The South Central Region of Costa Rica

If remoteness and inaccessibility appeal to you, the wild South Central region may be just what you need. One of the most rugged and unexplored regions in the country, it is here that you will find natural wonders like Costa Rica’s largest collection of virgin forest and the highest peak south of Guatemala, Cerro Chirripó. Winding trails through various ecosystems stroll through this scarcely populated landscape exposing various peaks over 9,800 ft (3,000 m) along the Talamanca Mountain Range.

Although none of the peaks along the massive Talamanca mountain range are considered to be Volcanic, the region is home to various indigenous Reserves such as Chirripó, Telire, Ujarrás, Salitre and Cabagra. Many of these indigenous cultures have been here for centuries and rarely see outsiders as they are tucked away deep in this secluded area. Throughout the region, visitors can expect some of the most diverse habitats imaginable packed with the most unbelievable flora and fauna found not only in Costa Rica, but all of Central America.

Some of the most important rivers in all of the country are found here, many of them starting from high atop the Talamancas and flowing into the fertile valleys below. Thundering down through Valle de El General and Valle de Coto Brus, these rivers supply nourishment for the many fruit and Coffee plantations that thrive in this special climate. The swirling winds bring menacing clouds from the Caribbean ready to saturate the region with torrential downpours. Most of the fury brought by Mother Nature, however, gets trapped around the gigantic peaks of the Talamancas, which means crops get what they crave while the climate down in the valleys stays pleasantly temperate. The alluvial soil brought down from the verdant mountain range produces some of the sweetest and tastiest pineapples in the country! Some of the best opportunities for class I to V white-water rafting are found here as well. This is most assuredly a wild frontier.

The South Central is one of the primary places of study for scientists to learn about the exceptionally diverse vegetation and wildlife Costa Rica is world renowned for. Many endangered, as well as exotic plants from all over the world can be found in these conservation efforts. The central themes of the Protected Zones and research facilities can be summed up by education, conservation research and teaching awareness to the public. Even if you’re not a scientist, a stop here will definitely increase your knowledge of the natural world.

Access to this region is most common via the Pan-American Highway (Interamericana), which slices and dices its way through the lovely Orosí Valley. This is one of the most charming drives imaginable, with breathtaking views from high atop Cerro de La Muerte, the old route farmers passed to transport crops to the larger Cities. After the quasi-nauseating descent the first main city you encounter along the Pan-American is San Isidro de El General , from which, it is possible to take various routes to your final destination. A mad dash to the southwest will take you to Dominical and the Pacific coast, or simply continue on the Pan-American to your target. From the South Pacific and Osa Peninsula region head north on Hwy 237 for San Vito or take the Pan-American Hwy through Palmar Norte.