So hiking Chirripo, Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, is on your bucket list? If not, it should be!
The hike to the summit of Chirripo is one of my favorite Costa Rica adventures. And an adventure it truly is! First of all, plan on at least two days to do it. I have done it twice and both times I hiked up to Base Crestones, spent the night, then hiked to the summit and back the next day.
I recommend, however, that you spend two nights at Base Crestones. That way the hike back down doesn’t kill you and you have more time to see some of the other sites up there, other than just the summit of Chirripo, Costa Rica tallest peak at 3,820 meters.
So what do you need to know? Well, first off you have to have a reservation at Base Crestones. That is the “base camp” where you will spend the night prior to making the summit. They only take a very limited number of reservations in advance per month, so don’t be surprised if you are told there is no space. But, there probaby is. That’s because they always hold 10 spaces per day for walk-ins. To get a walk-in space it is best to go the day (or even 2 days) before you plan to hike and buy your tickets. You will be charged the park entrance fee ($15), plus a nightly rate for Base ($10).
What do you need to bring? Well, for one thing pack light, very light. The hike is rough. Very inclined almost the entire way and it will take you about 7-8 hours to get to Base Crestones with all your gear. The next day hike up to the summit is much easier (well, except for the last 500 meters) and you won’t be lugging your gear, which makes it all the better.
You will need to bring food and water. There is a stopping spot about halfway called Llano Bonito where you can get potable water and at Base Crestone you can as well. However, there is no food at Base Crestones. You must bring your own. I recommend protein and high carb stuff like tuna, nuts and protein bars. They do have cooking utensils, but if you want heat, you have to bring your own gas.
Last time I was there we got lucky in that there was a group of ticos who offered to cook meals for a price. We didn’t bring that much food and had no gas, so we took them up for dinner and then breakfast the next morning. We were lucky, so don’t assume you’ll be as well.
You will also need to bring a sleeping bag. I highly suggest one that doesn’t add too much to the weight of your gear. I found that out the hard way. Make sure to wear really good and comfortable hiking boots. A walking stick is highly recommended, especially on the descent.
I also recommend one or two flashlights and replacement batteries. A first aid kit is also a good idea.
It gets cold, very cold, at night. But during the day the sun beats down and it can get quite hot. So you need clothes for both climate extremes. And certainly don’t forget the camera!
Hiking Chirripo is one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary experiences. You will pass through virtually every eco-system that exists in the country. If you get lucky and summit on a very clear day, it is possible to see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean sea.
The flora and fauna are amazing. And the endurance it takes to make the trek will have you feeling very fulfilled once you complete your journey.
It can be painful, but well worth it!
Link to My Latest Chirripo Conquest Photo Set
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