That was certainly the case for Lynne Mazouz and Kira Smith, two friends who set out for a dream vacation in Costa Rica — only to realize they booked a flight to San Jose, Calif., instead.

San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, serves as a central base for exploration and features a large international airport. You'll likely want to stop here before heading off to the country's ...

Costa Rica is a popular retirement destination for ... Atenas is more rural but within easy reach of San Jose and other larger towns, where you might go to receive medical care and other services.