Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Sur
Costa Rica's Zona Sur (southern zone) is the country's least-known region, both for Ticos and for visitors, though tourism has increased significantly in recent years. The geographically diverse Zona Sur encompasses the high mountain peaks of the Cordillera de Talamanca at its northern edge, the agricultural heartland of the Valle de El General, the river-cut lowlands of the Valle de Diquis around Palmar and the coffee-growing Valle de Coto Brus, near the border with Panamá. The region is particularly popular with hikers, many of whom come to climb Cerro Chirripó in the Talamancas – one of the highest peaks in Central America – set in the chilly, rugged terrain of the Parque Nacional Chirripó.
Highlights
1 Chirripó Climb Cerro Chirripó – Costa Rica's highest peak – a long but fascinatingly varied ascent through cloudforest and páramo to rocky mountaintop.
2 La Cusinga Lodge Relax in a luxurious, eco-friendly rainforest lodge overlooking the marine splendour of the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena.
3 Bahía Drake Explore the stunning natural scenery and marine life of remote Bahía Drake.
4 Isla del Caño Snorkel among coral beds and spot dolphins, manta rays and whales at Costa Rica's premier diving destination.
5 Parque Nacional Corcovado The visually and biologically magnificent coastal rainforest at Corcovado is often compared by biologists to that in the Amazon basin.