The Five Forest Types of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s compact territory hosts five distinct forest ecosystems:

1. Tropical Rainforests – Lowland, evergreen, high rainfall, immense biodiversity (e.g., Corcovado, Tortuguero).
2. Cloud Forests – High‑elevation, mist‑shrouded, epiphyte‑rich (e.g., Monteverde, Santa Elena).
3. Temperate Rainforests – Cooler, higher latitudes/altitudes; mossy, conifer‑influenced (e.g., high Talamanca).
4. Mangroves – Coastal tidal forests; critical nurseries for fish, carbon sinks (e.g., Terraba‑Sierpe).
5. Pre‑montane & Lowland Dry Forests – Seasonal deciduous forests in rain shadows (e.g., Guanacaste).

Each type supports unique flora and fauna, making the country a global conservation hotspot.