GENERAL INFORMATION

One of the most interesting geomorphologic findings that has been discovered in Chirripó, is the modeled and varied glacial shapes, such as U-shaped valleys, morains, glacial terraces, lakes and glacial circus, witnesses of the passage of great tongues of ice, with an extension of no more than 203 km, whose action dates back some 25,000 years.

In this park is located the highest mountain of the country, the Chirripó peak, with 3,820 m.a.s.l. The highest parts are exposed to strong winds, frost, frequent drizzles and abrupt changes of temperature. The lowest temperature recorded in Chirripó and the country has been 9°C below zero.

LOCATION

The Chirripó National Park is located on the Talamanca Mountian Range, to the northwest of San Isidro de El General and covers an extension of 50,120 ha. forming part of La Amistad Pacífico Conservation Area.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Within the park there are life zones such as the paramo, and the cloud and moist forests. In the higher part there are six areas of great scenic beauty, of geological and ecological importance: Sabana de los Leones, Valle de las Morenas, Ventisqueros Peak, Chirripó Peak, Valle de los Lagos and Valle de los Conejos.

The cloud forest is characterized by high contents of arborescent ferns, mosses, bromeliads, palm trees and orchids, distributed in different areas of the park. Among the animals you can find are: peccaries, squirrels, pumas, jaguars, tapirs, rabbits, salamanders, as well as a great variety of birds.

SERVICES OFFERED

General information, potable water, restrooms, trails, look-outs, lodging for 60 persons and local guides.