Costa Rica
RALPH LEE HOPKINS—NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/GETTY IMAGES
La Paz Waterfall Gardens are a short drive from San Jose.
Munch on a hot churro in San Jose, and stop in the Museo de Jade or check out the glittering pre-Columbian gold artifacts at the Museo del Oro Precolombino y Numismática. But also get out of the capital city and explore the 25 national parks and abundant nature preserves. Although Costa Rica is no longer the most affordable place in Central America, one U.S. dollar is currently worth approximately 517 Costa Rican colóns (named after Christopher Columbus) in this tropical locale.
