Search Intensifies for Missing Hiker in Costa Rica’s Chirripó National Park

Rescue teams continued searching today for a 58-year-old man who has been missing for several days inside Chirripó National Park, one of Costa Rica’s best-known mountain destinations. The missing man has been identified as Reynaldo Pineda Lizano, a resident of Moravia and an avid hiker who works as a systems engineer. Pineda was reported missing after becoming separated from a group while hiking in the park on Monday, August 10. He was traveling in the area between Base Crestones and Cerro Chirripó when contact with him was lost. As of this afternoon, authorities had not reported finding him. The Costa Rican Red Cross said specialized rescue crews remain in the mountainous area, carrying out searches along different routes and sectors of the national park. At least 18 specialized Red Cross rescuers were involved in today’s operation, including members of the organization’s canine unit. The search also involves personnel and volunteers familiar with the difficult terrain. The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) has been coordinating the wider operation under Costa Rica’s Incident Command System. Other groups involved include the Independent Search and Rescue Brigade of the Southern Zone, the Chirripó Rural Community Consortium, the Herradura Development Association and the Ena Tourism Association. Earlier in the search, more than 45 people were reported to be taking part as authorities expanded the operation. Plans included the use of drones and trained search dogs to cover areas that can be difficult to reach on foot. Pineda had traveled to Chirripó with friends and shared an image from the Los Crestones area during the trip. According to accounts from the group, he moved ahead of his companions before they lost contact with him. When the others returned to camp and realized Pineda had not arrived, park personnel began searching for him. The Red Cross was later called in as the operation expanded. Chirripó National Park includes Costa Rica’s highest mountain and contains steep trails, high-altitude terrain and large areas where weather and visibility can change quickly. The remote conditions can make search operations especially challenging once a person leaves or becomes separated from the main trails. Rescue teams said operations would continue as authorities and local groups work to locate Pineda. The Tico Times will update this story if authorities announce new information about the search.