San José (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica

Outside Costa Rica’s capital of San José lies the port town of Puerto Caldera, which serves as the home base for travelers looking to venture into the lush wildlife the country is known for. Gateway to the province of Puntarenas, the port is a short distance away from several national parks, like Carara National Park, a biological reserve with over 400 species of birds, the Tarcoles River and the Poas Volcano. Travel off the beaten path and zip-line through the rainforest, take a surfing lesson, or mingle with the locals while shopping for handicrafts or dining on traditional Tico cuisine like Gallo Pinto (rice and beans).