Pan-American Highway (North America) - Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica contrasts sharply to the other nations in Central America, as it is a so-called second-world developing country compared to its underdeveloped, poorer neighbor Nicaragua. Costa Rica is the second-smallest Central American country in area (after El Salvador). Its portion of the Pan-American Highway, however, is still a minimally maintained twisty two-lane road, at least between San José and the Nicaragua border. Soon after entering Costa Rica the highway separates two national parks, the Santa Rosa National Park to the west and Guanacaste National Park to the east.

From the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border to the town of Liberia is about 45 miles (72 km). In the region of Costa Rica, the Pan-American Highway runs just west of the Cordillera de Guanacaste (Guanacaste Mountains), which includes the active volcanoes of Rincón de la Vieja and Miravalles. While travelling through Costa Rica, the highway route is known as Costa Rica Highway 1 instead of CA Highway 1.

Liberia to the town of Barranca is about 65 miles (105 km). From Barranca, the Cordillera de Tilarán (Tilarán Mountains) can be seen from the Pan-American Highway. The Tilarán range includes Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes. From Barranca, the highway heads east across the mountains and the Continental Divide once again. From Barranca, it is roughly 44 miles (71 km) to the town of Alajuela.

After Alajuela the Cordillera Central (Central Mountains) come into view from the Inter-American Highway. The Central Mountains include four large volcanoes--Poás, Barva, Irazú and Turrialba. From Alajuela to San José is about 15 miles (24 km).

San José is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. Although San José is more modern than other large Central American cities with its shopping malls, department stores, and even fast food restaurants, it also includes several museums. These include the Museo Nacional (National Museum), the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold), the Museo de Jade (Jade Museum), the Teatro Nacional (National Theatre), and the Mercado Central (Central Market; open air).

Leaving San José, the Pan-American Highway winds its way roughly southeast. From San José to San Isidro de El General is about 84 miles (135 km).

From San Isidro, the Cordillera de Talamanca (Talamanca Mountains) rise up from the rain forest canopy. The Talamanca range, which is non-volcanic, includes Cerro Chirripó. Cerro Chirripó, at 3,820 metres (12,530 ft), is Costa Rica's highest mountain peak. From San Isidro to Palmar Sur is roughly 65 miles (105 km). Palmar Sur to the Costa Rica-Panama border is about 55 miles (89 km).