Costa Rica packs an amazing amount of nature into a small country. Rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests and two coastlines are all within a few hours of each other, and the wildlife is incredible, from toucans and monkeys to sloths and elusive jaguars. In just a few days, you can hike past an active volcano, zip-line through misty treetops and surf warm Pacific waves.

Adventure is everywhere, but so is relaxation. Costa Ricans, known as Ticos, live by the phrase pura vida, pure life, and that easygoing outlook is contagious. You'll feel it from the capital, San Jose, all the way to the beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Walk among butterflies and waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, hike near the iconic Arenal Volcano, soak up the laid-back Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, or simply relax in a hammock on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Costa Rica is a short flight from many U.S. cities, with airports in San Jose and Liberia. I'll design an itinerary that mixes rainforest, volcano and beach, with transfers and eco-lodges that make it all easy.