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Costa Rica Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills

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When is the best time to visit Savegre and Chirripo?

At 2,200m above sea level and frequently swathed in mist, San Gerado de Dota has cooler temperatures than the lowlands. It can rain at any time but most precipitation falls between May - Nov. This 'green' season is quieter in terms of visitor numbers. The best months for bird-watching are Feb - Apr. The areas around San Isidro Del General is noticeably warmer and the eco-structure is predominantly tropical rain forest as you drop towards the coastal area of Dominical.

What language is spoken in Savegre and Chirripo?

The main language spoken in Savegre and Chirripo is Spanish.

What currency do I need in Savegre and Chirripo?

The Colón is the main currency used in Savegre and Chirripo. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in San Isidro Del General but we recommend drawing out money in San Jose airport first. UK credit or debit cards are accepted but take cash for smaller or remoter areas. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) too. 

What is the time difference between Savegre, Chirripo and the UK?

The time difference between Savegre, Chirripo and the UK is GMT -5 hours.

What places combine well with Savegre and Chirripo?

A visit to the remote Southern Pacific coast for a beach wind down at Dominical or Uvita ( 2-3 hours by road) and the spectacular Corcovado National Park on  Osa Peninsula  (2-3 hours by road and 1 hour by boat ). Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even winding ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others require 4WD vehicles.

How do I get to Savegre and Chirripo?

The Savegre Valley and Chirripo Foothills are reached by a 3-5hr drive from San José along the Cerro de la Muerte with Los Quetzales National Park on your right and the Talamanca mountain range on your left. Dropping down to the bottom of the valley and leaving the main highway, the road winds for approximately 1 hour.

What are the festivals and cultural events in Savegre and Chirripo?

During January in San Isidro del General the Fiesta Cívica fills the streets and locals dress up while mariachis provide the soundtrack. In May when the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro, is honored with a colorful parade.

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    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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