The upper reaches of the park, often cold and almost always cloaked in mist, contain the northernmost example of the "paramo" life zone, which is typical of high-elevation plains much farther south. The park also contains extensive areas of lower montane and montane rain forest and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and nature photography. Coyotes, jaguars, other felines, squirrels, rabbits, frogs, bird’s owls and quetzals are the most common species found.

Chirripo is also one of the few areas suitable for technical rock climbing.