Cordillera Central

mountains, Costa Rica

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June 24, 2026

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The Cordillera Central is a mountain range in Costa Rica that forms part of the country's interior. It is one of two major mountain chains running through Costa Rica, the other being the Cordillera de Talamanca. The Cordillera Central is known for its volcanic activity, with several active volcanoes such as Irazú and Poás overlooking the Valle Central. These volcanoes pose natural hazards, as do earthquakes throughout the country. The Valle Central, nestled between these mountain ranges, is the most populated region of Costa Rica and is characterized by fertile soils derived from volcanic material.12

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Costa Rica
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…Cordillera de Tilarán, and the Cordillera Central. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Cordillera de Talamanca is a massive granite batholith, quite different geologically from the volcanically active northern ranges. Costa Rica’s highest point, Mount Chirripó (12,530 feet [3,819 metres]), is in the Talamanca system. Two of…
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…Cordillera de Tilarán, and the Cordillera Central. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Cordillera de Talamanca is a massive granite batholith, quite different geologically from the volcanically active northern ranges. Costa Rica’s highest point, Mount Chirripó (12,530 feet [3,819 metres]), is in the Talamanca system. Two of…
Read More