Costa Rica is a popular, easy-to-reach and inexpensive Central American nation (low-cost airfares there from U.S. gateways) for vacationers wanting nature unspoiled by high rises and such--of which there are none in the touristic areas. Its wildlife, flowers, volcanos, rain forests, beaches and general ecology are fiercely protected by a sensitive and democratic government--and the result is sheer pleasure.
Author of our Easy Guide to Costa Rica 2015, Eliot Greenspan, has lived in Costa Rica since 1992, where he both writes, acts as a travel consultant, and operates a tour company to--guess where?--Costa Rica.