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Chirripó National Park
Written by Ulises Pacheco
Sunday, 14 September 2008 12:15
Chirripo means "Land of the Eternal Waters''. On August 19th, 1975, Chirripo National Park was officially established. The Park was declared a "Biosphere Reserve'' by the UNESCO in 1982 and of the “World Heritage Sites” in 1983.
Chirripó Parque Nacional protects 50,150 hectares of high-elevation terrain surrounding Cerro Chirripó (3,819 meters), Central America's highest peak. The park is contiguous with La Amistad International Peace Park to the south; together they form the Amistad-Talamanca Regional Conservation Unit.
Cloud forest, above 2,500 meters, covers almost half the park, which features three distinct life zones; the park is topped off by sub alpine rainy páramo, marked by contorted dwarf trees and marshy grasses that dry out on the Pacific slopes January-May. Much of this area still bears the scars of a huge fire that raged across 2,000 hectares in April 1992. The region is still trying to recover from this and even worse fires in 1976 and 1985.
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. This is a very powerful reason why people keep visiting this place, besides its surroundings.
Many Ticos choose to hike the mountain during the week presiding Easter, when the weather is usually dry. Avoid holidays, when the huts may be full. The hike is not the easiest one, but it does not require technical expertise. The trails are well marked, and basic mountain huts are close to the summit. You must stay overnight in San Gerardo de Rivas, where you begin your hike early the next day.
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 weather is unpredictable and potentially dangerous. That’s why it is important to dress accordingly. 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. February and March are the driest months.
Other prudent recommendations include using a sunscreen with at least 45 SPF, carry a canteen with drinking water at all the time (you can replenish your water supply at the Talari River), bring warm clothes and rain jacket, and food that is light, nutritious and easy to prepare. Gas stoves and cooking utensils can be rented at the base camp. Pack as little as possible because in the end, you will have to carry it all back down the mountain.
Chirripó Parque Nacional protects 50,150 hectares of high-elevation terrain surrounding Cerro Chirripó (3,819 meters), Central America's highest peak. The park is contiguous with La Amistad International Peace Park to the south; together they form the Amistad-Talamanca Regional Conservation Unit.
Cloud forest, above 2,500 meters, covers almost half the park, which features three distinct life zones; the park is topped off by sub alpine rainy páramo, marked by contorted dwarf trees and marshy grasses that dry out on the Pacific slopes January-May. Much of this area still bears the scars of a huge fire that raged across 2,000 hectares in April 1992. The region is still trying to recover from this and even worse fires in 1976 and 1985.
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. This is a very powerful reason why people keep visiting this place, besides its surroundings.
Many Ticos choose to hike the mountain during the week presiding Easter, when the weather is usually dry. Avoid holidays, when the huts may be full. The hike is not the easiest one, but it does not require technical expertise. The trails are well marked, and basic mountain huts are close to the summit. You must stay overnight in San Gerardo de Rivas, where you begin your hike early the next day.
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 weather is unpredictable and potentially dangerous. That’s why it is important to dress accordingly. 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. February and March are the driest months.
Other prudent recommendations include using a sunscreen with at least 45 SPF, carry a canteen with drinking water at all the time (you can replenish your water supply at the Talari River), bring warm clothes and rain jacket, and food that is light, nutritious and easy to prepare. Gas stoves and cooking utensils can be rented at the base camp. Pack as little as possible because in the end, you will have to carry it all back down the mountain.