Visit La Fortuna

The cloud forest reserve, resplendent quetzals and the first canopy ziplines.

Hot springs, a ropeway over sulphur vents and Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi, ninety minutes from Tokyo.

Xela, the highland second city of Spanish schools, hot springs and the Santa Maria volcano.

Thermal baths under the Tungurahua volcano, the swing at the end of the world and the waterfall road.

Visit Limon, the capital of Limón Province on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Explore the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture at the Parque Vargas (seaside park with historic bandstand and tropical gardens), sample traditional dishes like rice and beans with coconut milk at the Mercado Municipal, and stroll along the Playa Bonita (black-sand beach popular for surfing and sunsets). Don't miss the annual Carnaval de Limón in October, a lively celebration with music, dance, and parades.

The gateway to Manuel Antonio: sloths and capuchins on the beach in the smallest national park.

Afro-Caribbean reggae, coconut rice and the Salsa Brava wave on the Caribbean coast.

Guanacaste's surf town, with leatherback turtles nesting at Playa Grande next door.