Coast to coast

Departure at dawn towards the Caribbean coast, hearty breakfast en route, then boarding at the La Pavona dock: one hour of navigation between rivers and canals — keep your eyes open, the first observations often begin here. Settling into the lodge Tortuguero, lunch, then exploration of the village, set on its sandbank between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. Walk back along the beach, dinner at the lodge.

From July to October, optional this evening: observation of sea turtle nesting (on-site fee).

Full day in the National Park of Tortuguero, one of the richest in the country: guided boat trips along the canals to spot caimans, howler monkeys, sloths, and a host of waterfowl. Between excursions, enjoy the lodge – trails, pool, frog garden. New exploration in the late afternoon, when the light is at its most beautiful.

Optional at the lodge: kayaking or fishing (fees apply on-site); in season, evening turtle excursions.

Morning boat to La Pavona, then road to San Jose Cross the immense forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, with a buffet lunch along the way. Arrive in the mid-afternoon: there will be plenty of time for a dip in the pool before dinner with the group.

Head to Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica's highest peak at 3,432 m: five craters, including a sulfurous lake with changing hues—and, on clear days, both oceans visible at a single glance. Typical lunch, then across the Talamanca mountain range and a spectacular descent towards the Dota Valley, where vegetation changes before your eyes all the way to the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. Eco-lodge installation on the banks of the Savegre River and first birdwatching walk with your guide.

Waking up to the ballet of hummingbirds, then departure with binoculars in hand: you are at San Gerardo de Dota, one of the best places in Central America to spot the resplendent quetzal—and your guide knows which trees it nests in. In the afternoon, hike along the river to a waterfall, surrounded by giant bamboo, tree ferns, and moss. Spend the evening warming up amid the cool highlands.

Descent from the mountain range via the heights of Cerro de la Muerte, then drive to the village of Sierpe, where you board for one of the most beautiful transfers in the country: the river descent through the mangrove swamp to Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula. Beach landing — bring sandals! Two nights in a charming rustic lodge, as close as possible to Corcovado Park: no luxury here, but raw nature.

Morning boat transfer to the Sirena or San Pedrillo station, at the gates of the National Park of Corcovado, often described as one of the most intensely vibrant places on Earth. Guided hikes between the beach and primary forest: scarlet macaws, monkeys, anteaters, peccaries—and, for the luckiest, the tapir. Return to Drake in the mid-afternoon, with the sunset to the west over the Pacific.

Boat trip back through the mangroves of the Sierpe River, then coastal road to the national park Manuel Antonio, the most famous of Costa Rica's «small» parks. Guided walk along its trails to encounter capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and three-toed sloths, amidst postcard-perfect beaches and dense forest. At the end of the day, settle into a hotel right on the water in the Tárcoles region.

Embark on a two-hour gentle cruise on the Guacalillo estuary and the Tárcoles River, home to one of the largest American crocodile populations in the world — with herons, waders, and scarlet macaws as a bonus, at the gates of Carara National Park. Lunch upon return, followed by an afternoon of relaxation between beach and pool: the seaside portion of the trip settles in smoothly.

Final breakfast with your guide, then the start of your free stay in an all-inclusive package at Punta Leona, just a stone's throw from Manta and Blanca beaches, two of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Buffets, fruit juices, drinks, local wines and beers: everything is included. Your only plan: do nothing—or almost nothing.

Full day at leisure in the heart of the vast hotel resort: three pools, snorkeling, kayaking, mini-golf, volleyball, private reserve, and butterfly aviary. Early risers will spot macaws and monkeys in the park's trees—nature doesn't take a vacation, after all.

Another day of alternating between swimming at Playa Blanca, a guided walk in the preserve, and naps in the shade of the coconut trees. In the evening, your last dinner facing the Pacific – a chance to compare your photos of quetzals and crocodiles.

Breakfast, then shuttle to the international airport of San Jose — or Liberia, your choice — for your return flight (allow for a departure after 3 PM). Want to stay longer? Our local team will be happy to put together a custom extension for you.