Stunning Sunset on Chirripo National Park
Cristal lake at Colinas del Poas, Alajuela |
Back Side of Irazú Volcano |
I can get pretty high simply by hopping from branch to leaf to branch in the rainforest, but I know it isn't as easy to get great views for many humans! Luckily, Costa Rica is filled with great places to hike, many of which pay off with beautiful vistas. Although there are countless seascapes, lush green valleys and volcanic craters to choose from, here are my top three:
This is the tallest mountain in all of Costa Rica, so views from its summit put you at the literal top of the country! Called Cerro Chirripo by locals, Chirripo is known for its crestones - huge, narrow rocks that jut into the sky! To me, they look like giants sleeping! During different times of day, the crestones either reflect a brilliant golden hue from the sun or create nice large patches of shade - perfect for a snack break along the trail.
At 3,724 meters high, the hike to the summit is not for the faint of heart - I try to stay in shape, but I must admit, I've never been able to complete this trek without hitching a ride on the back of another hiker's pack. The peak itself is beyond the cloud line, so you'll gain quite a bit of elevation! However, if you plan to reach the summit right at sunrise, you'll be greeted by the most magnificent view - orange, pink and yellow swaths of puffy cloud fill the sky, making it feel more like a candy-colored wonderland than a national park.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person
If you are planning make the hike, be sure you choose a time outside of May or October - these are the months when national park staff perform maintenance on the trail. The best times to hike are June through November, when the weather here is at its finest. Mount Chirripo is most easily accessed via San Isidro.
Irazu has the fine distinction of being the tallest volcano in the country. If you're a fan of volcanology (I know I am!), you can hike to one of two major craters, each with its own eeriness and beauty.
The Principal Crater is a favorite of mine - spanning 1,050 meters, it is quite a sight! Its steep grey stone edges slant dangerously into the waters below, which are a lovely shade of green - almost the same color as me! On a clear day, I've seen both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean from the crater, but I've heard from other hikers that this is a rare occurrence. However, on a cloudy day, the misty clouds swirling with the steaming pool below are strikingly pretty.
Unlike Chirripo, Irazu is relatively easy to access - a road leads almost to the summit, and there are a number of trails around the craters to get a better look at the deep watery valleys below. This hike is easiest to access via San Jose.
Although you can drive up to the peak for most of the route, there are plenty of vista points to choose from at the top, so I recommend giving yourself at least a day to explore! The Poas crater is known for its milky blue color - I've heard some visitors call it "robin egg blue," if that helps you visualize it. Poas is located in its namesake national park, which features a beautiful cloud forest - one of my favorites, actually! Temperatures here are pretty mild compared to the rest of the country, so you won't get too hot. Best of all, after you've taken a few pictures, you can visit the gift shop and museum at the summit to learn more about the gorgeous volcano.
What is your favorite vista in Costa Rica?
Beautiful sunset at Chirripo Peak
Irazú Volcano Crater
Póas Volcano Crater Smoking
