Cerro de la Muerte literally translates to Mountain of Death. This area is the highest point along the Inter-American Highway that stretches along the Talamanca Mountain Range. This highway travels through Costa Rica from Nicaragua to Panama. Some points can be as low as 300 feet above sea level where as other sections are 11,500 feet above. Cerro de la Muerte is the highest point and received the nickname during historical times when travel was done by foot; many travelers were faced with cold temperatures and high elevations that they were not prepared for. This coupled with frequent landslides and straight drop offs that can go hundreds of feet gave birth to the name Cerro de la Muerte.
Originally the Talamanca Mountain range was a volcanic island but it later raised and separated from other mountain ranges; therefore the plants and animals that are sighted here are very unique and sometimes endemic as they have evolved into distinct species that can only be found in this area. This makes for an unforgettable landscape and a highlight for anybody passing through!
The scenery at the top of Cerro de la Muerte is breathtaking! This view is undoubtedly the best you can see from the Inter-American highway. On a clear day visitors will be able to look out across the lush jungle to see the Pacific Ocean in the background. As you take in the panoramic view be sure to notice the plant life that is abundant in this area. The wet but cold atmosphere gives way to many diverse species such as mosses, bamboo, and tree ferns. Aside from birds, wildlife is rarely sighted at this point. That said, this is a birdwatcher's paradise with quetzals, emerald toucanettes and bell birds being fairly common sightings.
| San Gerardo de Dota | 18 km |
| San Isidro | 44 km |
| Dominical | 74 km |
| Uvita | 80 km |
Unsure of what to do? Let us make you a free custom trip plan!