Talamanca

The Talamanca, or Cordillera de Talamanca, is a major mountain range in Central America that extends across southeastern Costa Rica and western Panama. It forms a significant portion of the continental boundary and serves as a primary hydrological divide between Pacific and Caribbean drainage basins. The range runs roughly parallel to the Caribbean coast, with its highest point in Costa Rica at Cerro Chirripó, 3,820 meters above sea level. On the Panamanian side, the range includes high elevations near the border, such as Volcán Barú at about 3,475 meters. The Cordillera de Talamanca is part of the region’s highland system, featuring a range of ecosystems from tropical forests at lower elevations to cloud forests and high-mountain habitats at greater heights.

Ecologically, the Talamanca Range is notable for its biodiversity and ecological importance. Protected areas within the range include La Amistad International Park, a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Costa Rica and Panama, which preserves extensive primary forests and habitat for a variety of wildlife. The region supports species such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, and numerous bird species, along with a rich plant diversity. Highland communities, many of Indigenous origin, also contribute to the cultural landscape of the area.

Human activity in the Talamancas centers on conservation, research, and sustainable use. Indigenous communities, including the Cabécar and Bribri in Costa Rica and the Ngäbe-Buglé in Panama, maintain traditional practices linked to the mountains. Ecotourism and scientific studies focus on protected areas around Chirripó National Park and other parts of the range, highlighting the balance between biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods in Central America.