All trails lead to waterfalls, misty crater lakes or jungle-fringed, deserted beaches. Explored by horseback, foot, or kayak, Costa Rica is a tropical choose-your-own-adventure land. Rainforest hiks and brisk high-altitude trails, rushing white-water rapids and world-class surfing. Costa Rica ofers a dizzying suite of outdoor adventures in every shape and size. National parks allow visitors to glimpse life in the tropical rainforest and cloud forest, simmering volcanoes offer otherwordly vistas, and surf breaks are suited to beginners and experts alike. And then there are people, Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they perfer to call themselves, are proud of their slice of paradise, welcoming guests to sink into the easygoing rythms of the pura vida.