Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Sur
San Gerardo de Rivas
The tiny town of SAN GERARDO DE RIVAS, 17km northeast of San Isidro and 3km west of Parque Nacional Chirripó, is home to a park puesto and several very reasonably priced, friendly places to stay, and most climbers spend a night here before heading into the park; try to get somewhere with hot water, as it can get very cold at night. There are also a couple of attractive family-run hotels a few kilometers further back down the road towards San Isidro in the village of Rivas. Many of the places listed below rent out camping equipment like sleeping bags and cooking stoves. You'll find several decent places to eat in San Gerardo, the best of which is the Restaurante El Bosque, with tasty bocas as well as casados, table football and gorgeous views over the river below.