Costa Rica is known for its natural attractions. As an introduction to some of the wonders waiting for you on a country tour, visit the INBio Park and/or the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. A highlight of the National Biodiversity Institute of Costa Rica(INBio), a private research center, is a two-hour guided tour. (Reserve ahead, or go on your own without a reservation.) The plants and trees along the trails recreate the region’s rainforest, Central Valley, dry forest and wetlands. At the wildlife stations, see poisonous frogs, boas, tarantulas and bullet ants, and learn what important jobs these critters perform.

The trails at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens lead you to five waterfalls. En route, pause at the Hummingbird Garden to see the tiny, emerald birds and at the Butterfly Garden, among Costa Rica’s largest, to discover how caterpillars get their wings.