Costa Rica

Costa Rica's reputation is built on nature — and unlike a lot of destination marketing, that reputation is actually earned. The wildlife, the volcanoes, the rainforests, the biodiversity — it's all real, and it's genuinely spectacular when you find yourself in the middle of it. The trick is knowing where to look. Some destinations deliver the full ecotourism experience. Others are more about convenience and beach life than untouched wilderness — and there's nothing wrong with that, as long as you know which you're getting.

Travel & Chai's Costa Rica guides cover both honestly, so you can build a trip that matches what you're actually after.