro Chirripo. But make no mistake; there is more than meets the eye where rewards are concerned too. Due to the drastically changing micro climates, there is something new and different to discover around every turn. New animals, birds, sounds, and weather greet you on each new day as you set out closer toward the summit. Snow? It’s quite possible. In Costa Rica? Yep!
The hike to Chirripo summit typically takes 2 days. The first day takes an average of 8 hours and brings you to the base camp and accommodations of the Chirripo National Park’s communal Albergue. Our advice, pack lightweight thermal layers that dry fast and will keep you warm….it is COLD up there at night with no light, no heat, and ice cold water. On the last day of the hike, be sure to set off on your adventure in the wee hours of the morning to make sure you arrive at the top of the world for the most spectacular sunrise you’ve ever been treated to. And once at the top, you can spend the entire day hiking the other slightly smaller summits of Los Crestones or Ventisqueros.
Hiking all the way to the summit not your thing? If you’d rather just admire it from afar though, there are plenty of trails (in varying degrees of difficulty!) crisscrossing the entire Chirripo National Park, so you are sure to find something to suit your energy level. It’s also worth noting that the studying tremendous biological diversity in this park has literally kept entire groups of scientists busy for their entire careers, so there is plenty to see and do in the shadow of the great Cerro Chirripo! Though camping is forbidden on the National Park grounds themselves, there are plenty of budget options available in nearby San Gerardo de Rivas should you decide you’d like a little more time getting to know this amazing Natural Wonder of Costa Rica.
There is little doubt as to why Cerro Chirripo earned a top vote from the people of Costa Rica. It is utterly spectacular in every way. All natural, totally rugged, bigger than life and yet accessible too… Cerro Chirripo inspires us to come a little closer, stay a little longer, push a little harder and reach a little higher. Cerro Chirripo, like all good Natural Wonders in Costa Rica, awakens the wonder in each of us just by being its big, beautiful self. If this sounds like a thing for your Bucket List, begin preparations at once! You’ll be so glad you did JJ