2025 Guide to Hiking Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica through San Gerardo de Rivas
Last updated on September 9th, 2024
Cerro Chirripó, located in the Talamanca mountain range, stands at an impressive 3,820 meters (12,533 feet), making it the highest point in Costa Rica.
This majestic peak is part of Chirripó National Park, which was established in 1975 and covers an area of 50,950 hectares (125,900 acres).
For adventure enthusiasts, hiking Chirripó Mountain offers an unforgettable experience with stunning landscapes such as Sabana de los Leones, Valle de las Morrenas, Cerro Ventisqueros, Valle de los Conejos, and Los Crestones.
Before you start planning your Cerro Chirripó hike, check out these helpful blog posts:
–Cerro Chirripo Preparation & Planning Guide
– How to Make Reservations for Cerro Chirripo National Park
–Dealing with Altitude Sickness
Safety, Arrangements & Personal Preparation before hiking Chirripó
After you make your reservation to hike Cerro Chirripo, there are a few things you must consider to prepare for your hike:
Use the Bag Service
After your reservation is confirmed, you’ll be instructed by CRC Chirripó to register and pick up your permits for Cerro Chirripó at the SINAC office in San Gerardo.
Next, collect your lodging and meal tickets at the CRC Chirripó office. (If you’re unfamiliar with CRC Chirripó and SINAC, check out our blog on [How to Make Reservations for Cerro Chirripó National Park].)
If you’re not planning to carry all your bags to the base camp, you’ll need to drop them off at the CRC Chirripó office.
For a fee, CRC Chirripó offers a service where locals will transport your bags to the top via horseback.
We highly recommend using this service, so you don’t have to carry extra clothes, food, or other items you won’t need during the hike. Note that there is a fee for this service (2,713.15 colones $5.08 USD per kilo, each way).
Stay Nearby
The first challenge of your hike is the 14 km (8.7 miles) trek up to Crestones Base Camp. To ensure you’re well-rested and prepared, we recommend staying close to Chirripó National Park the night before your hike.
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to pick up your entrance passes and drop off your bags the day before the hike. Therefore, it’s best to stay in one of the hotels in San Gerardo de Rivas or San Jerónimo.
We stayed at Hotel Uran, which is conveniently located just 500 meters (0.30 miles) from the park entrance. It was an ideal spot for our pre-hike stay. However, if your car isn’t a 4WD, you may encounter some difficulty with the last stretch of the road leading to the hotel.
There are also other recommended hotels in the area, so you’ll have options depending on your preferences.
Safety and Preparation Tips
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or tackling this type of challenge for the first time, these tips will help you prepare for a successful hike:
- Eat a meal rich in carbohydrates the night before, like pasta, to fuel your body.
- Pack essentials such as mosquito repellent, sunscreen, snacks, water, and electrolyte pills.
- Prevent blisters with Vaseline, and bring pain ointment for possible aches.
- Get a good night’s sleep and wake up early.
- Use plenty of sunscreen since UV exposure can be intense at higher altitudes.
- Keep in mind that altitude sickness is a possibility, so listen to your body.
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The Hike: From San Gerardo de Rivas to Crestones Base Camp
Day 1: The Journey Begins
We woke up at 4 am to prepare for the hike. After a traditional Gallo Pinto breakfast, we set off around 5:30 am.
The early start meant it was still cool, and while it warmed up as the sun rose, a sweater wasn’t necessary at first.
We began the hike to Crestones Base Camp, a trek that covers 14 kilometers (8.7 miles).
Kilometer #1 and #2
When you start the trail, the first part is an open area where some properties are private and the owners have cattle. Since there are not many trees, there is not much shade to cover from the sun. As soon you get to kilometer number 2, you will notice how the trail gets covered by some trees and shade.
The first two kilometers are really steep. For me and our group, it was really surprising to start the hike like this. We were thinking that the trail would be flat at first and then the steep parts would come later.
So take the first part easy. Don’t rush. Enjoy the view while you are hiking up, especially if you have already eaten your breakfast.
Between kilometer #3 through #6, there is not much to worry about. You will be warm and there will some flat parts on the trail. However, be ready to use your mosquito repellent.
