Nestled in a beautiful mountain valley, this tiny pueblo survives on a mix of agriculture and Chirripó tourism. Yet despite the steady trickle of hikers, San Gerardo de Rivas feels remarkably authentic and undiscovered. There’s a soccer field, a church, a school and a small market with a surprisingly decent selection of backpacking food. The surrounding area has a number of interesting activities—coffee tour, trout farm, cheese factory—and two kilometers east of town is the private Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, which protects 700 acres adjacent to Chirripó National Park.
See also Guide to hiking Chirripó
= Recommended
= Good Value
= Rated 4 or 5 “Green Leaves” by Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program
San Gerardo de Rivas Hotels – Luxury
Casitas Chirripó
San Gerardo de Rivas Hotels – Moderately Priced
Rio Chirripo Retreat
Talamanca Reserve
Hotel De Montana El Pelicano
Talari Mountain Lodge
San Gerardo de Rivas Hotels – Budget
Casa Mariposa
Hotel Uran
Cabinas Roca Dura (2742-5071)
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