This tiny country was a gorgeous start to my travels in Latin America. My first visit was also my first backpacking experience. I avoided the touristy spots and took my mother to waterfalls, jungles that ran along beaches, and cloud forests of colorful birds we had never seen before. On my second visit Marcela and I hitched and dirt-bagged, taking on a different vibe of budget travel. However, what both trips had in common were the sessions of gorging on papaya and the sampling of asado platters at the hole-in-the-wall sodas, or local diners of the Tico life.

 

 

San Gerardo de Rivas

This dreamy spot is largely undiscovered by tourists, yet seems to offer everything I think of when I want to experience Central America—hiking trails in the free Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, thermal springs, local cheese and chocolate shops. We slept in the dorm built into stone at my favorite hostel, the eco-friendly Casa Mariposa. For a memorable meal, visit the trout farm where you can go fishing and have your catch cooked fresh and served with blackberry juice.

Chirripo National Park

Take the challenge and hike to the top of Costa Rica. On clear days they say you can see from Pacific to Atlantic coast. Although most spend a night on the mountain in the base camp, it is possible to do all 40 kilometers in a single day, making this my favorite Central American adventure and one of the craziest things I’ve ever done.

Corcovado National Park

Experience the jungle as all four types of the country’s monkeys peer (or should I say pee?) at you from all sides and toucans sing in the canopies. The native scarlet macaws flap in the sunny skies and would never beg tourists for food. Look out for the tapir, a crazy looking mammal sporting a snout with a thing for lots of mud.

Nicoya Peninsula

Jump off of the famous 15-meter waterfall in Montezuma and beginner surf or do some yoga in the hippie village of Santa Teresa. Relax, take it easy, and if you still have time, visit turtle conservation projects in Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

Uvita & Dominical

Learn to surf, soak up some sun, or go whale-watching in Marino Ballena National Park. Surfers and Ticos alike flock these laid-back beach towns on the Pacific Coast. Backpackers have taken a liking to the Uvita Waterfall. Book lodging in advance during holidays and festivals!