Chirripó National Park is located in the heart of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the second highest peak in Central America, which was formed by a variety of geologic processes, including tectonic movement and volcanic activity. The highlands, that were believed to be sacred by the indigenous people of the area, represent the most complete evolution of the Talamanca Mountain Range's orogenic and morphoclimatic characteristics. The relief forms and the litic materials here reveal the region's geologic history, while the presence of basaltic and andesitic rocks and tuffs provide evidence of prior volcanic activity. The last glaciers retreated from this area about 10,000 years ago, but evidence of their presence can be seen by the region's many lakes and u-shaped valleys, such as Moraines' Valley, the Lakes' Valley, and the Rabbits' Valley. Striations can be observed on several of the rock beds in these valleys.
Chirripó National Park encompasses an area of 50,150 hectares (approximately 195 square miles) and is part of La Amistad International Park (Costa Rica-Panama).