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COSTA RICA | Puntarenas, Costa Rica Travel Guide
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Talamanca Mountains
Talamanca Mountains
The backbone of Costa Rica is the rugged majestic mountain range called Talamanca (Cordilla de Talamanca), which begins near Cartago and stretches down to the border with Panama. At the base of its western slopes is the Valle de El General, a long fertile valley that divides the mountains from the shore. The name, El General, refers to the valley’s major river.
The Talamancas are not volcanic, but they are tall. One peak, Mount Chirripó, is the highest point in Costa Rica (3,820 meters/12,530 feet). The capital and largest city in the region is San Isidro de General, an agricultural center, 45 km/28 miles directly northeast (on a good road) of Dominical. To get to San Isidro and points south, the Inter-American Highway snakes along mountains, valleys and ridges from Cartago, eventually leading down into the valley. Between Cartago and San Isidro lies the dramatic section known as the “Ridge of Death,” Cerro de la Muerte. This is the high land of resplendent quetzals and the Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte Cloud Forest, a national park. Ethereal. From San Isidro the Inter-American Highway continues to Palmar Sur, Ciudad Neily, and finally to Canoas, the border town with Panama.
Last updated October 29, 2010
Posted in Costa Rica | Puntarenas
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