Hike Cerro Ena in San Jeronimo, Talamanca

For Costa Rica, it’s advisable to drive a 4×4 or 4WD vehicle, such as the Daihatsu Bego, Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki Vitara, Mitsubishi Montero, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Prado, Hyundai Tucson, or similar models. This ensures you’re prepared for unexpected circumstances like heavy rains or route changes. If you need advice on car rentals, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, we can arrange a driver for your journey to and from San Jerónimo in Costa Rica’s South Pacific. Feel free to reach out to us for personalized options.

If you’re near the SJO International Airport or in the central valley (Alajuela, Heredia, San José, or Cartago), the best route is via Interamericana Sur (Route #2) toward Pérez Zeledón. After crossing the El General River, continue for approximately 45 minutes to reach San Jerónimo. Our partners at ATURENA, the community development association we collaborate with, operate an office located just 60 meters from San Gerónimo Elementary School. The route spans about 200 kilometers and takes roughly 4.5 hours non-stop. If you’re on the Pacific side, your route may differ. Regardless of your route, please aim to arrive at the ATURENA office in San Jerónimo before 3:30 pm on the day before your hike to complete the necessary registration and meet your guides.

Upon your arrival at the ATURENA office, you will be greeted with the necessary registration process mandated by the National Park. Your experienced tour guide will be readily available to offer valuable insights and provide a thorough briefing on the entire itinerary. If you anticipate needing assistance with heavy baggage on the day of your hike, please don’t hesitate to communicate your requirements to your guides; they can arrange for a porter if necessary. For those arriving by car, don’t hesitate to consult your guide for parking guidance. And if your journey includes shuttle transport, we recommend clear communication with your driver to determine your subsequent pickup location and establish a specific meeting time for your convenience.

Your local guide will furnish you with all the essential details regarding your accommodation and the best way to reach it. Basic transportation to both your lodging and the trailheads is included as part of this experience. It’s crucial to establish the meeting time for the next day since early morning hikes are customary, with most hikers gearing up to commence their trail between 4 am and 5 am. Additionally, if possible, take some time to engage with your host family and become acquainted with your accommodations, ensuring you’re comfortable and have any questions addressed. We encourage you to observe and appreciate how these local families collaborate to provide a warm and peaceful experience for nature enthusiasts like you, with roles spanning cooks, guides, porters, hosts, receptionists, and drivers.

On the first day of the hike, your host family will provide an early morning breakfast, giving you the choice to savor it on-site or take it with you. You’ll then be transported to the trailhead by a pickup or similar vehicle. Here, your tour guide will furnish you with essential information before commencing the trek.

In the initial stages, you’ll rely on flashlights or headlamps, as the first 3 kilometers mark the steepest part of the trail, serving as an invigorating warm-up. As the sun rises, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking views and the harmonious sounds of nature emanating from the surrounding forests and pastures.

Depending on whether you brought your breakfast or not, the tour guide will either guide you to the ideal spot to eat and rest around the 3rd kilometer or use this opportunity as a rest stop, allowing you to relish some fruit or energy bars. It’s crucial to stay hydrated and maintain open communication with your tour guides. Resting as needed is encouraged, as the guides are patient and skilled at accommodating varying hiking paces. While ascending, immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the trails, ask questions to satisfy your curiosity, capture captivating photographs, take breaks, ensure hydration, enjoy meals, or attend to any necessities during this fulfilling 11-kilometer hike, which typically takes between 6 to 8 hours to complete.

You’re likely to arrive at the shelter between 11 am and 1 pm. This shelter serves as a well-deserved place for rest, offers protection from the elements, and provides access to warm food and restroom facilities. It’s essential to understand that the shelter is remote, located 11 kilometers from the trailhead, and possesses a rustic and basic structure. The shelter is constructed with an elevated wooden framework featuring corrugated zinc roofing, and it does not include private sleeping rooms. There are two restrooms and one shower, each equipped with private doors. The sleeping area is open, and the kitchen, where the cooks prepare your meals, is situated within the same shelter, separated only by a counter.

It’s advisable to dress in appropriate cold-weather layers, as there may be a draft from the outside. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted by one or more local staff members who also serve as cooks, and they will welcome you with a hot meal. Throughout your stay, you’ll have access to hot drinks like tea, coffee, and the traditional Agua Dulce. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to rest, dine, and sleep for one or two nights, depending on your previously chosen option. Going to sleep early is recommended, as you’ll be commencing your hike early the next morning. For sleeping arrangements, each traveler will be provided with a small mattress, which will be placed on the wooden floor where everyone will rest. This is why a sleeping bag is strongly recommended. As you spend time in and around the shelter, please keep in mind that electricity is limited to charging batteries only.

Most hikers opt to summit Cerro Ena just before sunrise, offering awe-inspiring views from one of Costa Rica’s highest peaks. Weather permitting, you’ll be treated to a panoramic vista extending into the valleys of the South Pacific coast. This is a splendid moment to pause, capture images of the rising sun, and forge a profound connection with both nature and yourself. You’ll take pride in conquering this challenge, and with the entire day ahead, you can explore the area for a few extra moments before descending the mountain.

Alternatively, if you’ve chosen to stay an extra night, you’ll have additional time to explore some of the seven trails that Cerro Ena offers: Mirador de Ken, Paso del Indio, Mirador La Roca, Paso de Felo, Turberas, Placas, and the Cruce de la Montaña Mística trail. For those seeking a more leisurely day, you can simply relish the shelter’s surroundings and savor the delicious food provided.

The Paramo, a moorland ecosystem, is akin to the alpine tundra and showcases beautiful plants such as lichens, ferns, shrubs, and small trees that are resilient to cold temperatures and strong winds. Up close, you’ll discover petite and colorful flowers, along with leaves that boast thickness and stunning hues. Immerse yourself in this breathtaking and serene environment. We hope you’ll capture numerous photographs and relish it as much as we do!

Our cuisine is a celebration of locally-sourced ingredients, highlighting traditional Costa Rican dishes such as gallo pinto, casados, and comforting soups. You’ll also savor warm beverages like tapa de dulce and coffee. These delightful, homemade-style meals are prepared either in the host houses or at the shelter. They provide the nourishment you’ll need to tackle the hikes with energy and enthusiasm. Hot drinks are readily available throughout the day at the shelter for your enjoyment. If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure your needs are met.

The return journey is primarily downhill, providing a sense of satisfaction to some hikers, while others may opt for a more gradual descent. Starting from the shelter, the descent typically takes around 4 to 6 hours on average. Once you’re back at the main road, your transportation will be ready to take you to your accommodations, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower, change into dry and comfortable clothes, and savor a hearty lunch to reenergize. This marks the end of an unforgettable and fulfilling experience.