Chirripo National Park

Chirripo National Park located in the Talamanca Mountain Range, to about 20 km to the northeast of San Isidro of the General. It was established the 19 of August of 1975 by means of Law 5773. It covers an extension with 50,150 hectares.

The climate of the park is very variable , and depends specially on the altitude. In general he is very humid between May and December; and one becomes very dry and sunny in the months of January to April.

Cerro Chirripó was held sacred by pre-Columbian peoples. Tribal leaders and shamans performed rituals atop the lofty shrine; lesser mortals who ventured up Chirripó were killed. Magnetic fields are said to swing wildly at the top, particularly near Los Crestones, huge boulders thought to have been the most sacred of indigenous sites.

The park protects the superior river basin of the river Chirripó Pacific, affluent of the great river basin of the Térraba river; just like the superior river basin of Atlantic the Chirripó river, main affluent of the Matina river. The protection of these river basins with their infinity of brooks and springs provide down with security to settler waters, like water of high quality, as much for agricultural, industrial, recreational and hydroelectric use domestic.

Excessive wear and tear on the trails led the National Parks Service to begin phasing in new regulations in 1993. Only 60 visitors are allowed within the park at any one time (you may be told there's a waiting list; experienced hikers recommend showing up anyway as there are usually lots of no-shows). And nobody is allowed to hike without a guide. The park service is pushing the lesser-known Herradura Trail (minimum three days/two nights), via Paso de los Indios, with the first night atop Cerro Urán.

Weather

The weather is unpredictable and potentially dangerous--dress accordingly. The hike to the summit from San Gerardo ascends 2,500 meters. When the bitterly cold wind kicks in, watch out. Winds can approach 160 kph: the humidity and wind-chill factor can drop temperatures to -5° C. Rain is always a possibility, even in "dry season," and a short downpour usually occurs midafternoon. Fog is almost a daily occurrence at higher elevations, often forming in midmorning. And temperatures can fall below freezing at night (some of the lakes near the summit are a legacy of the glacial ages). Time your hiking right, however, and you should be close to shelter when needed. Who knows, you may have good weather the whole way; February and March are the driest months.