Surrounded by beautiful countryside and protected National Parks, the Costa Rican capital can be quite a culture shock if you’ve just arrived from the countryside. Linger a while, however, and this sprawling city grows on you. Check out the Spanish colonial architecture of the National Theatre and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum before you leave.

Chill out on the slopes of one of Costa Rica’s most active but most predictable volcanoes. Lava bombs and pyroclastic ejections are a common sight, but the geothermal heat from this mountain also supplies the nearby Hot Springs. Other activities to try include zip lining, kayaking, white water rafting and fishing.

Perched above the national park bearing its name, Manuel Antonio offers exciting views, sandy beaches that sparkle in the sunshine, iridescent blue water, and ocean breezes that gently caress the skin. There’s plenty to do: visit the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation, go fishing, scuba dive, take a boat tour or hike the rainforest.