Jungle adventure, volcanic views, & relaxing hot springs

Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country’s Disneylike cast of creatures– ranging from howler monkeys to toucans – are populous and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime, the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive. A peaceful oasis in a tumultuous region, this tiny nation draws 1.5 million visitors every year.

Active travelers can surf, hike, snorkel and spot wildlifefor starters. The incredibly varied topography means you can cruise the cloud forest one day, visit an active volcano the next, and finish relaxing on a hot sandy beach. Adrenaline junkies have a myriad of choices here– among them zipping through canopy lines hundreds of meters long and riding the rough surf of the Pacific.

Costa Rica