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Guayabo National Monument

Guayabo National Park

Area

50,150 hectars ( 195 sq. miles)

Max. Elevation

3,821 mts. above sea level (12.536 feet) the highest mountain in Costa Rica

Temperature

0°- 12° C (32°- 54° F)

Precipitation

3,000 - 4,000 mm (118-157 inches) annual average

Location

Talamanca Mountain Range. Provinces: San José, Limón, Cartago. Park entrance: 20 Km Northeast from San Isidro de El General

Date of Creation

August 19th, 1975 (in 1982 was declared by UNESCO “Biosphere Reserve”)

The upper reaches of the park, often cold and almost always cloaked in mist, contain the northern most example of the paramo life zone, which is typical of high-elevation plains much farther south.

The park contains extensive areas of pre-alpine and alpine rain forest. It offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and nature photography and it is one of the few places suitable for technical rock climbing in Costa Rica.

The tallest mountain in the country, Chirripó Peak, towering at 12,537 feet high (3,821 meters) is one of the park main feature and attraction.
Chirripó experiences extreme temperature variations. It can be as warm as 24° C (108°F) during the day and then drop to freezing at night.
Nights below freezing point are common and the lowest temperature recorded in Chirripó (and in the rest of country) was -9° C (15,8°F).
You will need a warm sleeping bag, a warm sweater, a hat and a pair of gloves.

Due to the high altitude of this area, it is not recommended to travel here after you spent days at the beach or at sea level. A sudden variation in altitude may cause you “altitude sickness”. Symptoms may include chronic headache, nausea, lack of appetite, and insomnia.

Accommodations are available in huts in the high peak region; although a bit run-down and smoky they surely provide a good base for day hikes.

Enjoying this fascinating place involves some dues paying, however the 15 km. (9.32 miles) 10 hours hike to the summit area borders are grueling.

You will need to carry up enough food, warm clothes, and water for the day. If you are carrying your own gear, you can also make the trip easier by staying at the first shelter, a little more than halfway up the trail.

This is one of the few parks that you need to contact in advance (a week or more) particularly during the dry season when local group of hikers fill up the shelters.

Entrance fee: $ 6.00 p.p. + $ 2.00 for each night use of mountain huts