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See
region map
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Exuberant nature.
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Large masses of humid tropical forest that harbor unique
species of the planet, an abundant marine diversity, the
highest peak in the country, an indigenous legacy that holds
mysteries as captivating as the Pre?Colombian stone spheres
and ancient cultures that still today conserve its traditions,
are all part of what Costa Rica's South Pacific can offer.
Its distance from the Central Valley makes of this area
one of the country's last frontiers of development, allowing
the conservation of important forests such as Corcovado
National Park, last haven of humid tropical forest in the
Mesoamerican Pacific coast; and La Amistad International
Park (Costa Rica?Panamá), declared by the UNESCO
as a natural patrimony of the world.
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| The region also possesses the country's largest
swamp extension, the wetlands of Sierpe?Térraba, of
great scenic beauty; it also contains unique ecosystems, such
as the glacial lakes of the Chirripó National Park,
Costa Rica's highest peak at 3820 meters high (12.400 Ft);
and Golfo Dulce, which scientists consider a unique true tropical
fjord adding to its fauna and flora diversity. |
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The Osa Peninsula, covers great part of the
South Pacific, and constitutes an area of great natural attraction
that, together with the Talamanca mountain range, the Peninsula
represents one of the first land formations that emerged in
Central America. Both are places of great biological diversity.
Given that the peninsula was an island in the past, it possesses
unique endemic species of wildlife, in addition to those migratory
species of North and South America. Its tropical forests harbor
trees of up to 70 meters high, (over 200 Ft) wood species
of great value, and the largest populations of endangered
animals including felines and scarlet macaws. In the upper
slopes of the Talamanca Mountain range, the Paramo ecosystem
harbors species of great attraction such as the resplendent
quetzal and others. |
| Osa and Talamanca are also home to the country's
main indigenous tribes of Meso?American and South American
influence. Indigenous vestiges such as the stone spheres are
also characteristic of the region. Some of the most famous
spheres are on Caño Island, near the coast of Bahia
Drake, one of the country's best diving spots. Its clear waters,
witness the migration of marine species like the humpback
whale, spotted and bottle nose dolphins, and the green baula
turtle. |
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The countless beaches that bathe the South
Pacific coasts are surrounded by exuberant nature and their
sands possess the most diverse tonalities. Some are sought
after for surfing, as are Dominical Beach, near the Marino
Ballena Park National, and Playa Pavones, famous for having
the world's longest left?hand breaking waves. Others are
solitary beaches, ideal to walk on for hours in search of
solitude and communion with nature. Rivers and waterfalls
supplement the natural landscape and the charm of this region.
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