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.
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