Cerro de la Muerte
If you drive from San José along the Pan American Highway for approx. 35 miles (50 kms) you can see almost all the flora and fauna of the country’s highland. It can be compared to Mount Chirripó although without all that strenuous effort.
Many of the plants one can spot along the Cerro will look familiar to North Americans although botanical surveys on the area show an even stronger similarity with the Andean flora. It is possible to admire alders, blueberries, lady’s slippers, St. John’s worth, gooseberries, Indian paintbrush and giant thistles amongst others. However, due to the geographical seclusion from their original family, life forms in these highlands have mainly evolved into different, although strictly related, species.
As far as birds are concerned, almost fifty percent of the species here recorded are considered endemic. Some of this endemic species are: Nightingale-Thrush, Volcano Junco, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Sooty Robin, Timberline Wren.
Along the roadside it is possible to see some characteristic elements of the forest under storey, such as: poor man’s umbrella, cadent bamboo (dominant under storey vegetation in main forested areas) and tree ferns. To reach the very summit of the highest peak at over 10,827 feet (3.300 mts) above sea level one must drive through a steep gravel road only accessible to 4 x4 vehicles. The summit of the Cerro hosts many local radio stations and television communication systems.
From this point the road starts its descent down to the Valle del General and the town of San Isidro which lies at approx. 2,295 feet (700 mts) above sea level. It will take approx. two hours of nonstop driving from San José to reach the summit of the Cerro and another hour to San Isidro.
Walking down from any of the side roads off the highway is the best way to catch a glimpse of the several rare species of plants and birds.
Some farms in the area are also open to visitors. In fact in the last years landowners in the area opened their private forests to visitors charging between $ 5,00 and $ 10,00 per person for guided tours. In these forests one has very good chances to see the rare Resplendent Quetzal and….. at the same time one is helping the local economy.
Getting there: Drive on the Pan American Highwaytowards Cartago and then follow the signs for Panamá. If you travel by bus we recommend early starts as mornings are usually sunny while it is often raining in the afternoon.
Climate: Mornings are usually sunny, but temperature drastically lowers close to freezing point overnight especially from November to January. It is advisable to bring layers of clothes as climate can vary several times during the same day. Do not forget to take a good sun block. Due to the strong sun and cool temperature one can get easily sun burnt without even realizing it.
History: In the past (before the construction of the Pan American highway) almost all the people who attempted the steep and strenuous crossing from the Central Valley to the Valley of San Isidro del General suffered tragic consequences. This journey in fact could last from three to four days (on foot or horseback) and due to the inclement weather and extreme temperature, many would succumb on the spot for hypothermia and if they had the luck to survive to this, they could easily perish from complications such as pneumonia. This is the reason for its name. Cerro de la Muerte in fact translates “Mountain of Death”.
Many of the plants one can spot along the Cerro will look familiar to North Americans although botanical surveys on the area show an even stronger similarity with the Andean flora. It is possible to admire alders, blueberries, lady’s slippers, St. John’s worth, gooseberries, Indian paintbrush and giant thistles amongst others. However, due to the geographical seclusion from their original family, life forms in these highlands have mainly evolved into different, although strictly related, species.
As far as birds are concerned, almost fifty percent of the species here recorded are considered endemic. Some of this endemic species are: Nightingale-Thrush, Volcano Junco, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Sooty Robin, Timberline Wren.
Along the roadside it is possible to see some characteristic elements of the forest under storey, such as: poor man’s umbrella, cadent bamboo (dominant under storey vegetation in main forested areas) and tree ferns. To reach the very summit of the highest peak at over 10,827 feet (3.300 mts) above sea level one must drive through a steep gravel road only accessible to 4 x4 vehicles. The summit of the Cerro hosts many local radio stations and television communication systems.
From this point the road starts its descent down to the Valle del General and the town of San Isidro which lies at approx. 2,295 feet (700 mts) above sea level. It will take approx. two hours of nonstop driving from San José to reach the summit of the Cerro and another hour to San Isidro.
Walking down from any of the side roads off the highway is the best way to catch a glimpse of the several rare species of plants and birds.
Some farms in the area are also open to visitors. In fact in the last years landowners in the area opened their private forests to visitors charging between $ 5,00 and $ 10,00 per person for guided tours. In these forests one has very good chances to see the rare Resplendent Quetzal and….. at the same time one is helping the local economy.
Getting there: Drive on the Pan American Highwaytowards Cartago and then follow the signs for Panamá. If you travel by bus we recommend early starts as mornings are usually sunny while it is often raining in the afternoon.
Climate: Mornings are usually sunny, but temperature drastically lowers close to freezing point overnight especially from November to January. It is advisable to bring layers of clothes as climate can vary several times during the same day. Do not forget to take a good sun block. Due to the strong sun and cool temperature one can get easily sun burnt without even realizing it.
History: In the past (before the construction of the Pan American highway) almost all the people who attempted the steep and strenuous crossing from the Central Valley to the Valley of San Isidro del General suffered tragic consequences. This journey in fact could last from three to four days (on foot or horseback) and due to the inclement weather and extreme temperature, many would succumb on the spot for hypothermia and if they had the luck to survive to this, they could easily perish from complications such as pneumonia. This is the reason for its name. Cerro de la Muerte in fact translates “Mountain of Death”.