Cloud Forests

The cloud forests of the higher elevations are vastly different from the tropical rainforests near the coast.

We noted many changes as we drove up from the tropical lowlands.
 

          General changes with increased elevation:

               Cooler Temperatures
               Increased dense fog
               Less species diversity
               Shorter plants
               Smaller leaves
               Lower O2

A clear morning on Cerro de la Muerte

A foggy afternoon on the Robledal Oak trail

The Talamanca mountain range has Costa Rica's two tallest peaks :

1)Chirripo ( elevation 15,526ft.)

2)Cerro de la Muerte   (11,000ft.)

These mountains are tectonic rather than volcanic (as with many of Costa Rica's other mountains). It is much cooler, sometimes falling near the freezing point at night

(however there is NO SNOW in Costa Rica!)

Cloud Forest Home