Hiking Mt. Chirripó — Costa Rica
February 6 - 14, 2010

Hiking the tallest mountain in Costa Rica — Parque Chirripó — the “Land of Eternal Waters” is a magical experience. Each step towards the summit will be an inner challenge — the mixture of nature, the physical effort, and the sound of the birds will enable you to blend the actual physical path with personal introspection.

You will experience the “silence of sound” in every corner of this marvelous place — in the mist of the Crestones, the Cerro Ventisquero, the Valle de los Conejos, and the imposing Chirripó. The waters that nurture the ground, the panorama of flowers, the nights filled with stars and the moon will provide a wonderful background for contemplation and a source of future nourishment and energy. After descending the mountain, we will relax at Playa Dominical southern beach area.

Costs: $1775

Our 9 day trip includes airport pick up and departure, two nights lodging in San Jose, one night lodging at the base of the mountain, three nights lodging on the mountain, two nights lodging in Dominical, meals (except for energy snacks on the mountain and food on your free day), local transportation, porters to carry your pack up and down the mountain, and an experienced trekking guide. It does not include airfare to and from Costa Rica, optional activities, or personal expenditures. Reduced rate packages are available for those already in Costa Rica and not needing airport services or lodging in San Jose.

For the hiking trip, the things that you will need to bring include: good hiking shoes (Gore-tex are best), rain jacket and rain pants, fleece jacket, hat and good sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking poles (recommended — available for rent if necessary), sandals or shoes for inside the lodge, sleeping bag (available for rent), towel, personal medicines, energy food (dried fruit, nuts, snacks, chocolate), windbreaker, shorts and long pants, warm clothing for inside and outside, daypack, flashlight with extra batteries, camera (200 film recommended). Pack everything in plastic bags inside your daypack.

You will have porter service to carry your luggage, We will provide the food that you will eat while on the hike. You should personally assess your own ability to be active outside for long periods of time. You should not have any heart condition or other medical problem such as vertigo, shortness of breath or dizzy spells that would interfere with this ability.

Hiking this mountain takes a lot of energy. You need to be in good physical condition, but the desire to do so is a primary motivation. To train for your hike, we advise at least one hour daily for a few months before your trip and a hike of 3 to 4 hours every two weeks during that time.