San Jose is where most Costa Rica adventures begin, and it's worth more than a quick stop on the way to the rainforest. Costa Rica's capital sits in the cool Central Valley, ringed by green mountains and coffee country, and it's the cultural heart of the country.

Spend a day exploring before you head out. Admire the gilded, opulent interior of the National Theatre, then dive into the sights, sounds and snacks of the bustling Central Market. The surrounding highlands are covered in coffee plantations, and a farm tour makes a perfect half-day trip.

Getting there is easy, with nonstop flights from hubs like Miami, Houston and New York. Ask for a window seat: on the way in, you'll see volcanoes rising above a patchwork of coffee fields. I'll plan your San Jose stay as the launching point for the rest of your trip, with transfers and connections to the rainforest, volcanoes and beaches all lined up.