Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

An ecological paradise of unbridled diversity, Costa Rica certainly lives up to its name, which means “rich coast.” The city of Puerto Limón has a few attractions, including the waterfront Parque Vargas and an interesting ethnohistory museum, but most visitors head to one of the many astounding national parks outside the city. A cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park offers the chance to observe endangered sea turtles, sloths, monkeys and even jaguars. The virgin rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park can be experienced by driving the highway that traverses it, hiking its trails above the clouds or riding the aerial tram through the treetops. Closer to Puerto Limón, Veragua Rainforest Park also features an aerial tram, as well as a zip line, butterfly garden, reptile habitat and nocturnal frog exhibit.