Kilometer #7
After hiking all this time, the best place where you can get is called “Llano Bonito.” We highly recommend that you REST and HYDRATE there. And remember: take your time.
Actually, this is half way up to Crestones’ Base Camp. Some people are not conscious about what’s coming next after this stop. We noticed that some people didn’t stop and just continued hiking. They were probably in better condition than we were (we are not professionals on this yet 😉 ), so we preferred to stay at Llano Bonito for 30 minutes.
Basically, Llano Bonito has a little cafeteria in the middle of the forest where you can buy cookies, coffee, drinks and much more. The prices are a little bit more expensive compared to the ones you can find in the town, but it makes sense because the administration of Consorcio brings everything up the mountain by horses.
Also, this is a good place to stretch and use pain ointment, if you have some. We brought tomato juice and some “Sal Andrews.” Both are suggested for preventing any muscle aches, so we used both.
Kilometer #8
This section is called “Cuesta del Agua.” As soon you start this part of the trail, be prepared for going up and up and up without any flat part. If it has been raining in the area, the trail will be muddy and some parts will be slippery. That’s where you really need your hiking boots.
That’s why we really suggest taking your time at Llano Bonito. Cuesta del Agua is a really hard kilometer. It feels eternal. Be slow and constant; this helps a lot. My group and I agreed that this is a difficult part.
Kilometer #9
Some parts are steep and others are flat. It will be humid, and there is big vegetation as well. Stop and rest when you need it. Drink water and eat snacks or candies or chocolates. That will give you sufficient energy so you can spend it in the next kilometers.
Kilometers #10 , #11 and #12
Here, the forest and altitude start to change completely. This is an open area where the forest has smaller vegetation. Trees are not tall anymore and the shade starts to disappear.
If you start the hike early in the morning, at this point, the local time might be 10 am or 11 am. And, depending on the season of the year, the weather could be really sunny (make sure to use the sunblock) However, as Costa Ricans, we are used to sunny mornings and rainy afternoons.
Kilometer #12.5, #13
This is “Los Arrepentidos,” the beginning of a really difficult part. At this point, you’ve already hiked 12 kilometers (7.45 miles), so it’s hard to be mentally prepared for walking this really steep part of the trail for 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) more.
Even how that kilometer was named doesn’t give any motivation at all. “Los Arrepentidos” means The Repentants.
When you get to this point, we really recommend that you stop for a while. Actually, me, Ligia, Mainor and Jafeth stayed there for 25 minutes. Mainor felt some pain in his right leg, so he used some ointment for it.
Ligia was in charge of carrying the chocolates, so we ate some and also the granola bars.
After resting all that time, we started slowly and we kept it all the way up to kilometer #13.
Kilometer #14
After we reached the sign that said that we were at kilometer 13, we kept walking on that steep trail for 200 meters (0.12 miles) more until it became flat. Hiking that flat part of the trail until we reached kilometer #14 sign and Crestones Base Camp was a glorious feeling.
Once you finish the difficult hike, you will get to see Crestones mountain and also the base camp.
Congrats to all those who had made it to the base camp and the best of the luck for those who are going to do it.
Crestones Base Camp: accommodation, food, bathrooms and more
Crestones Base Camp, located at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet), is a dormitory-style hotel that accommodates up to 52 guests.
It offers beds, bathrooms, showers, a communal dining area, and limited solar-powered electricity.
As soon as we got to the base camp, we wanted to eat. We were so HUNGRY! However, we had to register first and pick up our bags that were brought by the horses. Remember? That extra money we paid for the service the day before was well worth it after the 14 km (8.7 miles) hike.
Our bag that was brought to the base camp had Ligia’s and my clothes and the weight was 13 kilograms (29 pounds).
Also, we carried a bag with our camera and lenses. The weight for that one was 11 kilograms (24 pounds).
Now, let’s talk about the accommodations at Crestones Base Camp:
The rooms
The rooms are for 4 people with 2 bunk beds. This is a really important detail because if you’re by yourself, you will need to share space with other people.
When I made the reservation for my group, I asked for one room for all of us, since there were 4 of us.
There aren’t lockers and the rooms are not locked either. People who visit Chirripo National Park are respectful of things that belong to others.
