Costa Rica's Diverse Landscapes

Costa Rica's terrain is remarkably varied:

• Caribbean Lowlands: Northeast coastal plains with banana plantations.
• Volcanic Mountain Ranges: Cordilleras running northwest to southeast; >100 volcanic formations, 37 active. Highest peak: Cerro Chirripó (3,820 m / 12,538 ft) in Talamanca Range.
• Central Valley (Valle Central): Fertile agricultural basin surrounded by mountains; most populous region, includes capital San José.
• Meseta Central: Plateau between volcanic ranges; prime coffee-growing and cattle region.
• Pacific Lowlands: Nicoya Peninsula (north) has dry forests; southern Gulf of Nicoya area includes wetlands and mangroves.

Over 25% of the country is protected in 62+ conservation areas, including national parks and reserves.