Puntarenas

Trekking into Monteverde's cloud forest feels a bit like wandering into Mother Nature's secret cocktail party-misty, mysterious, and teeming with flamboyant characters (looking at you, emerald toucanets and sloths channeling peak chill). Originally settled by Quakers escaping the draft back in the 1950s, this lush Costa Rican paradise is cloaked in perpetual mist, lending an eerie yet enchanting 'Jurassic Park meets Alice in Wonderland' vibe. Pack sensible shoes, rain gear (the clouds here sneeze unpredictably), insect repellent strong enough to repel a small army, and binoculars to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal-basically a bird that dresses better for breakfast than most people do for weddings. Go at sunrise when the fog lifts gently enough to reveal rare orchids and bromeliads dripping from moss-covered branches, and plan at least a few weeks ahead so you're not stuck elbow-to-elbow with tourists who pronounce "sloth" as "slow-th". Entrance runs about $25, which is cheaper than therapy, and worth every colon. Truth be told, even if you fail spectacularly at spotting wildlife-and just end up damp, sweaty, and mildly frustrated-the tale of your brave venture into misty oblivion beneath a chorus of howler monkeys will cement your travel-storytelling credibility forever.

Forget leisurely lounging at just any beach-Ballena Marine National Park, down in Costa Rica's breezy southern corner, offers the surreal experience of strolling along a sandbar shaped, quite implausibly, like a giant whale's tail. Nature clearly has a sense of humor here, as migrating humpbacks congregate offshore twice a year, oblivious to the sandy homage awaiting them. To properly soak up this nautical whimsy, arrive at low tide-preferably early morning when the hordes of sunburned tourists have yet to invade, selfie sticks aloft like maritime conquistadors. Pack sunscreen, bug spray, and a pair of sturdy sandals, as Mother Nature delights in hiding sharp shells and pointy rocks along your path. Plan ahead by checking the tide charts closely-trust me, timing is everything-and budget around $6 for the park's whimsical entry fee. Even if whale sightings elude you, the sheer absurdity and Instagrammable charm of walking a giant whale's tail is worth every dropped flip-flop, sunburned shoulder, and sand-filled sandwich. After all, when your friends brag about their generic beach vacations, you'll casually mention how you once wandered the literal tail-end of the Americas, just because you could.

Only slightly unhinged travelers willingly nestle themselves overnight at the base of Costa Rica's famously grumpy geological titan, Arenal Volcano-a mountain with a reputation for tantrums that would make even Zeus blush. Ever since its dramatic awakening in 1968, this fiery peak has drawn thrill-seekers and connoisseurs of bubbling mineral bliss alike. Admittedly, staying here does require a certain commitment to tempting fate, but luckily, the volcano has graciously mellowed in recent years, trading molten lava rivers for soothing thermal hot springs (nature's jacuzzi after a hard day of existential anxiety). Book your perch at least a few weeks out, aim to arrive mid-afternoon to stake out prime sunset-viewing territory, and budget about $150-$250 to sleep comfortably-and considerably less if waking up mildly damp doesn't bother your adventure-hungry soul. Pack swimwear, mosquito repellent, a sturdy pair of sandals, and perhaps a small offering to appease the volcano gods. Sure, you could find less volatile overnight options elsewhere, but how else will you earn eternal bragging rights and the priceless chance to casually mention at future dinner parties, "Oh, that reminds me of the night I cozied up beneath an active volcano..."