As peaceful as it seems, climbing to the summit is illegal – up until 2010, it thrilled visitors with plumes of smoke and lava pyrotechnics – but you can get up close to its lava-covered lower slopes by taking the Las Coladas trail, one of several unforgettable hikes around Volcán Arenal National Park, about 7km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna.

Volcán Arenal’s picture-perfect cone looms over the town of La Fortuna. Below, we look at the places you won’t want to miss. And there’s enough adrenaline-fuelled action to satisfy the most demanding thrill-seeker, from white water rafting to zip lining and serious surf breaks. The country’s motto is pura vida – or pure life – and a quarter of its landmass is protected by national parks and reserves, offering a wealth of wildlife watching among untamed nature. Costa Rica is home to everything from steamy rainforests and misty cloud forests, to still-smoking volcanoes and sublime beaches strung along Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.

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