Has anyone recently went through the reservation process to climb Cerro Chirripó? I know it can be a nightmare but I'm getting some conflicting info. I also hear there is an in-country agency now that will get everything in place for a fee of course. I don't want to be stuck for 3 days waiting to get a permit. We'll have 12 days in Costa Rica the end of Dec. Thanks.

Someone just posted an update correction to the Chirripo page:

The link provided here for the website of the Chirripó National Park is outdated, this is the new official website of the national park: www.parquenacionalchirripo.com
Since recently there is as well a new booking agency that arranges entrance and lodging permits for a very reasonable booking fee. I got to them through Casa Mariposa, this is their website: www.hikingchirripo.com

I'll make sure to update the page even though I did a few months ago. It seems that things change there at the drop of a hat!

Thanks Scott. My own research has basically led me to to the same info but here is a second agency that supposedly books tickets - Chirripo@costaricarios.com.

The rumors about how horrible the permit process is seem to be legendary.

Did you stay at Casa Mariposa?

Did you stay at Casa Mariposa?

It probably didn't even exist when we climbed the mountain. We stayed in someone's house for $3 near the trailhead. We climbed it in Feb 2004. Back then you would just show up and get a permit and it was no big deal. I still try to keep the page up to date though.

I have been in touch with Armin, an austrian mountain guide living and guiding there. He can help you fixing the permit issues. Feel free to contact him, he is super friendly ! https://www.explore-share.com/p/779-armin