Extreme in contrasts of valley and mountain, this area invites visitors to experience the serenity of a superb botanical garden, the thrill of premier white-water rafting, and the achievement of climbing the country’s highest peak.

This region encompasses the nation’s most rugged terrain. Mush of it is part of the Talamanca massif, whose igneous and sedimentary rocks underlies a rugged landscape of forest and wind scoured alpine grasslands. A network of trails criss-crosses the range, tempting intrepid adventurers to pioneer pathways that are trodden by few. Unique wildlife encounters are possible.

The region is also the heartland of indigenous culture. In the fastness of mountain valleys members of the Boruca and Guaymis tribes live secluded livers on territory held in trust as indigenous land.