Places to Visit in the Chirripo Valley
Updated: Oct 14
Chirripo National Park
Chirripó National Park is the crown jewel of the Chirripó Valley. The hike to its peak spans 21 kilometers, taking around 15 hours spread over two days.
Each segment of the trail offers something unique, from breathtaking views and exotic birdwatching to encounters with diverse species of mammals and reptiles. You'll also traverse moorlands and glacial lakes along the way.
On day one, hikers ascend to Crestones Base Camp, followed by an early morning summit attempt on day two before heading back to San Gerardo de Rivas.
While this hike is recommended for experienced hikers, it’s accessible to anyone determined to take on the challenge. At the summit, a clear day rewards you with views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
The journey to Chirripó’s peak is a life-changing adventure!
For more details on how to tackle this amazing hike, here’s additional info!
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
Cloudbridge is a private nature reserve nestled in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica, ranging from 1,550m to 2,600m (5,085-8,530 ft) in altitude. Since its founding in 2002, the reserve has acquired 255 hectares (630 acres) of former cattle pasture and farmland, along with 28 hectares (70 acres) of pristine primary forest.
Cloudbridge is committed to cloud forest conservation and reforestation. The reserve also emphasizes education and research, focusing on wildlife preservation, sustainable tourism, and the impacts of climate change.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Trails range from short 30-minute hikes to longer treks that can take up to 8 hours, offering different ways to explore the reserve.
Entry is 5,000 colones (around $8 USD) for international visitors and 2,500 colones for locals. Even if you can't visit, donations of any amount help support their mission of preserving this unique ecosystem.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended to reach the parking lot.
Casa Alegria and Butterfly Dome
Casa Alegría is a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors can gather, make new friends, and enjoy a variety of activities.
The first floor features a cozy café, while the second floor houses a studio space. With an ever-expanding schedule of yoga and dance classes, along with other educational and enrichment opportunities, Casa Alegría is the perfect spot to drop in for a class or even rent the space for a private event.
Adjacent to Casa Alegría is the Butterfly Dome, built in 2017, which draws tourists from all over Pérez Zeledón. The dome serves as both an educational center and observatory for butterflies, but it’s also a versatile venue. Over the years, it has hosted intimate concerts, weddings, private parties, aerial silks retreats, and a kids' climbing club.
For families, a small play park adds to the fun, making it an ideal spot for family-friendly outings any day of the week.
Los Giantes Nature Reserve
Los Gigantes is a charming, family-owned private reserve located in the heart of San José de Rivas.
A short drive up the main road leads you to a small house just before the village's pulpería (local grocery store), where you can pay the entrance fee. After parking on the main road, a 10-minute walk will take you to the trailhead.
The trail runs alongside a river with stunning blue-green pools cascading into one another. The hike to the viewpoint can take up to an hour or more, depending on your pace, with rest stops along the way that immerse you in the surrounding forest.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. The family-run café offers a traditional lunch, and the area includes a serene pine forest, a playground for kids, and picnic spots. You can return to your car by descending the main road, which takes about 20 minutes to complete the loop.
If you prefer not to hike, you can still enjoy the stunning views and lunch at the ccafé by driving directly to the viewpoint with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The Day Pass at Rio Chirripo
A stay at Rio Chirripo is unforgettable, but if you weren't so lucky to be able to book a reservation, the hotel offers a day pass option to enter for a reasonable fee. The day pass includes a morning yoga class, breakfast, and use of the amenities such as the pool, one of two hot tubs, and their private riverfront. If you would like to upgrade your day pass experience, you can add a massage or facial in their spa room.
Talamanca Nature Reserve
The Talamanca Nature Reserve is a non-profit initiative focused on preserving and enhancing the local biodiversity, including plants, animals, and birdlife. It also provides valuable employment opportunities for the nearby village community.
The reserve offers extensive trails showcasing miles of natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes to explore the 10 waterfalls on the property, but note that a guide is required for these tours.
In addition to nature experiences, the reserve features comfortable accommodations, guided tours, internet access, a restaurant, and a bar.
For more details, check out our blog post on places to stay in the Chirripó Valley!https://www.chirripoproperties.com/post/10-stays-under-100-in-the-chirripo-valley
Secret Gardens
A hidden gem for botanical lovers, Secret Gardens offers a diverse collection of exotic flora.
