Costa Rica

Costa Rica packs volcanoes, cloud forest, and Pacific and Caribbean coasts into a country the size of Denmark. The classic route runs Arenal, Monteverde and then the Pacific at Papagayo or the Osa Peninsula, which is the wildest and best for wildlife. The lodges are genuinely built into the landscape and guiding is a national profession. The dry season runs December to April; the green season is cheaper and wetter with afternoon rain.