Covered in smoky white clouds are the lush, green transboundary Talamanca mountains, which connect Panama and Costa Rica- and North and South America. The vast forests span some of the highest points in Central America. They are some of the most precious conservation areas. While the range offers stunning views and unheard-of experiences, it is also definitely one of the best places if you want to take the hike of your life.
One of the Last Major Natural Forests in Central America
Cerro Chirripo, the highest point in the protected habitat, reaches 3,819 meters above sea level. It and the rest of the mountains formed after the disappearance of Quaternary glaciers.
Everything down below is part of one of the last significant natural forests in Central America, full of extraordinary biological and cultural diversity. The forests aren’t just home to two-thirds of Costa Rica’s entire species population.
Archeological discoveries have proved that the forests could have been home to some of the first humans in the area. There are four ingenious tribes of people who still live there.
The other tenants include 215 different mammals, 600 species of birds, 250 reptiles and amphibians, and 115 different freshwater fish.
More specifically, Baird’s tapirs, giant anteaters, six species of cats, the Ornate Spider Monkey, and Black-crowned Central American Squirrel Monkey all live in valleys, lakes, and rivers that spill into waterfalls. Their homes offer some spectacular views to the average traveler.
Making the Trek
Visitors can only access the remote area on a horse or by foot from the many entrance areas. Driving to the entrance areas is a bit sticky, but some buses can drop you off near enough.
The best time to travel to the national park varies because different parts have different weather patterns.
The lower areas, along the Caribbean, are hot and humid year-round.
The entrance points are on the Pacific side and are in the higher elevations, where the weather is usually cool and damp.
The average temperature is about 79°F in the lower east slopes, and in the peaks, it gets below freezing at night. The driest months occur during February and March.
If hiking through often treacherous yet beautiful terrain is something you love, or if you’re a beginner and want to experience the unthinkable, then traveling to Talamanca Range and the La Amistad Reserves is the place for you.