This Central American nation has long attracted nature lovers and sunbathers alike. It’s peaceful nature, perfect climate, and “pura vida” attitude have made Costa Rica a shining gem that straddles the continents. With the country’s biggest airport, San Jose is likely the first place you will see. The economic, business, and political capital of Costa Rica has the country’s best nightlife, dining, museums, and shopping. Most tour agencies have offices here. Some of Central America’s best beaches are in the country. The Peninsula de Nocoya on the Pacific side has perhaps the most beautiful and deserted beaches, although they are not nearly accessible. Playa Tamarindo is a sun soaked resort area and renowned surf spot. Party town Puerto Viejo has lovely white sand beaches that pair well with its booming nightlife. The country’s incredible biodiversity has made it a haven for ecotourism. One forth of the country lies within a protected area and 25 national parks have been created. Parque Nacional Corcovado is where you can see monkeys, whales, macaws, and tapirs without bating an eye. Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional is where you can witness the miracle of nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles. Parque Nacional Tortuguerro is a coastal park with access to some of the best wildlife in Central America and sometimes called the mini-Amazon. Parque Nacional Chirripo is the country’s primary mountain park and has a heavy concentration of unique wildlife. Nature lovers can also try hiking on volcanoes or in the jungle, bathing in hot springs, camping on secluded forest paths, scuba diving with hungry sharks, going white water rafting, horse back riding, mountain biking, or even volunteering. As far as the dining scene goes, San Jose has the best restaurants, while many of the resort areas have good international cuisine as well. The country serves Gallo Pinto (beans and rice) by the bucket, but as far as authentic Costa Rican food there is little. Most restaurants serve some blend of westernized junk food.