CERRO CHIRRIPO: Take a Peek at its Peak

Dare to climb Costa Rica's highest peak.

Conquer the height reaching up to 3,820 meters upon mountaineering Cerro Chirripo that is situated at Chirripó National Park in Costa Rica. Create lasting memories and take the chance of hiking

up to cloud level and be in one with the sky after trekking the series of trails that led you that high. Treat yourself for a renewing experience at Chirripo National Park and add it to your personal favorites among Costa Rica attractions.

Conquer First the Chirripo National Park

Before getting up close with our featured mountain, first be ready to meet this national park which is described as one of Costa Rica's roughest parks. The trails and terrains are rough and craggy,

which imposes a challenge on climbers that they have to conquer first before heading off to the mountain. Of course Cerro Chirripo is the main attraction of the park, next are the different ecological 

zones introduced by the trails. 

Upon entering the park, you'll see the meadows covered with lower forests and as you move upward, there is this upper montane rainforests composed of huge oak trees. The trail leading to the mountain is long, extending up to 18 kilometers and has a steepness of about 10,000 feet. But upon witnessing the beauty of epiphytic show of giant oak trees supported by smaller trees tied up by ferns, the fatigue and exhaustion will pay off. Some say that this is a lot better than other canopy tours in Costa Rica, like zip lining because one is in control of his time witnessing this scene, without time pressure and any sort of fear. Meanwhile, as you decide to move on with the trail, expect a more harsher condition of the terrain alongside a more awesome view of the downside vegetation, landscapes, and waterscapes.

What is it like on top?

Of course be prepared to feel the chill of being thousands of feet above the sea level and witness for yourself, up close and personal, the rising of the sun courtesy of the Atlantic Ocean about

50 miles away. Add to it the soothing sight, feel, and the sound of waters of the Pacific and Caribbean Seas below you. Lastly, behold and treasure the moment as you view the island of Costa Rica

in its full view, from one end of the coast to another accesorized by plants and trees that freshens the area.

For those who are moved by what Cerro Chirripo looks and feels like and are challenged to take the climb of their lives, be guided by the following instructions:

1. Make sure that you are physically prepared for this climb. The harshness of the trails are no joke and the weather is subject to extreme changes, and these might greatly affect your health.

2. Have with you all the trekking 'must-haves'. Carry a lot of water, food, sleeping bag, and a cooking stove that will sustain you for long hours of action.

3. Make reservations beforehand in the park system. Remember that everyone who are interested to climb Cerro Chirripo must first have a permit from the National Park Office.

Challenge the Rapids at Arenal

For the past moments in Costa Rica's history, nature has played its part in shaping the country to what it is now. Throughout the years, the unique weather pattern was the one responsible in creating twists and bumps, thus resulting to challenging, edgy landscapes that are perfect for white water rafting. 

Why conquer the rapids?

Rafting in Costa Rica will definitely give you a fresh experience. The rapids are challenges, and in order to move forward, one must conquer them. First and foremost, water rafting teaches significant values to those who tries it--the value of trust, determination, and focus. Second, this experience can offer a sense of satisfaction and achievement to individuals who are fond of engaging in it and to those who are afraid with rafting as well. If you are one of those who are natural thrill-seekers, then it is another challenge for you, and if you're this person who haven't tried it yet, then, consider it worth trying. 

Consider white water rafting near Arenal as you hop from one place to another venturing Costa Rica attractions. The rapids remain awesome all throughout the year and will never fail to give you the adrenaline rush or probably, relaxation that you're seeking. Both the weather and the landscape go well together for a perfect rafting adventure. Adding to this given beauty is the waters' route as it pass through valleys, fields, and rainforests that allows rafters to enjoy even the scenic view of the sorroundings alongside an extreme ride. Here you'll get to have three options, or probably you'll dare to try everything. Each one has its own style that will definitely suit people's varying preferences regarding adventure. What's good is that this variation of the three river options gives individuals of any age an opportunity to battle the rapids near the Arenal Volcano.

1. Peñas Blancas River. This first option is suited for first-time or young rafters who wants a ride over steady and mellow river. This water passes through the Tilaran Mountain Range then fuses to the San Carlos River which is situated beside the Arenal Volcano. Since it was a steady float over moving water, the journey is perfect for wildlife watching, including birds of different species, reptiles, and mammals that lives in the nearby landscape. What's great about this trip is that your guide will not just assure your safety along the ride but will also teach you about Costa Rica rainforest's 'must knows'.

2. Balsa River. If someone is looking for a more challenging style of rapids but not the too intense ones, then, he must try riding through Balsa River. There are mellow points accompanied with some stirring routes that will sometimes tickle your nerves. Just like the first river, you'll also have the chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the picturesque view of the rainforests, but expect to get wet upon approaching the end of this river with Class II and III rapids. The trip will then unload you at San Carlos bridge where you can relax while swimming and enjoying your snacks.

3. El Rio Toro-The Bull River. As the name connotes, this last but definitely not the least option is the most exhilarating between the three. Classified as having Class II  to Class IV rapids, most rafters described it as having one of Costa Rica's best rafting experience. The waters start at Poas Volcano then through the rainforests with big waves and technical rapids as waters from streams continuously runs into the river. This trip will definitely impose an extreme challenge even to those experienced rafters, but there's nothing to fear about for rafting guides are stiff in explaining and reminding every tourist of all the safety rules and reminders before jumping into the boat. 

Plunge at the St. Lucia Sulphur Springs

A sovereign island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea bordering with the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucia is sought after Caribbean destination. Found to be a worthy travel spot for those looking for adventures and a day full of eye-candies; mainly those St. Lucia attractions.

If you want a relaxing day in St. Lucia, better check out the sulphur springs. One of the top things to do in St Lucia is taking a time in these natural springs. These sulphur spring parks are teeming with vacationists; both local and international. 

Sulphur springs originating from the volcano in the region is said to be the only drive-in volcano in the world. It’s last recorded eruption dated 1700 is just a steam eruption. The waters from this spring are believed to have therapeutic values. Some people went to take a dip into the spring to remove blemishes from their skin. From these therapeutic springs come the two popular pools: Black Water Pool and the Pool of Love.

Strolling in the crater of the volcano is presently restricted after one of the aides fell in a pool of bubbling water when he was bouncing here and there on it. Luckily, it was just waist stature, so he was safeguarded. However he did experience the ill effects of some extreme torches from the waist.

There is an extremely solid emanation of sulfur in the volcano that can irritate a person's sense of smell or their skin. It is very strong throughout the day yet exceptionally solid at nights. You can smell it for miles away at nights yet that is a great thing. On the off chance that the odor goes away, then that might imply that there is going to be a volcanic ejection. 

The spring from the St. Lucia volcano is located at Soufriere. The natives of Soufriere are proud of having the only world's drive in volcano.

Tour the springs in your next St. Lucia vacation. Spas are widely available in the area having sulphur as their main ingredient to create bath and face mud masks. For quite some time now, St. Lucians have been enjoying their regular sulfur spa – it’s time to experience it for you too!