t Costa Rica’s palm-fringed beaches, running the length of both coastlines, are perfect for recharging. Some of the most pristine are in the wild coves that surround Tamarindo and tiny Quepos.

t The sight of an arribada (mass arrival) of sea turtles crawling up Costa Rica’s beaches is pure magic. Go to Tortuguero or Nosara to patrol nesting sites and help tiny hatchlings back to sea.

t With fantastic rapids tumbling down steep slopes amid stunning natural beauty, Costa Rica offers world-class rapids across the country. Pack your paddle and head straight for Sarapiquí and Pacuare River to test your skills on everything from half-day trips to multiday excursions.

t Start every day with a rich dark brew from the grano de oro, the nation’s golden bean. Coffee lovers, make a beeline for the Central Highlands to savor the full bean-to-cup experience.

t The crystal-clear waters off both sides of Costa Rica teem with sealife and shipwrecks. Head to Gandoca-Manzanillo and Isla del Coco for the best dives.

t From conical Volcán Arenal to the mist-shrouded cloud forest of Monteverde to Corcovado’s bottle-green rainforest, Costa Rica is full of inspiring scenery.

t Indigenous cultures make up only a fraction of the population, but they’ve had a huge cultural impact. Many communities can be visited to appreciate their heritage.

t Costa Rica’s lively artistic and literary scene is best expressed in peñas and tertulias, where anyone is welcome. Get involved in one of these arty salons or get-togethers of like-minded people in cultural hotspot San José.