Cerros de Escazú (translation: Escazú Mountains) are a mountain range in San José Province, in central Costa Rica.

Geography

The range borders the Costa Rican Central Valley to the south. It is considered the northernmost portion of the Cordillera de Talamanca.

Peaks

The highest peak is Cerro Rabo de Mico at 2428 m, followed closely by Cerro Cedral at a height of 2420 m. The range includes such other peaks as Cerro Pico Alto at 2353 m, Cerro Pico Blanco at 2271 m and Cerro San Miguel at 2035 m.

Settlements

While in San José Province, these geographic formations can be seen to the southwest of the capital city, San José. The name is taken from the canton of Escazú, which lies on its northern slopes. Other nearby districts are Santa Ana to the north, Ciudad Colón to the northwest, Tabarcia to the southwest, Palmichal to the southwest, Aserrí to the east and Alajuelita to the northeast. This mountain range lies in various cantons: Escazú, Santa Ana, Mora, Acosta, Aserrí and Alajuelita. Quitirrisí, located in these hills, is the Native American reserve which lies closest to the capital.

Conservation

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 Escazú Hills Protected Zone, the El Rodeo Protected Zone and the Quitirrisí Protected Zone were created. It is a popular destination for mountain bikers and hikers although there are no clearly marked trails.