Costa Rica is a well-oiled eco-tourism dream, and for good reason. One of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, it's packed with national parks, cloud forests, surf spots, and wildlife encounters straight out of a David Attenborough episode.

Backpackers will love its mix of chilled surf towns like Santa Teresa and Dominical, adrenaline adventures like white-water rafting and zip-lining in Arenal, and wildlife-rich jungle trails in Corcovado and Monteverde. It’s pricier than some neighbours but delivers huge on experiences.

Architecture plays a smaller role here, but colonial towns like Cartago and the capital’s neoclassical gems still have stories to tell. Ultimately, Costa Rica’s real beauty is natural, wild, and endlessly photogenic. That will be the basis for our exploration here.