Lagos Chirripo, also known as Chirripo Lakes, are the highest lakes in Central America, situated just below the summit of Cerro Chirripo in Costa Rica. These high-altitude lakes occupy a small valley above the cloud forest and are a part of the larger Chirripo National Park, which spans 125,600 acres across three provinces: San Jose, Limon, and Cartago. The lakes, created by the last retreating glacier in the Talamanca Mountains, consist of over 30 small high-altitude lakes, including the largest, Laguna Grande de Chirripo, or Lago San Juan.
At an altitude of over 11,500 feet, the Lagos Chirripo offers hikers a rare opportunity to see both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans from the summit of Cerro Chirripo. The lakes are fed by small streams during the rainy season and are known for their stunning beauty. They have clear blue waters and surround dwarf bamboo, tussock grass, and club mosses. The watershed feeding these lakes is less than a square mile, and they form the headwaters of the Chirripo Pacific River, which eventually flows into the Pacific Ocean.
The environment around the lakes is harsh, with extreme temperature fluctuations and occasional brush fires. The area is home to various wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, quetzals, and numerous bird species. Despite the challenging conditions, the lakes and the surrounding park are a haven for biodiversity and offer some of the most spectacular and unspoiled natural scenery in Costa Rica.
Hiking to Lagos Chirripo is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The journey typically starts from the San Gerardo de Rivas village, where trekkers can obtain the necessary permits and hire porters or horses for their gear. The trail climbs over 7,200 feet through cloud forests and alpine tundra, with an overnight stop at Crestones Base Camp, which provides basic accommodations.
Reaching the summit of Cerro Chirripo at dawn offers breathtaking views of the shimmering lakes below and both ocean horizons on clear days. The Lagos Chirripo, rarely visited due to its remote location, provides a unique and unforgettable experience for those who trek, showcasing the raw and untouched beauty of Costa Rica’s highlands.