T9h Hiking Chirripó National Park - 4 days

If wind, rain showers and temperatures around 5^o C are worth the satisfaction to have climbed Costa Rica's highest mountain, an exceptional experience between the oceans is awaiting you! Cerro Chirripó, with a height of 12,532 ft. is Costa Rica's highest mountain; it is situated in the northern part of the Cordillera de Talamanca, surrounded by other eleven and twelve thousanders. This hike is a unique experience, not only because of its diverse vegetation zones (pasture, cloud forest to páramo), and the wonderful view from the top (providing the weather is clear), but also the huge physical efforts that are made to conquer the 13-mile long and steep route.
Detailed description T9h (Comfort⁺, with english-speaking naturalist guide)
Day 1	Dinner Ride south on the Interamericana to Cerro de la Muerte, the highest point of the Interamericana in Costa Rica. Here, we will visit the "Finca de Quetzales" and go for a short hike (around 45 minutes) to observe the resplendant Quetzal, the holy bird of the Mayas. We then continue through San Isidro del General to San Gerardo de Rivas where the road ends, here we spend the night at the Talari Mountain Lodge. Overnight stay Talari Mountain Lodge
Day 2	Breakfast, Picknick-Lunch, Dinner Before sunrise, we start our ascent to the ranger station (4,265 ft./1300m), from here the pack-horses will carry our luggage. Because of the extreme slope, we will need about 9 to 12 hours for the 9.9 miles (16 km) route up to the base camp (11,155 ft./ 3400m); this depends on the physical ability and shape of the group. At the base camp, we stay overnight in simple huts at Refugio Los Crestones. Overnight stay Refugio Los Crestones.
Day 3	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Very early we start our ascent to the summit of Chirripó (approx. 2-3 hours for the 2.5 miles/ 4 km distance). At a height of 12,532 ft. / 3.820m we will then enjoy an incredible panorama, the weather permitting: to the north Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, to the south the summits of the Cordillera de Talamanca, to the east and west both Costa Rican coasts - Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Overnight stay Refugio Los Crestones.
Day 4	Breakfast After a hearty breakfast descent back to San Gerardo de Rivas and from there ride back to San José; arrival during the late afternoon.