Costa Rica in a nutshell: La Fortuna, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio

Tucked into the base of the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a hub for adventure. White water rafting, rapelling, ziplining, hiking through lava fields – its lineup of outdoor activities is endless. What’s more, the town is surrounded by lush green rainforest and is the gateway to some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders – like Arenal Volcano National Park with a double serving of volcanoes. And no trip to La Fortuna would be complete without visiting one of its natural hot springs. With all that dazzling scenery, there’s no wonder the town is named ‘The Fortune’.

There’s natural beauty and then there’s Monteverde. Sat high up in Costa Rica’s Tilaran mountain range, this picturesque village is a world away from the country´s beaches and tourist resorts. Its major showpiece is, undoubtedly, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Home to lush vegetation and exotic wildlife – including the resplendent quetzal, the world's most striking bird – this place is considered one of Central America’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. And it’s offering of outdoor activities is second-to-none, with a variety of activities for adventure seekers looking to unleash their wild side.

Famed for its world-class beaches and iconic national park, Manuel Antonio is a nature-lover's paradise. Offering sweeping views over lush jungle and the Pacific Ocean, this Costa Rican gem is nothing short of postcard perfect. The coastal town may be small, but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to scenic landscapes and pristine beauty. And there’s plenty to see and do. Three unspoilt beaches, a plethora of hiking trails and a dense rainforest teeming with wildlife – its national park is the place for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

With all the ingredients for a perfect city break, Costa Rica’s capital – San Jose – should be on everyone’s travel wish list. World-class museums, theatres, markets and historic buildings – it’s got everything. And by night, the city lights up with a host of hip restaurants, stylish bars and a buzzing party scene. What’s more, its downtown is relatively compact, meaning most sights are within walking distance from each another.