Things to do in Talamanca Highlands
Discover the best attractions and experiences Talamanca Highlands has to offer
Historic Monuments
In the Talamanca Highlands you’ll find heritage sites and iconic landmarks that anchor the region’s story, from colonial-era buildings to cross-border nature reserves with deep cultural histories.
Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
Costa Rica’s national shrine, located in Cartago, a short drive from the highland cloud forests and volcano scenery.
La Amistad International Park
UNESCO-listed cross-border park offering monumental biodiversity and ancient forest landscapes shared with Panama.
Tapantí National Park
A rugged rainforest reserve known for waterfalls, mossy cliffs, and a landscape that shapes the highland climate.
Museums
Small museums and cultural centers in the highlands showcase Bribri and regional history, ecology, and traditional crafts.
Bribri Cultural Center
Museum and cultural center presenting Bribri traditions, crafts, and language.
La Amistad Visitor Center
Educational hub about the La Amistad ecosystem with interactive exhibits.
Keköldi Indigenous Cultural Center
Cultural venue exploring Keköldi Bribri heritage through displays and community programs.
Religious Monuments
Religious landmarks provide a glimpse into Costa Rica’s spiritual landscape near the highlands.
Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
Costa Rica’s principal Marian shrine, a major pilgrimage site reachable from highland towns.
Iglesia de San Gerardo
Local parish church serving the San Gerardo de Rivas community and visitors alike.
Iglesia de Orosi
Historic colonial church in the Orosi Valley, reflecting early Costa Rican Christian heritage.
National & Theme Parks
Cloud forests, ridges, and highland ecosystems are protected across several national and theme parks.
Cerro Chirripó National Park
Home to Costa Rica’s highest peak, with challenging trails and sweeping summit views.
La Amistad International Park
Biodiverse park spanning Costa Rica and Panama, renowned for its cloud forests and biodiversity.
Tapantí National Park
Valley and forest reserve with waterfalls and rich flora, part of the highland corridor.
Neighborhoods
Characterful villages and border-region communities add local flavor to highland adventures.
San Gerardo de Rivas
Small mountain village serving as a gateway to Cerro Chirripó and cloud forests.
Keköldi Indigenous Territory
Bribri community area offering cultural encounters and village visits.
Sixaola
Caribbean-border town with Bribri influence and access to southern highland experiences.
Free Things to Do
Experience the highlands without a big price tag with hikes, overlooks, and nature immersion.
Hike to viewpoints along Cerro Chirripó trails
Take in panoramic highland views on public trekking routes through cloud forests.
Birdwatching in cloud forests around San Gerardo
Spot vibrant highland birds, including quetzals and tanagers, along forest trails.
Self-guided nature walks in Tapantí–Macizo de la Muerte corridors
Easy to moderate walks that reveal moss-draped trees and waterfalls.
Gastronomy
Taste Costa Rica’s rural flavors and Bribri-influenced dishes in the highlands.
Gallo Pinto
Rice and beans dish, a staple breakfast and even a simple dinner in the highlands.
Olla de Carne
Hearty meat soup with corn, plantains, and other vegetables typical in the region.
Tamales Bribri
Traditional Bribri tamales featuring local ingredients and regional flavors.
Nightlife
In these highland towns, nightlife is low-key, intimate, and often connected to local gatherings.
Evening gatherings in San Gerardo de Rivas
Casual bars and community events where locals share stories and local music.
Bribri cultural evenings
Informal performances and storytelling hosted by Bribri communities.
Local coffeehouse evenings in Cartago outskirts
Relaxed spots offering regional brews and light snacks after a day in the highlands.
Entertainment
Outdoor and cultural entertainments celebrate the region’s biodiversity and people.
Birdwatching tours in La Amistad region
Guided outings focusing on highland and cloud forest species.
Cultural performances by Bribri communities
Music, dance, and craft demonstrations highlighting Bribri heritage.
Canopy tours in the Talamanca highlands
Adventure treetop experiences offering perspective on the forest structure.
Sports
Adventure and outdoor sports thrive in the highlands, with challenging trails and rivers nearby.
Hiking Cerro Chirripó via the main trails
Rainforest-to-alpine summit route for dedicated trekkers.
Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
World-class rafting through jungle canyons not far from the highlands.
Horseback riding near San Gerardo
Scenic rides through valleys and forest edges adjacent to the highlands.
Off the Track
Deepen your experience with immersive, authentic encounters off the typical tourist path.
Indigenous homestays with Bribri or Cabécar families
Stay with local families to learn daily life, language, and craft traditions.
Coffee farm visits in the highland belt
Tour small family farms to understand altitude-grown Costa Rican coffee.
Guided night treks in cloud forests
Explore nocturnal wildlife with a local guide and safe equipment.