Things to do in Costa Rica

La Fortuna, at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, is the adventure hub of the north, with rainforest trails, hanging bridges, hot springs, waterfalls and the broad lake of Arenal. It is a classic stop on almost every journey through the country.

Elsewhere, the Monteverde cloud forest is home to quetzals and misty canopies, Manuel Antonio National Park pairs beaches with monkeys and sloths, and the canals of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast are a nesting ground for sea turtles. The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park are among the most biodiverse places on earth, and Guanacaste's Pacific beaches are known for surfing and sunsets.

Gallo pinto, rice and beans, starts the day, followed by casado plates, fresh fruit and excellent coffee, and the national phrase pura vida captures the easygoing spirit. The dry season from December to April is the most popular, while the green season brings afternoon rain, lush landscapes and, from about July to October, green turtles nesting on the beaches of Tortuguero.