3,821 m
Elevation
3,261 m
Prominence
9.4883°, -83.4881°
Coordinates
1904 — Agustín Blessing
First Ascent
About Cerro Chirripó
Costa Rica's highest peak in Chirripó National Park. On clear days, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are visible from the summit. Reservations required.
Climbing Cerro Chirripó: route, season and difficulty
- How long it takes
- 8–14 hours round trip, or two days using a mountain hut
- Do you need a guide?
- Not required if you are comfortable with exposed scrambling and mountain navigation, but a guide is a good call in poor visibility or early season.
- Best season
- Usually the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months.
- Terrain & gear
- Steep trails with scrambling, loose rock or short exposed sections. Helmet, sturdy boots, wind and rain shell, headtorch, and a via-ferrata set if the route is cabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain in Costa Rica?
The highest mountain in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, at 3,821 meters above sea level.
How long does it take to climb Cerro Chirripó?
Allow 8–14 hours round trip, or two days using a mountain hut. Times vary with fitness, conditions and which trailhead you start from.
Can you climb Cerro Chirripó without a guide?
Not required if you are comfortable with exposed scrambling and mountain navigation, but a guide is a good call in poor visibility or early season.
When is the best time to climb Cerro Chirripó?
The usual season is the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months. Outside that window expect snow, storms or closed access.
What gear do you need for Cerro Chirripó?
Helmet, sturdy boots, wind and rain shell, headtorch, and a via-ferrata set if the route is cabled.
How high is Cerro Chirripó?
Cerro Chirripó stands at 3,821 meters (12,536 feet).
Where is Cerro Chirripó located?
Cerro Chirripó is located in Costa Rica, within the Cordillera de Talamanca.
Has Martin climbed Cerro Chirripó?
Not yet — Cerro Chirripó is still on Martin's list of remaining country highpoints.