Few places feed your inner adventurer more voraciously than north-central Costa Rica. The land is a tropical playground, with the 34-square-mile Lake Arenal as its fitting centerpiece. Atop its cobalt surface is windsurfing paradise. Strong gusts and warm waters make the lake one of the sport’s top-ranked destinations. Anglers in search of a good fight will find it in the guapote, a bass displaying a feisty attitude. Kiteboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, river rafting, and boat tours round out the aquatic activities.

Beyond the shores, lose yourself in rainforests, cloud forests and exotic butterfly farms. Go ATV riding through untamed terrain. Play monkey for a day enjoying tree canopy adventures. How does one unwind from it all? Try immersing yourself at Tabacon Hot Springs, a series of seductive pools sculpted from a warm river at the base of Arenal Volcano.