We were supposed to hike Chirripo but it's closed for all of June for repairs. (boo-hoo) We need to find someplace in the vicinity to go. Any suggestions of something similar? We want to do some serious hiking and we were hoping to sleep at the hostel in the rain forest.

Has anyone been to Parque Nacional de Tapanti by Cartago?

Chirripo is not closed for repairs, just the ranger's cabinas on the summit where you can sleep over. The trails are there and if you want some serious hiking, this is the place.Olympic teams from around the world train here. You can stay at Francisco Elizondo's cabinas y soda el descanso in San Geraldo de Rivas where your trek begins. The family-managed place is very, very modest and clean and not expensive with great typical food. I stayed there in 2003 during the annual marathon and enjoyed the simplicity very much. Francisco is a former winner of the 42 kilometer run and he has a photo album in the resto with Chirripo marathon memories. Plus, this gentle man can offer so much interesting information on the park. Also, there is a natural hot thermal spa which is a nice hike from San Geraldo. Francisco can give the directions.
As for Tapanti, it is usually very foggy and wet hiking in this range.

Evidently, Chirripo is the ultimate.

Samuele

Maybe you know something I don't know. But I called a few days ago and they said the entire park is closed to hikers from the very bottom up. Where did you hear that it's open?

Do you have an email address for Francisco?

Thanks for any information!

http://costa-rica-guide.com/parks/chirripo.htm

Hi sukiduper,
Copy and Paste the link to see a review about Francisco's place and photo of family. His place is 200 meters from the park entrance and since he is a figure there, the park is not closed to locals who want to hike or tourists with connections. You must sign a register and pay $7 that's all. I stayed in Santa Rosa Reserve which was supposedly closed and stayed 5 nights camping. The ranger even made us coffee in the morning because he found his days long.

Samuele,
THANK YOU for the great information! I will definitely contact Francisco, or just look him up when we arrive. How was the Santa Rosa reserve? I haven't heard of it?

Do you think we should do a day in alto quepos and then some day hikes out of San Gerardo? Originally we were going to arrive in San Gerardo, sleep there, hike up Chirippo and sleep there for two nights, hike down and sleep in San Gerardo. We have three FULL days to hike, etc. I'd love any advice.

Thanks!

Samuele,

I'm the Costa Rica Guide who's page you recommend for information on Chirripo and Frnciscos's wonderful little place (http://costa-rica-guide.com/parks/chirripo.htm).

It's great to hear that he's finally outdone the international professional competition and won the race since he was obviously a little frustrated with his collection of second and third place trophies last time we visited.

I've been trying for a few weeks to get some first hand information on the official opening status of the park and trails. Can you enter? Can you stay at the refugio?

Thanks
Ray