Chirripó National Park

Chirripó National Park Review

The main attraction of this national park is Mt. Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica and a mecca for both hikers and serious peak summiteers. If you want to take up the challenge, be sure to make arrangements well in advance. The number of hikers in the park each day is limited to 35. Twenty-five reservations are booked by telephone often months ahead and usually snapped up by locals and tour companies, leaving only 10 potential spaces (5 of which are held till the last minute for official use) for hikers who show up at the park. Without reservations, you can try your luck and check in at the San Gerardo ranger station, which grants entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum stay is three days, two nights ($10 per person per night).