San Jose, Costa Rica

Get an up-close look at volcanoes and craters at this national park. Take a level, paved half-mile hike to a lookout point and view the mile-wide crater, which is considered the largest active crater in the world and has a lake at the bottom. If you are lucky, you may see one of the natural geysers that pops up due to the weight of the water and the steam below the crater’s surface. The Volcán Poás National Park is a day trip, and most tour operators can provide an excursion for $30 to $70, depending on what other activities are included. You can also ask any hotel for driving directions and bus information if you choose to venture forth on your own.