Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a sliver of Central America that packs an astonishing density of life: cloud forests dripping with orchids, volcanoes steaming above hot springs, and beaches where both surfers and sea turtles find their rhythm. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can hike through a misty rainforest in the morning and be snorkeling in warm Pacific waters by afternoon, all without crossing a border. The country’s “pura vida” ethos isn’t just a slogan—it’s a genuine invitation to slow down and let the wildlife, from howler monkeys to resplendent quetzals, steal the show.