The Geography of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is basically a towering range of mountains, flanked on both sides with coastal plains. When you consider that the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are as close as seventy miles apart, and that the highest mountain rises to 12,000 feet, you've got to know that there will be a fantastic variety of geographic features compacted into a relatively small area.

Costa Rica was formed millions of years ago when the continents of North and South America met through the shifting of tectonic plates. The result was amazing. Costa Rico rose out of the ocean in the form of volcanoes, forming a land bridge between the two migrating continents. Through time, a very diverse terrain developed. Costa Rica is often described as a "micro continent" because of the variety of geographic environments.

Located just ten degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica is located within the tropics. The variance of altitude throughout the county adds additional dimensions to the complexity of the geographic environment. A brief descriptive list includes:

• Rugged Mountains
• Sandy White Beaches
• Active Volcanoes
• Steamy Tropical Jungles
• Alpine Forests
• Open Savannahs
• Sugarcane Fields
• Lush Rainforests
• Lagoons, Estuaries, Swamps
• Offshore Coral Reefs
• Pastures of Grazing Cattle
• Cloud Forests

Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Rim of Fire. There are four distinct mountain ranges in spite of the small size of the country. There are seven active volcanoes and many more dormant and extinct ones. These all serve to add an adventurous mystique to the majesty of the many fantastic views and tours.

Costa Rica's river system is extensive. Together, with beaches on both coasts of the country, Costa Rica is a haven for many water sports and adventures.

In summary, Costa Rico is nature's miracle. A virtual geographic paradise that displays the wonderful artistic capacity that only nature, itself, can create.