Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an eco-paradise of rainforests, active volcanoes, cloud forests, and two coastlines where the Pacific and Caribbean create dramatically different beach experiences. The country protects over 25% of its land in national parks and wildlife reserves — the highest proportion of any nation on earth — meaning extraordinary biodiversity is accessible everywhere you travel. Arenal Volcano rises dramatically above its rainforest base, ringed by natural hot springs and white-water rivers. Monteverde's cloud forest is one of the most species-rich ecosystems on the planet, where resplendent quetzals fly between ancient trees and hanging bridges carry you through the forest canopy. The Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast hosts some of Central America's best surfing at Santa Teresa and Nosara, while the Osa Peninsula's Corcovado National Park is what National Geographic called "the most biologically intense place on Earth." Costa Ricans live by "Pura Vida" — pure life — a philosophy of ease, gratitude, and presence that permeates every interaction. The food is honest and fresh: gallo pinto for breakfast, casados at roadside sodas for lunch, fresh ceviche by the coast. Adventure is built into the landscape: zip-lining, white-water rafting, wildlife night walks, volcano hiking. Costa Rica delivers it all without the crowds or prices of its more famous Caribbean neighbors.