Top attractions and things to do in San Isidro
San Isidro is a beautiful, but little-visited city in Costa Rica. Especially for nature lovers, there is plenty to do to keep you entertained for a few days. We've listed the best things to do.
#1 Explore Parque Nacional Chirripó
About 20km northeast of San Isidro, Parque Nacional Chirripó is named after Cerro Chirripó, which looms at its centre. At 3820m (12,533ft), this is the highest peak in Costa Rica, and indeed all of Central America, south of Guatemala.
The park’s terrain varies widely, according to altitude, from cloudforest to rocky mountaintops. Chirripó is also the only place in Costa Rica where you can observe vestiges of the glaciers that scraped across here about thirty thousand years ago.
Many mammals live in the park, and you may see spider monkeys as you climb from the lower mountain to the montane rainforest.
Your best bet for bird-spotting is in the lower elevations. Along the oak and cloudforest sections of the trail you may spot hawks, trogons, woodpeckers and even quetzals. Note that in the cold and inhospitable terrain higher up, you’ll only see robins and hawks.
For more nature and wildlife inspiration, read up on the most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica.
#2 Climbing the Cerro Chirripó
Almost everyone who climbs Chirripó goes up to the Albergue El Páramo first, rests there overnight, and then takes another day or two to explore the summit and surrounding peaks. It's not really feasible to climb Chirripó in one day.
On the first day most hikers make the strenuous 14.5km trek to the Albergue El Páramo at 3350m. Reckon on a minimum of six hours if you’re very fit (and the weather is good), twelve hours or more if you’re not.
On the second day you can make the albergue your base while you hike to the summit and back, which is easily done in a day, perhaps taking in some of the nearby lagoons. During high season, you’ll have company on the path up the mountain. The trail is well marked with signs stating the altitude and the distance to the summit.
Watch out for altitude sickness, though. If you find yourself short of breath, and experiencing pins and needles, nausea and exhaustion, stop and rest. If symptoms persist, descend immediately.
The trailhead is about 100m uphill from Hotel y Restaurante Urán, a little over a kilometre northeast and on the opposite side of the river from the centre of San Gerardo de Rivas.
#3 Visit San Gerardo de Rivas
At the doorstep of the Parque Nacional Chirripó, the small community of San Gerardo de Rivas caters to a steady stream of hikers intent on making the trek up the mountain.
Both San Gerardo de Rivas and the village of Rivas, eight kilometres to the south, have a few pleasant places to stay and eat, with a stunning backdrop to boot.
Best areas to stay in San Isidro
Some of the area’s best accommodation lies northeast of town, 6km or so along the road to Rivas. There are few recommended options in the centre of San Isidro itself.
Best places to stay in San Isidro
- Bosque del Tolomuco: a friendly B&B nestled in the cloudforest above San Isidro (14km north of town), this is popular with birders and hikers.
- Hotel Chirripó: the budget choice in town, this has simple rooms with a decent restaurant on-site. Breakfast included.
Explore more places to stay in San Isidro.
Best restaurants and bars in San Isidro.
- La Casa del Marisco: this central spot serves up some of the best seafood in San Isidro, with ceviche a speciality, and huge portions.
- La Reina del Valle: popular with locals, expect hearty casados, ceviche and shrimp dishes, washed down with bottles of local beer.
- Urban Farm Cafe: the best place for breakfast, this contemporary, vegan-friendly café, serves breakfast wraps, and larger plates like huevos rancheros and macadamia pancakes.
Find out more about eating and drinking in Costa Rica.