South-Central Region

The largest of Costa Rica’s mountain ranges is the Cordillera de Talamanca, found in the South Central Region. This mountain range is shared with neighboring Panama and makes up the southern most portion of the Central American Isthmus, which rose from the ocean years ago connecting the continents of North and South America. The highest point of the country, Mt Chirripo, is in this range and you are able to see both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans from its peak!

The majority of tourists never step foot in this region as it is mostly characterized by cool weather and rugged terrain. This is the coldest part of the country as elevation causes temperatures to drop dramatically. If hiking is your passion, no other place in the country will challenge your endurance more. Also, the Pacuare River is known as one of the top ten river rafting locations in the world.