The Central Highlands Region of Costa Rica

As one winds up the coffee-shrouded slopes of Costa Rica's Central Highlands, the dramatic climb gives way to spectacular views. If the mountainous peaks are not shrouded in enchanting cloud, it is even possible to simultaneously view the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Amid its mountainous terrain, the region contains a number of fascinating destinations. In the northwestern area, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve stands as pillar of conservation biology and nature travel. Not far from San Jose, visitors can find Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall. In its southeast, the region contains both the Irazu and Turriabla Volcanoes.

Bordered by lowlands to the north and the Central Valley to the south, the Central Highlands Region of Costa Rica awaits with beautiful discoveries around every corner. Home to national Parks and protected Reserves, the region supplies ample resources to nature-enthusiasts and outdoor-lovers. Its terrain boasts superb wildlife havens and thriving vegetation up to altitudes of 11,260 ft (3,432 m).

Rivers slither their way down the upper slopes of the continental divide, and misty clouds saturate the forest oaks and pines. Epiphytes and mosses decorate the trees, and ferns lounge along the forest floor. The Highlands' tree canopies are home to fantastic birds, such the Three-wattled Bellbird and elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Dotted with some of the most unadulterated and enthralling natural terrain, the region offers plenty of natural wildlife areas to explore.

The Highlands Region extends from the northwest town of Tilaran to the southeast Turrialba Volcano. It encompasses  an elliptical expanse of spectacular green hills with unparalleled biodiversity, and many of the country's most important rivers bellow from high in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range to Costa Rica's fertile Central Valley. Birthing from high atop the crisp mountain ranges, these rivers supply the Central Valley Plateau (Meseta Central) with vital nutrients for flourishing crops.

Many of the country's active volcanic peaks are found along the Highland's Central Volcanic Mountain Range (Cordillera Volcanica Central). Volcanoes such as Poas and Irazu are some of the most spectacular and accessible volcanoes in the country. Easily accessible from San Jose, destinations such as Poas Volcano can be visited with day trips from the capital city.

Many serendipitous adventures await visitors to the Central Highlands. Experience the terrain's pure beauty as it unwinds along the road in front of you. The region's immaculate views and stunning scenery may entice you to spend your entire vacation in the Central Highlands.

The Peace Lodge La Paz Waterfall	$275-$415 Information Book Now		The unique and magical Peace lodge is located on the grounds of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Heredia. In possibly one of the finest natural masterpieces, guests can expect to find themselves in a magical world, surrounded by cascading... (more)
Monteverde Lodge Monteverde	$98-$168 Information Book Now		The gorgeous Monteverde Lodge is situated up in the Tilaran Mountain range in Monteverde. Monteverde is world renowned for its mystical primary cloud forest reserve. The reserve houses an abundance of bird species, mammals, and diverse vegetation.... (more)

Agouti Armadillo Bairds Tapir Bananaquit Bare-necked Umbrellabird Cane Toad Chestnut-headed Oropendola Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Coati Collared Peccary Green Spiny Lizard Ground Anole Howler Monkey Jaguar Jaguarundi Keel-billed Toucan Kinkajou Long-tailed Hermit Long-tailed-Manakin Margay Ocelot Olingo Paca Puma Resplendent Quetzal Spider Monkey Tayra Three-Toed Sloth Three-wattled Bellbird Tink Frog Turquoise-browed Motmot Vampire Bat Violet Sabrewing White Faced Monkey