Map of Costa Rica with Cities and Regions

With lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, and coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most naturally diverse countries.

Map of Costa Rica

Key geography facts

1. Costa Rica’s Central Valley is its most populated region, home to major cities like San José, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago, as well as coffee plantations and fertile farmland.

2. Mount Chirripó is the highest point in Costa Rica, reaching 12,536 feet (3,821 meters) in the Cordillera de Talamanca.

3. The country contains both dry and wet coastal plains, with the Pacific side supporting cattle ranches and sugarcane and the Caribbean side covered in rainforests and banana plantations.

4. Costa Rica’s wetlands, such as Tortuguero and Caño Negro, are vital ecosystems that support migratory birds, mangroves, and aquatic life.

5. Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica, serving as an important hydroelectric power source. It spans 85 square kilometers (33 square miles) in the northern highlands.

Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Costa Rica

Costa Rica provinces

Costa Rica has 7 administrative provinces.

1. Alajuela
2. Cartago
3. Guanacaste
4. Heredia
5. Limón
6. Puntarenas
7. San José

Map of Costa Rica in Central America

Costa Rica borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Caribbean Sea can be found in the northeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest of the country.

Costa Rica major cities

San José – The capital and largest city, known for its cultural institutions and historic architecture, and as the political and economic center of the country.

Heredia – Known as the “City of Flowers,” Heredia is located near San José and is a great place to enjoy a quality cup of coffee, as much of Costa Rica’s coffee is produced in the surrounding region.

Cartago – Once the capital of Costa Rica, this historic city lies to the east of San José and is known for its colonial architecture, religious landmarks like La Negrita, and proximity to the Irazú Volcano.

Alajuela – A pre-Colombian city near San José, known for its agriculture, including coffee plantations, and as a gateway to the Arenal Volcano.

Puntarenas – A coastal city on the Pacific, known for its beaches and seafood and as a popular tourist destination.

San Isidro de El General – Nestled about 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of the capital, this agricultural city is closest to Cerro Chirripo National Park and Costa Rica’s highest mountain.

Liberia – Located in the northwest, known as the “White City” for its white gravel roads, and as a gateway to the Pacific beaches and national parks.

Puerto Limón – Located on the Caribbean coast, known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, vibrant festivals, and proximity to rainforests and beaches.