Nestled in the village of San Gerardo, this beautiful garden is locally owned and maintained by a family passionate about preserving its natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along winding trails that lead through the lush garden and up to a viewpoint with breathtaking mountain views. After exploring, you can relax at the on-site café, which serves traditional food, or extend your stay in one of the cozy cabins available for rent.
The Chirripo Trail from Los Angeles
For adventurous hikers who prefer trails less traveled, the Chirripó Trail from Los Angeles is a hidden gem and a local favorite.
Like discovering a secret path, this trail isn't well-known to tourists—you'll need to connect with a local who can show you the way.
The trail takes you from Los Angeles up to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley, perched on the ridge that separates Los Angeles from San Gerardo.
The hike from the main road to the viewpoint takes about 30 minutes, making it a relatively easy trek. It's an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic and watch the sunset during the summer months.
From this viewpoint, you can continue along the trail toward San Gerardo, where it links up with the official Chirripó trail. From here, you can either head up to the Chirripó summit (registration at the official office in San Gerardo is still required) or descend into San Gerardo near the Chirripó trailhead by Hotel Uran.
Rio Blanco Waterfall
A hidden gem in the village of Herradura, the Rio Blanco Waterfall remains off the radar for most visitors but is absolutely worth the trip.
Though the waterfall is marked on Google Maps, the trail entrance can be tricky to locate as it’s tucked away just off the public road. For your first visit, it’s highly recommended to go with a local guide who knows the way to ensure you don’t miss this beautiful spot.
Quesos Canaan
Quesos Canaan is a family-run business with a commitment to sustainable agriculture, focused on reducing its environmental impact and creatively reusing farm byproducts to support their operations.
The journey began in 2002 when Don Wilbert Mata learned the craft of making Maduro cheeses from a Swiss cheesemaker. What started as a simple skill would soon transform his life and the future of his family, turning Quesos Canaan into a beloved local producer known for its dedication to quality and sustainability.
At the time, the market for Maduro cheeses was relatively untapped in Costa Rica. However, the family saw a unique opportunity to reach tourists drawn to nearby Cerro Chirripó, introducing their products to a broader audience. Initially, these cheeses struggled to gain traction with the local population, but over time, both the market and their product offerings have grown significantly.
To offer customers a more hands-on experience, Quesos Canaan now hosts Cheese Tours at the farm. Visitors can learn the art of cheese-making, and even try milking a cow!
For more details on tours and their products, please visit the Quesos Canaan website https://steven-mata.wixsite.com/quesoscanaan.
La Piscina de Canaan
In the heart of Canaan, behind the local pulpería (small grocery store), lies a hidden pool that opens exclusively during the summer season. Stepping into this oasis feels like entering a private resort, and few would suspect this gem is tucked away behind the pulpería.
This small, family-owned business allows guests to pay the entrance fee inside the pulpería. For those looking for a non-chlorinated swimming experience, the pool is continuously replenished by a nearby spring and is emptied and refilled every few days.
It's an ideal venue for children's birthday parties, swim lessons, or simply enjoying family fun on hot summer days.
Finca Brinca
Finca Brinca, "The Leap Farm", is a plant nursery, pottery studio, and coffee shop in Los Angeles de Rivas. It's owned by John & Karyn, a couple who took the leap to move to Chirripó in 2021 after experiencing massive career burnout from running the rat race for decades in New York and & California.
Karyn is now a full-time ceramic artist, making pottery for sale in their cafe and teaching classes for the community. John runs the cafe and plays guitar there when he's not serving coffee. They serve Calderon Geisha coffee grown in Herradura by a neighboring farm, which is where the flowers, plants, and herbs sold at Finca Brinca come from.
Their farm, by the way, was purchased through Chirripó Properties. The shop features art and other creations made by local indigenous tribes, local Tico artisans, and ex-pats who have relocated to the mountain. A portion of all sales go into a scholarship fund that allows Karyn to teach Ticos and Ticas wanting to learn ceramics at no cost to them.
The Chirripo Valley has many activities and experiences to offer! Continue to follow our blog posts to find out more about this magical area, and why it's a great place to visit, stay, and invest!
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