However, we always kept our bags closed and inside a small closet that was inside our room.
When you register at the basecamp, the lady or gentleman at the reception will give you a sleeping bag. Also, each bed has clean blankets and pillow cases already.
However, that might not be enough for getting warm from the cold weather. The temperature can get down to -5 Celsius (23 Fahrenheit).
So, during the night, most of us wore socks, long-sleeve shirts and more layers.
The bathrooms
The only bathrooms in the basecamp are public. There are no rooms with private bathrooms, and the showers are also in the same space.
Whenever one of us used the bathroom or the shower, we locked the main door (everyone does).
The water is completely cold. The kitchen even has a sign that says “NO ASK FOR HOT WATER.” Lol.
The cold water made everyone think twice about taking a shower.
But, what I (Rodrigo) mainly did was shower my legs. After some reading, I found out that this is recommended for blood circulation and to help avoid leg cramps after long hikes.
The food
When you register at the camp, you get a basic menu that shows the schedule for the food that will be served during each day of the week.
Most of the food has rice and beans plus something else.
Typical Costa Rican food is simple and it has some options like rice with chicken, olla de carne, casado and more.
If you have any dietary restrictions, I will HIGHLY recommend you notify the administration of Cerro Chirripo National Park when you make your reservation.
Our friend Jafeth is vegetarian and they served him really good options.
Common areas
Hikers use a dining room and some tables that are outside of the base camp. After people return from their hike or after they finish their meal, most of them sit around these areas and talk to each other and meet other visitors from other countries or even from different parts of Costa Rica.
The Internet connection is AWFUL.
At the main building, there is a free WIFI connection.
However, as I said, this is really slow and bad for downloads, uploads or communicating with somebody.
Also, if you are a photographer or love photography, there’s good news for you: just outside of the base camp, it’s possible to photograph the Milky Way. (The best months for this are April and May).
Electricity
After dinner, the administrator and rangers turn off the electricity of the camp at 8pm. That does not mean you need to go to bed. Anyone can stay in the dining room and keep socializing with others.
Keep in mind that you are sleeping in a base camp in Chirripo National Park (in the mountains).
The Costa Rican government and SINAC have different regulations for protected areas, and one of the most important is the conservation and preservation of wildlife and natural resources. That’s why they turn off the electricity every night.
Hiking to Cerro Chirripó Summit, Cerro Terbi and Cerro Crestones in one day
Before all our planning to Cerro Chirripó National Park, one day I (Rodrigo) was talking to my friend Verny who has visited this place several times.
His recommendation was simple and easy. He said: “After you get to the base camp, the first day, don’t go anywhere. (This helps you to avoid Altitude Sickness too)
Just rest and recover for next day for hike the Chirripo Summit and also make sure to visit Cerro Terbi and Crestones in the same day”
I am glad that he shared that with me. It worked well for me and my group.
The hike from Crestones Base Camp to Chirripo Summit is about 5.5 km (3.4 miles).
Most hikers wake up early to see the sunrise at the summit, and that’s what we wanted. So, that day, we woke up around 2 am.
Everyone was wearing their special clothes for the cold temperature.
Actually, the thermometer outside of the building showed that it was around 2 Celsius (35.6 Fahrenheit). That was so cold for us as Costa Ricans.
When we started our hike to the summit, it was still dark, so we brought our headlamps.
The first 3km were flat, however, some parts of the trail were confusing, so we hiked straight until “Valle Los Conejos,” where there was a sign that indicated to turn left.
Honestly, the last part of the trail was a bit rough.
The last 300 meters are more like a climb than a hike. (This is something I want to mention just to let you know, not to scare you. We actually encourage you to do this trip.)
The Summit
As soon we got to the summit, we could not be happier. We had tears in our eyes. It’s this feeling of achieving our goal even when there were difficult circumstances.
There are some feelings that are difficult to describe. Have you experienced that? Well, that’s what I experienced while I sat on a rock and just waited for the sunrise.
I had so much joy in my heart. It was almost 5 am and we could see how the sun was coming out slowly. We stayed up there for around 1.5 hours.
We signed the log and took some pictures and admired the beauty of nature. It’s not possible to hike the decline without stopping every 5 steps. We wanted to take pictures of everything.
