about costa ricas highest peak

Cerro Chirripó is Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, standing at 12,533 feet above sea level. Hiking to the summit is a challenge—12.4 miles with over 7,218 feet of elevation gain—but the rewarding views at the top make every step worth it.

From its peak, clear days offer an incredible sight—both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, stretching out on opposite horizons. But reaching the summit takes careful planning, solid hiking gear, and proper preparation.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from trail conditions and gear recommendations to overnight stays at Crestones Base Camp—so you can experience the best of Cerro Chirripó National Park.

Getting to the Trailhead

The hike starts in San Gerardo de Rivas, a quiet mountain town at 4,593 feet elevation. Despite being the gateway to Chirripó, the town remains authentic and relaxed, catering mostly to hikers. There are a handful of budget-friendly lodges, a small market stocked with backpacking food, and even a local coffee tour if you arrive a day early.

From San Gerardo, it’s a short ride or walk to the park entrance, where all hikers must check in before 4 PM the day before starting the trek.

Day 1: The Ascent to Crestones Base Camp

The hike begins early in the morning, following a rugged trail that immediately starts climbing through dense cloud forests. Expect steep inclines and muddy terrain—especially after rainfall.

At mile 4, hikers reach the Chirripó National Park boundary, marking the entrance to some of Costa Rica’s most remote landscapes. From here, the trail passes Llano Bonito Refuge (mile 7.5), where hikers can refill water bottles before tackling the toughest sections:

• Cuesta de Agua (Water Slope) – A relentless uphill grind with few flat stretches.
• Monte Sin Fe (Faithless Mountain) – Long, exposed sections with dramatic ridge views.
• Cuesta de los Arrepentidos (Slope of Regret) – A fitting name for the final push before Crestones Base Camp.

Upon reaching Crestones Base Camp (mile 9), hikers are greeted by basic dormitory-style lodging, where temperatures hover around 40˚F at night. While blankets and sleeping bags are provided, it’s recommended to bring extra insulation.

Recommended Overnight Gear:

• Sea to Summit Spark SP Sleeping Bag – Lightweight and warm for cold nights.
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad – Compact insulation for better sleep.
• Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp – Essential for navigating the camp at night.

Day 2: Reaching the Summit

Most hikers set out before dawn, hoping to catch the sunrise from the summit. The final 3.4-mile push starts from Crestones Base Camp, winding through Valle de Conejos (Rabbit Valley) before reaching the steep scramble to the top.

Once at the summit, the reward is undeniable—an unmatched panoramic view of Costa Rica’s glacier-carved valleys and alpine lakes.

Best Hiking Gear for Summit Day:

• Osprey Exos 48 Backpack – Lightweight and spacious for multi-day hikes.
• Black Diamond Trail Ergo Trekking Poles – Helps with steep inclines.
• Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulated Jacket – Wind-resistant warmth for high-altitude conditions.

Clothing for Chirripó’s Changing Weather

Temperatures near the summit range between 40˚–65˚F (4˚–18˚C) during the day but can drop below freezing at night. Layering is key to staying comfortable.

Essential Hiking Layers:

• Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer – Breathable and warm for early mornings.
• Columbia Omni-Heat Thermal Gloves – Essential for cold nights at Crestones Base Camp.
• Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket – Waterproof protection for unpredictable weather.
• Convertible Pants – Lightweight and breathable for changing temperatures.

Best Hiking Boots for Rocky Trails:

Chirripó’s terrain requires supportive, durable hiking boots that can handle elevation gain.

• Salomon Hiking Boots – Waterproof and designed for long treks.
• Scarpa Zodiac Boots – Excellent grip on steep trails.
• Merrell Moab Hiking Boots – Affordable and reliable for beginner hikers.

Electronics for Documenting Your Journey

Capturing the stunning landscapes of Chirripó requires lightweight, durable electronics that can withstand the elements.

Compact Travel Cameras:

• Sony Cyber Shot Camera – High-quality images in a pocket-sized design.
• GoPro Hero 12 Black – Perfect for action shots and waterproof filming.
• DJI Mini Drone – Lightweight drone for stunning aerial footage.

Portable Storage & Backup:

• SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD – Fast, durable storage for photos and videos.
• RAVPower FileHub Wireless Travel Router – Backup files without a laptop.

Power & Charging Solutions:

Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger – High-capacity charging for long travel days.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter – Works in 150+ countries with multiple USB ports.

Packing Essentials & Food Options

Hikers at Crestones Base Camp can purchase meals ($10 breakfast, $13 lunch/dinner), but bringing your own food is recommended. Since cooking in the kitchen is no longer allowed, meals should be cold-prepped or easily heated.

Recommended Food & Cooking Supplies:

• Jetboil Flash Cooking System – Rapid boiling for dehydrated meals.
• BearVault BV500 Canister – Protects food from wildlife.
• Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier – Boosts electrolytes for high-altitude hiking.

Water must be filtered, as sources along the trail can carry bacteria.

• Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System – Compact and reliable for purifying natural sources.
• Katadyn BeFree Water Filter – Fast-flowing and ideal for refilling along the hike.

Final Thoughts: Educate, Equip, Explore

Hiking Cerro Chirripó is not an easy trek, but with the right preparation and gear, it becomes an unforgettable journey. By taking the time to educate yourself on the trail conditions, selecting gear that equips you for the challenge, and embracing the opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s rugged landscapes, you ensure a safe and successful ascent.