Costa Rica
San José, Costa Rica’s bustling highland capital at 1,150m, blends colonial theaters like Nacional with modern museums and vibrant Central Market. Coffee tours in nearby hills, Poás Volcano day-trips, pre-Columbian gold at Jade Museum. Savor gallo pinto, live marimba. Mild 15–25°C year-round; dry Dec–Apr ideal for clear volcano views and outdoor café culture.
Monteverde, Costa Rica’s misty cloud forest reserve at 1,400m, enchants with hanging bridges over canopy, quetzal spotting, and zip-line thrills. Hike Santa Elena trails, visit butterfly gardens, night walks for glowing fungi. Coffee fincas, orchid trails. Cool 15–22°C; dry Dec–Apr ideal for clear views and fewer rains on suspension bridges.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica’s adventure hub at Arenal Volcano’s base, thrills with hot springs, hanging bridges, and waterfall rappels. Hike lava trails in Arenal Volcano National Park, spot sloths in Mistico, kayak Lake Arenal. Zipline, white-water rafting. Mild 18–28°C; dry Dec–Apr ideal for clear volcano views and sunny eco-tours.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s pristine Pacific jewel, dazzles with white-sand beaches, turquoise waves, and Manuel Antonio National Park’s wildlife: sloths, monkeys, toucans. Hike rainforest trails to Punta Catedral, surf Playa Espadilla, spot whales Dec–Apr. Eco-lodges, sunset kayaking. Tropical 24–32°C; dry Dec–Apr ideal for beachcombing and clear monkey spotting.
