Cerro de la Muerte (literally, "Mountain of Death") gains its name from brave settlers a hundred years ago who lost their lives to the extreme cold while crossing the area on the remote trail leading down into El Valle de El General to the south. At 11,500 ft. it's one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica. The view from "Death Hill" at mile marker 89 is spectacular, with the Pacific coast visible on clear days and the Caribbean visible on very clear days. Plant's grown luxuriantly even at this altitude, but no high trees are to be found and plant life is stunted because of the harsh conditions. The area is home to a number of high elevation specialty birds as well as such sought after birds as Resplendent Quetzal lower on the mountain's forested slopes.
