Highland oak forests are cool, moist montane forests dominated by evergreen oak species. Found in the higher elevations of Costa Rica’s central and southern mountain ranges, these forests are notable for their towering trees, dense understory, and high levels of endemism. They are often shrouded in fog, with epiphytes and mosses covering trunks and branches. These forests provide crucial habitat for highland mammals, birds, and amphibians, and serve as a buffer zone between cloud forests and páramo ecosystems.
Protected Areas:
Los Quetzales National Park
La Amistad International Park
Tapantí–Macizo de la Muerte National Park
Chirripó National Park (transitional zones)
Dry season (December–March) for better trail access, but year-round mist contributes to the ecosystem’s charm
Costa Rica’s highland oak forests form part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and serve as essential corridors for altitudinal migrations of birds and mammals. They are also vital carbon sinks and regulators of water flow to lower elevations.
