What Is The landscape of Costa Rica Like?
Costa Rica's terrain shifts between hills, valleys, forests, mountains, volcanoes, wetlands and plains. Land near the coastline is of lower elevation, and aside from a number of elevated but flat valleys in the interior of the country, the majority of inland areas consist of rugged mountains, many of which are actually dormant volcanic peaks.
The highest point in Costa Rica is Cerro Chiripo, peaking at 12,530 feet (3,819 meters) above sea level. The highest volcano in the country is the Irazu Volcano (11,257 ft, 3,431 m). This volcano, set within Costa Rica's Central Highlands, features a hollow crater filled with sulfuric water rather than a characteristically conical peak. Lake Arenal is Costa Rica's largest lake. It is a man-made lake that is responsible for generating about 7 percent (157 Mega Watts) of the country's electricity.
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Central Highlands
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.
Chirripo National Park
Nestled along the heart of the Talamanca Mountain Range in the south central portion of Costa Rica, Chirripo National Park (Parque Nacional Chirripo) consists of 123,923 acres (50,150 ha) and provides one of the best opportunities to test your hiking abilities. Trails throughout the park take you as high as you want to go, ultimately reaching the highest peak in the country and second highest in Central America. The ascent to Cerro Chirripo at 12,532 ft (3,820 m) is definitely a test of endurance and a favorite among avid nature enthusiasts.
Irazu Volcano National Park
Irazu Volcano, still active, last made international headlines when it erupted in 1963 on the day that former US President John F. Kennedy visited the country. The eruption decimated crops in the area but left the soil enriched for decades to come. The last noticeable activity came in 1996, and since then Irazu has been a quiet giant. Reaching upward of 11,260 ft (3,432 m), Irazu is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica.
Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal, lying adjacent to the Arenal Volcano in the Northern Lowlands of Costa Rica, is the country’s most spectacular lake. With the magnificent Arenal Volcano to the east and rolling hills and forested slopes all around, the scenery couldn’t be better. Add to that a number of activities that includes world-class windsurfing and sailboarding, fishing, kayaking, bird watching and more, and you have the makings for a spectacular destination.
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