The best hikes in Costa Rica

A woman with a severe peanut allergy says she endured humiliating treatment from an airline on a journey from London to Costa Rica.

For many Americans, “global warming” has become a charged term. It’s splashed across headlines and the subject of dinner table arguments: There’s a clear divide both here and abroad about climate change. But one Central American destination is decades past asking questions about global warming, and is leading the way in sustainable travel and ecotourism.

There are thousands of surf schools in the world that can get you up and riding for the first time. They teach the basics, and then for the most part, set you off on your own. For aspiring pros there are high-level surf coaches, but what about the rest of us?

Costa Rica is one of the most visited international destinations, and for good reason. With lush tropical rainforests, dramatic volcanic hot springs, and endless waterfalls thanks to the verdant jungle and surrounding mountains, it’s no wonder that travelers go to Costa Rica to experience some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. In fact, it’s home to the tallest waterfall in Central America, El Salto del Calvo. As 25 percent of the country is protected for conservation, most cascades are located within some of the 32 national parks and have entrance fees, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking them out — they’re well worth a few bucks. Here are the 14 most amazing waterfalls you should go chasing while in Costa Rica.

Indigenous communities in Costa Rica are relatively unknown and often overlooked, so visiting them makes for a truly fascinating and authentic experience. In the remote Bribrí village of Yorkín, men and women are equal and sustain themselves through farming, fishing and hunting. Rough Guides writer, Anna Kaminski, met the woman behind the collective.

Rough Guides' adventure sports expert Helen Abramson gives us her top tips on some of the world’s best adrenalin­-pumping whitewater rafting. Rapids are classified from I–VI, where grade VI is “un-runnable”, so the Grade V rivers listed here are essentially as thrilling as it gets.

There's something about road trip travel that always captures the imagination. You can take it all at your own pace, choose where to go and set off with a true sense of freedom and adventure. Thanks to the good old invention of the road (we have the Mesopotamians to thank for that!), we have access to plenty of landscapes on many travellers' bucket lists simply by sitting behind the steering wheel. Here are some of the best countries for a road trip — and of course, each one of our suggestions is bookable as a Rough Guides tailor-made trip. All you need to do is get in touch and we can sort out your dream self drive holiday.

Covering over 40 percent of the country, the Panama rainforest – tropical and wildlife-rich – is a haven of biodiversity. Packed full of playful monkeys, dazzling birds and some extraordinary plant life, the majority of the rainforests lie within the boundaries of the country’s sixteen national parks and numerous reserves. From the jade-coloured cloud forests that carpet the Chiriquí Highlands of western Panama to the vast untamed wilderness of the Darién, there’s plenty to explore.

Imagine an adorable fleet of tiny turtles flopping their way towards sea, leaving the beach behind them until their miraculously return, years later, to nest at the exact site of their birth. For lovers of nature and all things cute, witnessing a sea turtle hatch is an unforgettable experience. But you've got to get the timing right and need to know the best places to watch turtles hatch.

Stunning national parks, brooding volcanoes, and untouched beaches: Costa Rica offers many natural wonders and sights. Curious critters abound in lush rainforests. Network of rushing rivers and wildlife reserves beckons adventure seekers. Though it’s not possible to see everything in one trip, here is our pick of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Ahh, Costa Rica — no doubt you've already heard about the cloud forests and national parks. People have raved about the wildlife, from sloths to ocelots. As if Costa Rica (and its travellers!) didn't have enough to boast about, the country is also home to some spectacular waterfalls. Big and imposing, small and serene, ones you can swim under and others with water bluer than the sky, here's our guide to the best waterfalls in Costa Rica.

With five per cent of the world’s total biodiversity, Costa Rica is a fascinating destination. It's packed with abundant natural charms, from ethereal cloud forests to the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime destination. And the best way to process all the colourful memories? A quiet day or two at one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.