Cerros de Escazú

The Cerros de Escazú is a mountain range in central Costa Rica. It borders the Central Valley to the south and is considered the northernmost portion of the Cordillera de Talamanca. The highest peak is Cerro Rabo de Mico with 2,428 m (7,966 ft), followed closely by Cerro Cedral with 2,420 m (7,940 ft). Other relevant mountains include Cerro Pico Alto with 2,353 m (7,720 ft), Cerro Pico Blanco 2,271 m (7,451 ft) and Cerro San Miguel with 2,035 m (6,677 ft)^[1].

While in the San José, the Cerros de Escazú can be seen to the south-west. The name is taken from the city Escazú, which lies on the northern slopes. Other nearby cities are Santa Ana, Ciudad Colón, Tabarcia, Palmichal, Alajuelita and Aserrí. The area is encompassed by various cantones: Escazú, Santa Ana, Mora, Acosta, Aserrí and Alajuelita.

It is a popular destination for mountain bikers and hikers although there are no clearly marked trails.

Quitirrisí, in the Cerros de Escazú, is the Indian reserve which lies closest to the capital, San José.

Due to its position, this mountain range has several climatic influences that are reflected in the habitat diversity and biodiversity. In an attempt to protect this biological richness but also the local watersheds, the Cerros de Escazú Protected Zone, the El Rodeo Protected Zone and the Quitirrisí Protected Zone were created.

References

1. ^ Cerros que rodean el Gran Área Metropolitana

Coordinates: 9°51′N 84°09′W / 9.85°N 84.15°W / 9.85; -84.15

File:Montaña de escazu