That day, we had a lunch box with us, plus some snacks and fruits that we brought.
Basically, we were eating as much as we needed it. Our lunch box had 2 sandwiches, an orange juice, and fruits. *This is what they gave us the day before at the base camp.
Cerro Terbi & Cerro Crestones
After getting down the mountain, we followed the trail that took us to Cerro Terbi. Again, there were some flat parts in the trail, but as soon as we were getting closer to the top of Cerro Terbi, it was steeper. However, the view, the trail, the vegetation and the weather made us enjoy every moment.
We signed the log and took some pictures as well and continued the hike to Cerro Crestones, which was really visible from Terbi.
It took us around 20 minutes to get to Cerro Crestones.
Hiking down to the base camp was pretty simple, however, the rain showed up, so we had to use our rain jackets and ponchos.
We got to the base camp around 1:30pm, just in time to take our lunch.
Note: Lunch is served until 2pm
After lunch, we rested all afternoon while it was raining.
Coffee and hot chocolate are sold for a reasonable price, so sitting in the common area and talking with other hikers while you enjoy a really good cup of coffee is part of the experience as well.
When the night arrives, I highly recommend everyone enjoy the stars. I brought my camera (Nikon D800) plus my lens 24-70mm and my tripod. So I spent my time taking pictures of the milky way.
Hiking to Cerro Ventisqueros Summit and getting back to the beginning
Since we did a long hike of 16 km (10 mi approximately) the day before, all of us were sore. Everything hurt! Lol.
However, Jafeth and I wanted to see the sunrise at Ventiqueros. We heard that it was beautiful, and we did not want to miss it.
So, we woke up around 3:30 am and met with other 3 guys who wanted to go as well.
Cerro Ventisqueros was closer than Chirripo Summit, but it was a difficult trail as well.
A good part of the trail was rocky and steep. However, Jafeth and I plus the other 3 guys reached the summit of Ventiqueros just in time to see the sunrise.
After staying up there for a while, we decided to come down.
It took us around 1 hour to get to the base camp. It was time for a delicious breakfast with gallo pinto, scrambled eggs, fried plantains, and coffee.The breakfast for CHAMPIONS!!!😀
The trail down
That morning, before we left for Ventisqueros, we put in a specific space the bag with the clothes and things to be taken down from the base camp to the Consorcio office by the horses.
So, as soon we ate our breakfast and as soon my group was ready, we left the base camp and said our last “See you soon” to this magical place.
The trail on the way back to the beginning was really rough for some people. It takes some people 10 to 12 hours to finish the trail.
It took Mainor, Ligia, Jafeth and I around 5 to 8 hours. Jafeth had a pain in his knee, so that made us go slowly, but it was ok.
However, when we were in the middle of the trail, it started to rain, and that made the trail really slippery in some parts. So that slowed us down a lot too.
So it took us more time than we thought, but independently of that, I can say that when we finished this hike, we could not be happier.
Finally, we got back to Hotel Uran. It was time to shower, change our clothes, eat a good casado and prepare for our return to the capital (San Jose).
Conclusions
This hike is difficult, and it may not be for everyone. However, the level adrenaline that you get when you are hiking to the summit is amazing. And it’s inspiring to hear the stories of other people who made it. It’s amazing! Hearing those stories makes your adventurous spirit grow up.
We hope you will visit Cerro Chirripo National Park if you get the chance. And we hope this post helps you prepare for a wonderful hike!
Bravo Rodrigo!! 🙂
Hola!! Excellent description of the Chirripo adventure. I went to the summit of Chirripo earlier this month (absolutely amazing!) and plan to go to the summit of Veintisqueros in July to celebrate my 71st birthday. I will be hiking alone. Can you give any tips for the hike from the base camp to the Veintisqueros summit? Is the trail well marked the entire way? I will be starting up at around 3:00am. It’s not as well traveled and I’d hate to get lost! Thanks Robert
Thank you for this informative post!
I’m returning to CR this summer. Hiking Chirripo has been on my list for quite a while but I’m not sure if July is the best time to do it. What do you think?
