Known as the greenest country in the world, Costa Rica is home to five percent of the world's biodiversity.
With lakes, volcanos, and lush rainforests, it's easy to see why it is the #1 destination for tourists visiting Central America.
Although the country is popular with families, and you'll find plenty of Americans on Costa Rica family vacations, there is plenty to offer those on a more modest backpacking budget.
For travelers who love the thrills of riding waves, Costa Rica surfing is some of the best in the world, and you'll find plenty of surfer hostels.
Surfing hotspots include Tamarindo in Guanacaste or Dominical or Cabo Matapalo on the Pacific coast.
The Nicoya Peninsula has, even more, surf and beach action and is easily reachable from the port town of Puntarenas.
From Puntarenas, you can take the 70-minute boat and enjoy a tranquil ride past islands to Paquera.
The funky town of Montezuma is just 90 minutes away by public bus and is ideal for those looking to chill by the beach.
Further along, the coast is Santa Teresa, with supermarkets like delis and a superb beach with equally magnificent sunsets. You may even be there to witness one of the bull riding festivals.
Taking a boat tour to Isla Tortuga is definitely worth the money and is an incredible spot for snorkeling and diving.
You can also enjoy lunch on this paradise island afterward.
Costa Rica has a great bus system, but you may find yourself having to travel back to the capital of San Jose between destinations.
This will be the case if you go to Puerto Viejo, a vibrant Caribbean town and beach lover's paradise where surfers come from all over the world to ride the Salsa Brava waves.
Private shuttle services also run in the country, and although they are more pricey than the local buses, you'll get air conditioning and arrive at your destination in less time than if you took local transport.
More of a transportation hub than a tourist attraction, San Jose doesn't have that much to offer travelers.
But if you need to rest your weary head and buy some souvenirs to take home with you, then check out the Mercado Calle Nacional de Artesania y Pintura market for almost anything Costa Rican.
The Plaza de la Cultura is the nicest area, with the National Theatre and museum waiting to be explored.
Buses from San Jose can take you all over the country, but some of the roads may not be as good as you're used to.
Private shuttle services also run in the country, and although they are more pricey than the local buses, you'll get air conditioning and arrive at your destination in less time than if you took local transport.
More of a transportation hub than a tourist attraction, San Jose doesn't have that much to offer travelers.
But if you need to rest your weary head and buy some souvenirs to take home with you, then check out the Mercado Calle Nacional de Artesania y Pintura market for almost anything Costa Rican.
The Plaza de la Cultura is the nicest area, with the National Theatre and museum waiting to be explored.
Buses from San Jose can take you all over the country, but some of the roads may not be as good as you're used to.
Head to La Fortuna or Monteverde to experience Costa Rica's biodiversity and the famous cloud forests.
The hostels here fit in with the scenery, and this is the place for those looking for a cooler area of the hot country.
Hiking to view the volcano is popular here as well as horseback riding and viewing the waterfalls.
There are so many hot springs here that you could spend a week just hopping from one to another.
For sloth-spotting or to see one of the country's famous colorful frogs, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is the place to go.
The night tours offer you the opportunity to see native nocturnal animals such as sloths and snakes.
Walking through a forest reserve at night gives an added element to animal spotting.
And there's the frog pond showcasing the best of the country's dangerous amphibians.
This area of Costa Rica is for the adventurous backpacker.
Those who want to fling themselves along one of the world's longest zip lines, whether in a tandem or by themselves.
The canopy bridges are for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the floor and admire the rainforest crossing high bridges as they go.
It's just as easy to combine this lush country with its neighbor too, and if you're traveling to Nicaragua, Liberia is a great little stopover.
You can do day trips from here or just choose to spend the night before taking a local bus to the border in the morning.
Local buses to Nicaragua are cheap and easy.
Whether you prefer volcanos, surfing, beaches, or canopy bridges, Costa Rica has something for everyone.
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