Costa Rica

Central America’s eco-adventure capital, Costa Rica boasts two coastlines and just about every type of ecosystem you can imagine. Touch down in San Jose and hit the markets or head underground to the gold museum. Take a bus ride west to Monteverde Cloud Forest and hike beneath the canopy or zip-line through it, keeping your eyes peeled for pumas.

Journey east along the Pacific coast and sink your toes into pink sands or soak up the vibe in laidback surf retreats. Listen for scarlet macaws and harpy eagles when you reach Corcovado National Park.

Loop up to the Caribbean coast for calypso music and spicy cuisine, travelling west past sun-drenched sands. Take a boat to the forest-bound town of Tortuguero, where you can count monkeys, kayak past crocodiles and watch baby turtles waddle into the sea at the national park.