Hi Tracey! To be honest we highly recommend doing it in our summer from January to April. Start the booking process in October, mainly for 2 reasons:
1. It will be hard almost impossible to find reservations available for July.
2. The weather is better and less rain during the summer.
If you still want to visit the Chirripo area you can do Cloudbridge a reserve that is next to the National Park and explore the area.
Hope you can do Chirripo one day! Enjoy Costa Rica
Very inspiring and helpful description of your hike.
We are considering this trip in early 2021.
Do you know if the park is closed in 2020 and even further?
Hello Torben,
Thanks for your words. Actually we need to update this blog, hopefully, this year we can visit Chirripo again.
Right now, all national parks are closed however we know that after quarantine, the government will allow people to visit them again and hope everything gets a little similar as normal it was.
Is it not possible to hike between Feb 14, 2020 to Dec 31, 2020?
It looks like maybe there is some contract that expired w/ the government and Sinac or Chirripo?
Really beautiful blog. Our team is planning Cerro Chirripo for 2020. I feel this blog has given me the most information all in one place.
Thanks for the info. I hope to read more of your adventures. You can also read my own hiking blog at joewilderness.ca
Your trip to the summit sounds emotional and magical, I can’t wait for my own adventure!
Hey Joe, that’s great! That you and your team are planning to visit Cerro Chirripo. This place is so beautiful and actually, we are planning for visiting it again. Definitely, our first time was one of the most emotional hikes that we have done.
Glad that the information is helpful and hopefully that can help you a little bit for planning your trip. I was checking your blog and IG and it looks great.
Happy hikes and adventures to you and team!
Bonjour Rodrigo 🙂
Merci pour toutes ses informations qui sont complètes et précises. J’aurais cependant une petite question. Il se trouve que j’aimerai beaucoup grimper cette montagne mais je n’ai concrètement presque aucune expérience dans ce domaine… J’aurais savoir si cela est faisable pour une débutante motivée ?
Merci beaucoup pour ton aide 🙂
Bonjour Raeffelle,
L’expérience est utile, mais l’expérience n’est pas une limite pour visiter cet endroit. Quand comptez-vous vous y rendre? Un seul sentier doit être emprunté de l’entrée jusqu’au camp de base.
Désolé, j’utilise Google Translate.
Cordialement,
Hola chicos..q buena nota todos estos comentarios.
My question is:
How many days and nights did you need in total?
I want to know from the beginning. Since you were driving from your house until San Gerardo. And then the days you were hiking until you get again to the hotel.
Thanks a lot
Hi Rodrigo,
I wonder if you can help me. I have just managed to book two tickets for three days/two nights via the San Jerónimo sector. Where do we go for the start? And do we still need to go to the ranger station in San Gerardo de Rivas a day before? I do not speak any Spanish but have wiggled my way through with google translate and seem to have successfully completed the tickets as well as the accommodation in Crestones Base Camp and paid for it all via my VISA card.
I don’t seem to be able to find much information about this alternative route up though. Can we climb that by ourselves? Or do we need to go up with a guide and also is it possible to book a porter. Any help would be much appreciated.
thank you for the descriptive detail. I am hiking it on Aug 19th and am stoked.
Tulsa,OK USA
Your welcome, Ryan! We hope that you have a great time hiking up to Chirripo. Pura Vida.
This is the best description of this hike I’ve read yet. So helpful! We are climbing May 3&4, 2018 (next week!!). I tried 3 years ago, and was not fit at all. My friends and I only made it to km5! After a year of fitness training, we’re ready to go. So glad to know they serve food at Crestones (and it looks like they sell t-shirts too!). We are only staying one night and hiking down the next day. Very, very excited for this climb! Thank you for the wonderful information!!
Wao Kira! So exciting news!!! You will love it!!! I am glad that you are trying again and that the information is useful! Wishing you the best to conquer the highest mountain in Costa Rica!! Yes, they have food but remember to pre-arrange with the Consortium and a souvenir is worth it to remember such a cool experience!!! Looking forward to her how the trip was.
Hi! Looks absolutely amazing, I want to do this hike myself as well in May.
Some questions: do you think it would be dangerous for a female to go by herself? And do you know if there is some form of private transportation to the town instead of public bus?
Thank you!
