Geography and Climate in Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts an interesting variety of micro climates and topography. The central mountain range, running from the northwest to the southeast of the country, includes four volcanic formations: Central, Guanacaste, Tilaran, and Talamanca, which surround the Central Valley with an imposing wall, protecting more than half of the country’s population, as well as the four main cities: San Jose, Cartago, Heredia and Alajuela. With altitudes ranging from 1000 to 1800 meters above sea level, the Central Valley is characterized by rolling hills, terraced farms, tropical rainforests and cloud forests. Outside the Central Valley, the seaward slopes of the central mountains plunge towards the coasts, carving the landscape with fast flowing rivers which provide Central America with the largest source of electrical power. On the oceanfront, both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines are blessed with some of the most enchanting, postcard perfect beaches in the world.

Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces; for a quick overview on provincial boundaries simply slide your mouse over the Costa Rica Map on CostaRicaBedfinder.com. For individual detailed Provincial Maps go to Costa Rica Maps.