Great North and Tamarindo beaches

The journey begins on the slopes of Poás: a guided tour of a coffee plantation, from the plot to the roasting, tasting included. Typical lunch, a detour through Grecia and its metal church, then Sarchí, the stronghold of painted oxcart artisans. The late afternoon climbs towards Monteverde, while the guide recounts the country's tumultuous geology. Overnight in a charming inn on the outskirts of the cloud forest.

Optional tonight: guided night walk with a local specialist, flashlight provided (fee payable on site).

The morning is spent on the trails of a nature reserve Monteverde — Curi-Cancha, Santa Elena, or another, depending on conditions: 400 bird species, elusive mammals, and vegetation saturated with mosses and bromeliads. Lunch in the area, afternoon choice between continuing exploration with the guide or a leisurely stroll in Santa Elena. Before dinner, a stop at the hummingbirds: dozens of species flit around the feeders.

Optional in the afternoon: suspension bridges above the canopy, and zip lines for the daring (fees apply on-site).

A scenic detour through the Tilarán mountain range: photo stops at lake viewpoints, snacks and coffee by the water, craft stalls — and surprise stops when monkeys, coatis, or parrots cross the landscape. Settle into a charming hotel at the foot of the volcano's cone. Arenal ; The rest of the day is spent between the pool, gardens, and observation walk.

In the evening, optional: thermal baths heated by the volcano (access included in some hotels, otherwise a fee on site).

Morning exploration in the national park area of the volcano Arenal We walk between secondary forests and frozen lava flows, with full-frame views of the sleeping giant, accompanied by vulcanology commentary. Lunch in Costa Rica is at a ranch on the opposite slope, followed by a tour of its medicinal plantations and its bio-methanization facility. Afternoon free: La Fortuna, hotel gardens, or lounge chair.

Waking before dawn and heading for the Caribbean coast—hearty breakfast in Guápiles en route. In La Pavona, we trade the minibus for the speedboat: an hour of jungle-lined canals to the lodge at Tortuguero, reachable only by water or air. After the buffet lunch, a visit to the village stretching along its sandy spit between the river and the sea, with a walking return along the beach.

During the green season (July-October), at your option: nighttime observation of sea turtle nesting (fees payable on site).

The national park Tortuguero unfolds with the water: boat trips and guided walks punctuate the day, in search of caimans, howler monkeys, sloths, and water birds that inhabit this labyrinth of canals. Between excursions, enjoy the lodge – pool, frog garden, trails – in the heart of one of the country's wettest and most abundant regions.

Morning boat to La Pavona, then a crossing through the thick forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, with a buffet lunch midway. You will meet San Jose in the late afternoon for a friendly dinner with the group — the circuit part ends, making way for the ocean starting tomorrow.

After breakfast, the shuttle heads northwest: about 3.5 hours on the Pan-American Highway to the coast of Tamarind, on the Nicoya Peninsula. Your 4-star hotel opens directly onto Langosta Beach, at the gates of Las Baulas Marine National Park. From here, everything is all-inclusive: meals, local drinks, entertainment — and no more mandatory early mornings.

Five days of total freedom on one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. On the agenda, only what tempts you: swimming and long walks on the sand, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or windsurfing, tennis and volleyball on land — or nothing at all, just a book in the shade of the palm trees. The hotel's three restaurants alternate generous buffets and à la carte dinners (Italian or Japanese), with local drinks always included; the spa and its pool complete the picture. Surfing enthusiasts will find Tamarind, neighboring village, one of the most renowned spots in the Guanacaste.

A la carte excursions from the hotel (fees apply on-site): snorkeling trip, sunset catamaran, Tamarindo estuary…

Last breakfast looking out at the Pacific, then transfer back to the airport of your choice: Liberia (flight after 2 p.m., about a 1 hour 15 minute drive) or San Jose (Flight after 6 PM). End of services — and already the desire to return. Pura vida!