On either side of the volcanic central highlands lie coastal lowlands which differ greatly in character. The smooth Caribbean coastline is 212 kms long and is characterized by year-round rain, mangroves, swamps, an intercoastal waterway, sandy beaches and small tides. The Pacific coast is much more rugged and rocky. The coastline is 1016 kms long, with various gulfs and peninsulas. In the north it is bordered by tropical dry forests, which receive almost no rain for several months each year, as well as by mangroves, swamps and beaches.
Tidal variation is quite large and there are many offshore islands.
The two most important peninsulas are the Nicoya, separated from the mainland by a gulf of the same name, and the Osa, separated from the mainland by the Golfo Dulce. The Peninsula de Nicoya is hilly and dry. It is known for its cattle farming and also its beach resorts. The Peninsula de Osa on the southern coast contains the Parque Nacional Corcovado, which is one of Costa Rica's protected rainforests. We are located in Costa Rica.