First coming to the attention of international travelers in the mid-1990s, Costa Rica is currently -- and consistently -- one of the hottest vacation and adventure-travel destinations in Latin America, with close to two million visitors each year. Despite the boom in vacationers, Costa Rica remains a place rich in natural wonders and biodiversity, where you can still find yourself far from the maddening crowds. The country boasts a wealth of unsullied beaches that stretch for miles, small lodgings that haven't attracted hordes of tourists, jungle rivers for rafting and kayaking, and spectacular cloud- and rainforests with ample opportunities for bird-watching and hiking. In addition to the country's trademark eco- and adventure-tourism offerings, you will also find luxury resorts and golf courses, plush spas, and some truly spectacular boutique hotels and lodges.
Having lived in Costa Rica for more than 17 years, I continue to explore and discover new spots, adventures, restaurants, and lodgings -- and my "best of" experiences keep on coming. Here, I've selected the very best of what this unique country has to offer.
