Southern Costa Rica Attractions
Inland southern Costa Rica is dominated by the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range. The area is of specific interest to climbers, as several mountains over 3,000m/9,840ft are found in the region. Chirripó Mountain (3,820m/12,530ft) is Costa Rica's highest peak and is one of the country's top attractions. This region covers parts of both the Puntarenas and San José provinces.
National parks and biological reserves are the major attractions in this region. The largest population of indigenous peoples are found in southern Costa Rica, and there are several indigenous reserves. Also found here is the largest national protected area, La Amistad International Park, which continues across the Panamanian border.
National parks and biological reserves are the major attractions in this region. The largest population of indigenous peoples are found in southern Costa Rica, and there are several indigenous reserves. Also found here is the largest national protected area, La Amistad International Park, which continues across the Panamanian border.
Avalon Private Reserve
Covering 150ha/370ac of cloud forest, this nature reserve offers observation of several high-altitude bird species such as bellbirds, trogons, and quetzals. The scenic area and vistas of the mountains and the southern region of Costa Rica can be seen from hiking trails.
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Buenos Aires, Costa Rica
This small village is in the center of an important pineapple-growing region. Simple services are found in the village, which features a disco and an attractive tree-filled plaza. A few accommodations and restaurants can be found in Buenos Aires.
Eddie Serrano's Farm
Quetzals, Costa Rica's national bird, are often spotted at this farm. The best time to spot these birds is from November to early April. There are a few hiking trails at Eddie Serrano's Farm.
Neily, Costa Rica
Nicknamed "Villa" by locals, this pleasant small town is hot and humid at only 50m/164ft above sea level. The Coto Colorado valley just south of the town has many African oil-palm and banana plantations, and Neily is the commercial center of the industries. The town is a transport hub for southern Costa Rica.
San Gerardo de Rivas, Costa Rica
This small mountain village lies at the entrance to Chirripó National Park, the main attraction in the area. At an elevation of 1,350m/4,428ft, the village offers a pleasant climate and excellent scenery. Birding in the area is good and there are many hiking opportunities around the village.
Chirripo National Park
This park features hiking trails that are easy to follow but offer very steep climbs. Different types of vegetation are seen while ascending the mountains. Lower montane and montane rainforest can be seen, as well as tall oak trees emerging above the main canopy. Walking at lower elevations offers good birding and butterfly observation and excellent vistas.
Most visitors choose to climb Chirripó Mountain, which is a 16km/10mi climb to the summit from the ranger station. To reach the El Paramo hostel, which is 4km/2.5mi from the summit, it can take between 7 and 16 hours depending on climbing ability. From the hostel, other trails lead to the summits of other mountains in this massif.
Several species of highland birds can be spotted in the park, such as the flame-throated warbler. Squirrels and blue and green frogs are commonly sighted. Tapirs are also present but more difficult to see. Above the rainforests, the mountain summits are windswept, desert-like and bare. Some climbers choose to hire a guide and rent a mule for assistance during the climb.
(Southern Costa Rica)
Chirripó National Park is Costa Rica's most popular mountain park. The main attraction is Chirripó Mountain, the highest in the country at 3,820m/12,530ft. The Chirripó massif is part of the Cordillera de Talamanca. Also within the park are other high peaks over 3,800m/12,464ft. An attractive feature of the park is a mountaintop hostel offering high-altitude accommodations.This park features hiking trails that are easy to follow but offer very steep climbs. Different types of vegetation are seen while ascending the mountains. Lower montane and montane rainforest can be seen, as well as tall oak trees emerging above the main canopy. Walking at lower elevations offers good birding and butterfly observation and excellent vistas.
Most visitors choose to climb Chirripó Mountain, which is a 16km/10mi climb to the summit from the ranger station. To reach the El Paramo hostel, which is 4km/2.5mi from the summit, it can take between 7 and 16 hours depending on climbing ability. From the hostel, other trails lead to the summits of other mountains in this massif.
Several species of highland birds can be spotted in the park, such as the flame-throated warbler. Squirrels and blue and green frogs are commonly sighted. Tapirs are also present but more difficult to see. Above the rainforests, the mountain summits are windswept, desert-like and bare. Some climbers choose to hire a guide and rent a mule for assistance during the climb.
Chirripó National Park
Apdo. 352-8000
San Gerardo de Rivas, San Jose
Costa Rica
Apdo. 352-8000
San Gerardo de Rivas, San Jose
Costa Rica
Maps are available at the ranger station.
The weather is cool at high altitudes, warm clothing is necessary.
Ask locally about routes, there are several and some are better maintained than others.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
