The stage starts with an early descent down to Rio Pirris. The narrow road winds through terraced coffee plantations and orchards and offers iconic hillside views as we ever so slowly move into lower elevations once again.
After crossing Rio Pirris on the narrow metal and concrete bridge we begin the last major climb of the route, a 350 meter (1,150 feet) ascent over a mere 3 kilometers to the coffee town of San Gabriel. We are in the hills of Tarrazu where most of the local residents work in the coffee fields.
Shortly after we reach Mata de Caña, a town with restaurants and resupply. This represents the last reliable opportunity for such services for the next 30 kilometers, so stock up accordingly. Many hikers combine stages 13 and 14.
