Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from approximately 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level (1,000 to 2,000 meters). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano) and the country's highest mountain, the Chirripo Hill, with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft.

Costa Rica has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers and rafters from all over the world.