These are agricultural lands and river valleys, which forces nature to be very different. A change in climate, both in the forests and on the beaches, perfectly describes these coasts. In this southern part of the country, it will be very difficult to find hotels and fast food restaurants. This area is perfect for birdwatching, fly fishing, and mountain trekking.
People work primarily in agriculture, on coffee plantations, African palm groves, and banana plantations. La Amistad International Park will be a major tourist attraction, extending to the border with Panama. The main capital is San Isidro del General.
South Pacific Zone
It is known primarily for its coffee plantations. It’s a relaxed, rural place with a mountain village landscape. It has small towns named after saints, such as San Pablo de León Cortés, Santa María de Dota, San Marcos de Tarazú, San Cristóbal Sur, San Gerardo de Dota, and many more. Some areas are perfect for attracting high-altitude species.
San Marcos de Tarazú
It’s better known than any other place in this southern part. It’s usually just a place to stop and get to other places; decent restaurants and hotels are available here. You can learn about the history in the central park; there used to be a bank, a place where you can enjoy people-watching and having a coffee.
Santa Maria and Dota Valley
It’s known for its luxurious coffee plantations surrounding the community. This place is very quiet, and you can usually hear everything around you. Coffee production is the main economic activity. One example of this is Coopedota, which offers a half-day trip so you can learn how this coffee is made. This is a perfect place to experience Costa Rica’s rural culture.
San Gerardo de Dota
This place is the main protector of the Savegre River. It was in 1952 that Efraín Chacón established a farm in what is now known as the town of San Gerardo. In those days, they survived on Cuban beans, coffee, and cattle. Later, they also planted apples and other fruit trees. This area attracted fishermen and quetzal birds; people say they came because they liked the avocado trees. Quetzals arrive during the months of April and May, and there is a national park protected solely for these birds. The Savegre River is also a good place for fishing during the peak seasons of May and June. Los Quetzales
National Park, Costa Rica,
South Pacific Region
It is the newest national park. It was officially established in 2005. It covers 5,000 hectares of cloud forest and has an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 meters.
The Savegre River originates in the hill called Cerro de la Muerte (Hill of Death) and flows into the Pacific Ocean. This area is known for its biodiversity.
Quetzals are the main birds in this park, but trogons, hummingbirds, robins, partridges, and sooty tinamous also visit.
Besides the birds, this is also home to a variety of wildlife. The flora is very different because this place is cloudy, giving it a completely different atmosphere.
San Isidro del General
It has a population of 45,000 and is 136 km from San José. This is a highly developed area, offering all the amenities and services a community could need. It is close to several popular tourist destinations, such as Cerro Chirripó National Park, La Amistad National Park, and other nearby towns like the Wilson Botanical Garden and Dominical Beach, one of the best surfing beaches in the world. You can find hotels to suit your needs and budget.
Saint Gerard of Rivas
It is located 22 km from the Chirripó River. The road is in good condition for the first 10 km. In the town center, a large soccer field is surrounded by small grocery stores known as pulperías. Family farms can be seen here. Small cabins are available for overnight stays. The main attraction is the peak overlooking the Chirripó River. Temperatures are very cold. Hiking is possible throughout the area or on the mountain.
Chirripó National Park, South Pacific Region of Costa Rica
This is Costa Rica’s main park, as it is very high, measuring 3,820 meters above sea level. This hill is part of the Talamanca Mountain Range, which divides the country into northeast and southeast. Within the hill are also two high peaks, one at 3,800 meters and the other at 2,000 meters. Between January and May, the forest is highly susceptible to wildfires. The number of trees of all sizes, as well as a multitude of plants, varies depending on the weather. It is also surrounded by coffee plantations and agricultural fields. This diversity allows for the development and adaptation of flora and fauna to climate change. A trail to the top of the hill allows you to see all the species along the way. The best time to visit the forest is during the dry season, from February to March. At any time of year, nighttime temperatures can drop, meaning it is possible for it to be very hot during the day and cold at night.
Buenos Aires
It is 64 km south of San Isidro. Buenos Aires is known for its pineapple cultivation. It is also a meeting point for indigenous groups such as the Ujarrás, Salitre, and Cabagra, who have a regional association that works to build indigenous capacity. This community is also involved in the hydroelectric project. It has a warm climate and a peaceful environment.
Dúrika Biological Reserve
It covers 7,500 hectares. It is a biological reserve and a working farm. This community protects local conservation. Here, tourists work on the land and stay overnight on the farms. There are excellent demonstrations of organic farming. Participants will enjoy a family-friendly experience in Costa Rica, as these excursions focus primarily on the daily life of the farmers.
Boruca Indigenous Reserve
The Térraba River is the central feature of this region. The Boruca people are the same as the Brunka. These indigenous groups developed in many other towns, including Coto, Quepos, Turrucares, Burucac, and Abubaes, all the way to the Osa Peninsula in pre-Columbian times. The Brunka community maintains many ancient customs that they still practice today. [
From the palm]
It is located in the heart of the banana-growing region of the Diquis Valley. The Río Grande and the Térraba River divide this region into two parts: South and North. This location is near the Inter-American Highway. Another attraction is the metal bridge located 1 kilometer south of the city center. The exact location of this city lies between San Isidro and the Panamanian border. An airstrip adds to the city’s importance and value.
Rio Claro
Nile
Paso Canoas
Paso Canoas is an international city located between the province of Puntarenas in southern Costa Rica and the province of Chiriquí in western Panama. The border between Panama and Costa Rica runs from north to south, making this city a crossroads for both Costa Rica and Panama. It is of great commercial importance to the area’s residents, given its location on the border. It has an estimated population of 7,334. The main public health agency is the Ministry of Public Health, which plays a role in disease prevention. Medical centers and hospital care are the responsibility of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), an autonomous state institution. Among the medical facilities are Valle Coto Bruss, San Vito, and La Amistad National Park.
