Nate Cavalieri - Lonely Planet Costa Rica

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In Costa Rica trails lead to rushing waterfalls, mist-covered volcanoes and deserted beaches. Regardless of which you choose, this tropical playland is a feast for the senses.

Whether youre following the metallic shimmer of a blue butterfly from palm to palm, staring into the yawning mouth of a deep purple orchid or watching wisps of fog roll in to soften the jagged edge of mountains, Costa Ricas vivid colors last a lifetime. The canopies rustle with riotous troupes of white-faced monkeys, hillsides echo with the squawks of scarlet macaws and you can reach up to the trees and pick your days lunch: a ripe starfruit. It might seem at times like some kind of wondrous tropical fantasy land, but this is Costa Rica.

Rainforest hikes and brisk high-altitude trails, rushing white-water rapids and world-class surfing: there is a dizzying suite of outdoor adventures. They come in every shape and size from the squeal-inducing rush of a canopy zip line, to a sun-dazed afternoon at the beach. The countrys national parks allow visitors to glimpse the seething life of the tropical rainforest, its simmering volcanoes and cloud forests offer otherworldly vistas and its reliable surf breaks are suited to beginners and experts alike. Cant decide? Dont worry, you wont have to. Given its diminutive size, its possible to plan a relatively short trip that includes all of the above.

As the preeminent eco- and adventure-tourism capital of Central America, Costa Rica has earned a rightful place in the cubicle daydreams of travelers around the world. With a world-class infrastructure, visionary sustainability initiatives and no standing army, Costa Rica is a green, peaceful jewel of the region. Taking into account that more than a third of the country enjoys some form of environmental protection and theres greater biodiversity than the USA and Europe combined, its a country that earns the superlative descriptions.

And then you have the people. Costa Ricans (or Ticos as they refer to themselves) are very proud of their little slice of paradise, and are ever eager to welcome guests to sink into the easygoing rhythms of pura vida the pure life every bit as much of a catchy motto as it is an enduring mantra. With the highest quality of life in Central America and a fantastic tourism infrastructure, all the perfect waves, perfect sunsets and perfect beaches seem like the pure life indeed.

Costa Ricas iconic blue morpho butterfly
ROBERT MATTON AB / ALAMY

A pristine expanse of virginal forest totaling 105 sq km, Monteverde Cloud Forest ( ) owes much of its impressive natural beauty to Quaker expats, who left the US in the 1950s to protest the Korean War and helped foster conservationist principles with Ticos of the region. But as fascinating as the history is, the real romance of Monteverde is in nature itself: a mysterious Neverland dripping with mist, dangling with mossy vines, sprouting with ferns and bromeliads, gushing with creeks, blooming with life and nurturing rivulets of evolution.

CHRISTER FREDRIKSSON / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Volcn Arenal

While the molten night views are gone and the volcano lies dormant, this mighty, perfectly conical giant is still worthy of a pilgrimage. There are several beautiful trails to explore, especially the magnificent climb to Cerro Chato ( ) is considered by scientists to be active, youd never know it from the serene, mist-covered vistas. Even when clouds gather, and there is a chill in the air, you are just a short drive away from its many hot springs.

JESUS OCHOA / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

White-Water Rafting

So many rivers, so little time. But the dedicated adrenaline junkie could easily cover some heart-pounding river miles in the span of a few days in this compact little country. For those without the drive to do them all, pick a river, any river: Pacuare ( ). Any of the three are fun runs (though were partial to the Pacuare), with rapids ranging from Class II to Class V, and all have stretches of smooth water that allow rafters to take in the luscious jungle scenery surrounding these river gorges.

Ro Pacuare
JESUS OCHOA / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Although droves of visitors pack Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio ( ) the countrys most popular (and smallest) national park it remains an absolute gem. Capuchin monkeys scurry across its idyllic beaches, brown pelicans dive-bomb its clear waters and sloths watch over its accessible trails. Its a perfect place to introduce youngsters to the wonders of the rainforest, and splashing around in the waves youre likely to feel like a kid yourself. Theres not much by way of privacy, but its so lovely that you wont mind sharing.

CHRISTOPHER BAKER / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Parque Nacional Corcovado

Muddy, muggy and intense, the vast, largely untouched rainforest of Parque Nacional Corcovado ( ) is anything but a walk in the park. Here, travelers with a flexible agenda and a sturdy pair of rubber boots thrust themselves into the unknown and come out the other side with the story of a lifetime. And the further into the jungle you go, the better it gets: the countrys best wildlife-watching, most desolate beaches and most vivid adventures lie down Corcovados seldom-trodden trails.

Green iguana
RALPH HOPKINS / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Montezuma

If you dig artsy-rootsy beach culture, enjoy rubbing shoulders with neo-Rastas and yoga freaks or have always wanted to spin fire, study Spanish or lounge on sugar-white coves, youll find your way to Montezuma ( ), and can take the tremendous hike to a triple-tiered waterfall. Oh, and when your stomach growls, the town has some of the best restaurants in the country.