Wild South and Pacific beaches

Early morning departure for Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica's highest volcanic peak at 3,432 m: five craters, fumaroles, a lake of sulfuric green waters—and, on a clear morning, the Caribbean and the Pacific visible with a single glance. After a typical lunch, the road ascends into the Talamanca mountain range and then drops into the Savegre Valley: giant bamboos, tree ferns, and moss-covered trees announce San Gerardo de Dota, at 2,200 m. Settle into a riverside eco-lodge, enjoy a short guided hike through the cloud forest, followed by a warm dinner in the cool mountain air.

At first light, hummingbirds are already flitting around the lodge's feeders. Binoculars in hand, set off with your guide in search of the resplendent quetzal: the valley of San Gerardo de Dota is one of the very best places in Central America to see it, and the guide adjusts the itinerary based on the latest sightings. In the afternoon, a hike follows the Savegre River to its waterfall, in the heart of an amazing high-altitude jungle. In the evening, a family-style buffet and a night lulled by the river.

Big travel day to the deep south: descending the mountain range via Cerro de la Muerte, San Isidro del General, then the Costanera highway that runs along the Pacific to the town of Sierpe. There, we swap the minibus for a boat: about an hour of navigation through mangrove roots before disembarking directly onto the beach—sandals on!—in Drake Bay, the gateway to the Osa Peninsula. Two nights in a charming inn between beach and forest; free late afternoon, between swimming and a guided observation walk.

At Drake, comfort is intentionally simple. With no pool or television, the luxury here is raw, untamed nature.

Boarding around 7 am for Sirena or San Pedrillo station, in the heart of the national park Corcovado — one of the last great rainforest sanctuaries in Central American Pacific. Guided hike between beach and primary forest: monkeys, scarlet macaws, quetzals, anteaters… and, for the luckiest, tapir or peccary. Picnic facing the ocean, another exploration walk, then return to Drake in mid-afternoon — the sunset to the west can be admired from the beach.

Boat trip back down the Río Sierpe, with an eye open for herons and mangrove dwellers. The minibus then heads northwest along the coast to the national park of Manuel Antonio After lunch, a guided walk on the trails of the country's most famous «little» park — capuchins, squirrel monkeys, three-toed sloths, and postcard-worthy beaches concentrated in 638 hectares. At the end of the day, settle into a comfortable hotel on the coast, with a beach and pool, in the Tárcoles region. Dinner on-site.

This morning, a two-hour cruise on the calm waters of the Guacalillo estuary and the Tárcoles River, on the edge of Carara National Park: the river is home to one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in the world, and scarlet macaws cross the sky in noisy pairs. Lunch in the area, followed by an afternoon of relaxation between the beach and the hotel pool. Dinner facing the Pacific.

Morning transfer to the Punta Leona area, just minutes from two of the country's most beautiful beaches: Playa Manta and Playa Blanca. Check into a spacious resort village nestled in greenery, enjoy a buffet lunch, then your first afternoon of swimming with an all-inclusive package – the guided portion of the tour concludes, and your beach vacation begins.

A totally free day, guided by your desires: white sand, warm waters, kayaking, snorkeling, mini-golf, three swimming pools, trails in a private reserve, and a butterfly aviary. Buffets, fruit juices, house wines, and beers are included – all that's left is to choose between the hammock and the beach.

Let's do it again, same as before: a morning walk in the reserve with a local guide if you feel like it, a swim at Playa Blanca, a siesta in the shade of the beach almond trees, and a final sunset over the Pacific. The monkeys and macaws of the area will provide the entertainment.

Breakfast overlooking the gardens, then shuttle back to the international airport. San Jose (schedule a flight after 3 p.m.) — or to Liberia, your choice. And if you feel like staying, our tailor-made extensions prolong the adventure.