Marie
Hey Marie!!! Regarding whether it is dangerous or not, I felt pretty safe as female, in part because usually, you get to meet people in the hotel-hostel you are staying at, Actually, I met a girl that was there by herself and she joined other travelers.
There are parts that you may be by yourself but you will find a rest stop in the middle of the trail and people coming through so you always feel there are people around.
Private transportation is possible to arrange in Costa Rica and the prices vary a lot depending on where are you staying before your night in San Gerardo de Rivas, which is the town that you need stay before starting the hike. We stayed in hotel Uran which is next to the entrance of the trail.
For example, if you are staying in San Jose the price for private transportation may be around $180 – $250.
Another option that might be cheaper is to rent a car and you can leave it in the parking lot of the hotel. In our case, they didn´t charge extra.
Hope the information is helpful!
Thanks for the extensive guide, we will be hiking Cerro Chirripo next month and hope to have the same amazing experience! Do you have any idea how long the descent will take, from Cerro Chirripo all the way back to the park entrance? We are planning on going to Corcovado Park (we have our own vehicle and 3 people who can drive), but not sure if that’s doable..
Hey, Jeffrey! Thanks for reading our post… Hope, it will be helpful… Also, it’s great that you are going to Chirripo, definitely, you and your friends will enjoy it. About your question: I will say that it could take around 4 or 5 hours to go down to the entrance. Actually, that’s what we were expecting when we left the base camp after the breakfast. However, our friend had a problem in his knee and it took us around 10 hours + heavy rain.
Driving from San Gerardo de Rivas to Corcovado, it’s a long drive, but if 3 people are driving, I think could be possible. But if you decide to stop in a place for overnight, I recommend somewhere in Dominical. Are you going to Puerto Jimenez or Sierpe? Or are you staying at Drake Bay? There are several places near to Corcovado, so that’s why I ask you. Whenever info you need, let us know, we might help. Pura Vida!
Most of my family aren’t hikers or particularly into ‘extreme’ exercise like this (we prefer small, flatish walks). One of us is also unable to go above 1500m so the tallest mountain in Costa Rica wouldn’t really be possible for us. But wow does it look stunning. It’s great that you managed to see the sunrise from Cerro Ventisqueros. Well done on your accomplishment. It sounds like the type of hike my daughter might have done for her Duke of Edinburgh award.
WAO Rhonda I was reading more about the Duke of Edinburgh award. It sounds amazing congratulations to your daughter. Costa Rica has smaller hikes that I hope one day you can come to enjoy it but we realized if we don’t do it now later we won’t challenge ourselves. Thanks for reading!!!
In Vietnam we also have a mountain with nearly the same hight and same pride (highest one in Indochina). The trekking is super great acrossing different rain forests. Unluckily we have made a cable car line to the top and the trip to the top is only 15 minutes instead of one day like before. I am glad Costa Rica is still able to keep Cerro Chirripo great for the beautiful hiking
Thanks for reading our post! The hiking experience up to the summit makes this trip unforgettable. Local people are organized for making this a great trip and hopefully, this will keep like that and they don’t build anything similar to Vietnam in order to protect the forest.
This was indeed an epic hike. Climbing to a height of 12,533 feet is indeed a great achievement and speaks volumes of your grit and determination. The feeling of bliss when you set foot on the summit must indeed be something really out of the world. Your post is an excellent narrative of your experience as well as a valuable guide for people looking to hike the Cerro Chirripo National park.
Thank you Sandy! You know what we are talking about, a bliss when you set the foot on the summit. My tears almost came when I saw we made it!
wow thanks for the detailed post about the trail as I had no idea there are so many beautiful places and mountain in Costa Rica! Great insights for accomodation at San Gerardo de Rivas and congratulations for completing the trail and reaching the summit. The scene must be amazing up there ??????? @ knycx.journeying
It really was. Definitely a lifetime experience they say that in summer you can see the two oceans Pacific and Atlantic! Hope that you can visit us in Costa Rica one day!
What an amazing experience. Not sure if I could get back up for an early morning sunrise after a long day of hiking the day before. Congratulations on accomplishing such a challenge AND such a beautiful hike.
Thank you Sara! I didn’t thought either that I was able to get back that early bu we did it!