Costa Rica: Hot Beaches, Hotter Volcanoes

Costa Rica continues to be one of the world's top tourist destinations, and there's little wonder why. The country has almost 800 miles of coastline, some of the world's largest rain forests, and at least 300 volcanoes, five of them active. There are raging rivers, no end of mountains, and if bird-watching is your thing, Costa Rica is home to 876 bird species.

But most of all, Costa Rica is just plain gorgeous. Whether you're visiting the tropical jungles of the Caribbean coast, the cities of the Central Valley, or the mountains and beaches of the Pacific, Costa Rica's topical diversity is as mind-boggling as it is magical and otherworldly. Come here and you may feel like you've stepped onto another planet.

If you've been thinking about Costa Rica, the sunniest and driest months are December through April. You won't be alone, but you'll find plenty of hotel deals and discount air tickets.

• Hot Lava


• A Beaches Breakdown


• Fodor's Choice: Costa Rica's Best Lodging


• Manuel Antonio National Park