Both parks span the most biologically diverse area in Costa Rica and comprise the largest unspoiled forest in the country. An astonishing number of habitats-produced by the differences in altitude, soil, climate and topography-can be found, including paramos, marshlands, oak forests, madrono forests, fern groves and mixed forests.
One of Chirripo's most important geomorphological discoveries is that of various glacial forms which have been preserved almost intact. There are small U-shaped glacial valleys, morrain deposits, lakes and cirques, shaped by the action and movement of the ice masses as much as 30,000 years ago.
Chirripo's Peak is the highest mountain in the country, soaring to a height of 3,821 meters. The paramos of this elevation contain many varieties of stunted Andean-type woodland, consisting of shrubs, grasslands and perennial herbaceous plants. One of the most common species found here is the batamba. The largest trees include oak, sweet cedar, nargusta, elm, Poas magnolia, ira, cypress and manni
The fauna is astonishingly varied, with 263 species of amphibians and reptiles and about 400 types of birds observed to date. The largest concentration of tapirs in the country can be found here, plus the puma, jaguar, ocelot, jaguaroundi, white-lipped peccary and cacomistle.
The most noteworthy birds include the resplendent quetzal, crested eagle, red-tailed hawk, volcano hummingbird, black guan, crowned wren-thrush, elegant trogon and acorn woodpecker. Some of the most common amphibians and reptiles are the lizard and mountain salamander.
Taken together, the parks are estimated to be home to more than 60% of all the vertebrates and invertebrates in Costa Rica.
Special Activities
Most arriving at Mt. Chirripo do so to challenge
the 16 km hike to the summit, Central America's
highest peak. Depending on weather conditions
and your physical fitness, most climbers allocate
either 2 or 3 days for the hike, roundtrip.
The first two days are spent climbing to the
summit while the third day is set aside for
the descent. As with any climb of this nature,
prepare yourself properly and expect unpredictable
weather conditions. Warm clothing, rainwear,
hiking boots, a sleeping bag, flashlight,
food and sufficient fluids are a necessity.
The climb, particularly the first day, is
quite steep, therefore, the surrounding temperature
plunges quite dramatically. This temperature
shift is relected in the local flora and fauna.
On a clear day, the view from the summit is nothing short of spectacular. Weather permitting, both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean's are visible simultaneously. A cold lake at the summit provides a welcome relief after the long hard climb.
For those with additioanl personal belonging, leave them at the park ranger station before departing on your hike. The park rangers will gladly keep an eye on your personal belongings for you while you are hiking.
How To Get There
Comfortable public buses depart hourly from
San Jose to San Isidro. Buses to San Geraldo de Rivas
(Mt. Chirripo), from San Isidro depart twice
daily, early morning and mid afternoon. The
majority of the road in unpaved and steep.
Several small stores are situated along the
road where you can purchase last minute items
before your hike.
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