Central American Ranges

Most of the major Central American mountains are volcanoes. The highest of these are located in Guatemala, where the landscape is rich with high volcanic peaks, complimented by similarly pyramidal Mayan ruins. Though volcanoes in the other Central American countries are lower in elevation than in Guatemala, they are nonetheless common. Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama all have volcanic landscapes, with several active cones.

Costa Rica has the proud distinction of having protected a larger percentage of its land in national parks than any other country in the world. Since its National Parks System was established in 1970, twelve percent of the country has been protected in national parks, and an additional sixteen percent as Indian reserves, biological reserves, wildlife refuges and wildlife corridors. The treasures within these areas include lush rainforests and active volcanoes.