| Average elevation | 746 m (2,448 ft) |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Cerro Chirripó: 3,820 m (12,533 ft) |
| Lowest point | Puntarenas: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range | 3,820 m (12,533 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city | Villa Mills: 3,100 m (10,171 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city | Puerto Viejo: 0 m (0 ft) |
Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, known for its beautiful landscapes. The country's elevation map shows a great diversity of geological relief, ranging from high mountain chains to lowlands.
The highlands of Costa Rica are located in the north and central regions. They are characterized by beautiful mountains and valleys, which host important ecosystems such as cloud forests. The lowlands are mostly coastal plains, which include important wetland areas, such as mangroves and estuaries.
The country is crossed by several volcanic mountain chains, which are important sources of fertile soils. The mountain peaks are usually covered with thick vegetation, hosting endemic species such as monkeys and birds. The volcanic activity of the country is still active, and its eruptions have occasionally caused major disasters.
The geography of Costa Rica is an important factor in its rich biodiversity. The country has one of the highest proportions of protected areas in the world. Many of these areas are located in high elevation zones or near the coastlines.
The highest point in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, which reaches an elevation of 3,820 meters (12,533 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Talamanca mountain range, in the Chirripó National Park. This mountain peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The lowest point in Costa Rica is located on the Pacific coast, along the shoreline. It reaches sea level, which is 0 meters (0 feet) above sea level. This point is located in the Nicoya Peninsula, near the town of Puntarenas.
Costa Rica's elevation map is similar to other countries in Central America, such as Panama and Nicaragua. However, Costa Rica's relief is more diverse and includes more high-elevation zones than the other countries.
Villa Mills is the highest-elevation city in Costa Rica, at 3,100 m (10,171 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City | Elevation | Elevation in feet |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Mills | 3,100 m | 10,171 ft |
| Cartago | 1,435 m | 4,708 ft |
| San José | 1,121 m | 3,678 ft |
| Heredia | 1,119 m | 3,671 ft |
| Alajuela | 952 m | 3,123 ft |
| Quesada | 570 m | 1,870 ft |
| Liberia | 87 m | 285 ft |
| Limón | 3 m | 10 ft |
| Puntarenas | 0 m | 0 ft |
| Golfito | 0 m | 0 ft |
| Puerto Viejo | 0 m | 0 ft |
The highest point in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, at 3,820 m (12,533 ft) above sea level.
The lowest point in Costa Rica is Puntarenas, at 0 m (0 ft).
The average elevation of Costa Rica is 746 m (2,448 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
Villa Mills is the highest-elevation city in Costa Rica, at 3,100 m (10,171 ft) above sea level.
Of the cities listed for Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is the lowest, at 0 m (0 ft) above sea level.
Elevation in Costa Rica ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Puntarenas to 3,820 m (12,533 ft) at Cerro Chirripó, a difference of 3,820 m (12,533 ft).