The nature crossing, from north to south

Even before breakfast, a morning walk around the lodge often offers the best sightings: the region's Rincón de la Vieja It is among the best birdwatching spots in the country. Next, head to the national park: bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and dry forest can be explored via easy trails or a more challenging climb to the volcano's heights – everyone can go at their own pace, with the guide accompanying you. Late afternoon relaxation at the ranch, followed by a buffet dinner at the lodge.

Last sunrise over the dry forest with your guide, then head southeast on the Pan-American Highway, with stops for observation and lunch at a typical restaurant. Arrival in San Jose Mid-afternoon: check into a 4-star hotel in the heart of a convenient and lively neighborhood, including a swimming pool and relaxation lounge. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

A full day on the slopes of Poás. First, the national park, at the very top: the volcano's crater—still active—is one of the largest in the world, surrounded by cloud forest inhabited by hummingbirds. Then, a coffee plantation to follow the journey from red cherry to cup, including roasting and tasting. Buffet lunch at the La Paz Gardens, where the La Paz River waterfalls cascade down the mountain between butterfly conservatories, orchid gardens, and hummingbird aviaries. Return to San José in the late afternoon.

Early morning departure for Irazú Volcano, the highest in the country (3,432 m): five craters, the main one housing a lake with green reflections, and — on a clear day — a view that encompasses both oceans. After a typical lunch, the road crosses the peaks of the Talamanca mountain range before plunging towards the Savegre Valley: in a few kilometers, giant bamboos and moss-laden trees replace the pastures — welcome to San Gerardo de Dota. Installation in a riverside eco-lodge, first guided hike in the cloud forest, and fireside dinner.

Wake up to the ballet of hummingbirds, then set off hand-in-hand with your guide in search of the resplendent quetzal — the valley of San Gerardo de Dota is one of the best sites in Central America for observing it, and the itinerary adapts to the latest nesting sites spotted. In the afternoon, hike along the Savegre River to a waterfall, in a unique high-altitude jungle setting. Peaceful evening at the lodge, family-style buffet.

Descent from the mountain range via the heights of Cerro de la Muerte, crossing San Isidro del General, then the Costanera unfolds along the Pacific coast to the village of Sierpe. There, we trade the minivan for a boat: an hour of navigation through the Rio Sierpe mangrove before disembarking directly on the beach — sandals on our feet! — in Drake Bay, at the gates of the Osa Peninsula. Two nights in a charming inn between beach and forest; free late afternoon, swimming, or walk with the guide.

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, which protects one of the last large tracts of rainforest on the Pacific slope of Central America. Guided hike between beach and primary forest: monkeys, scarlet macaws, quetzals, anteaters—and, with a little luck, tapir or peccary. Picnic overlooking the ocean, another exploratory walk, then return to Drake for the sunset in the west.

Boat trip back down the Sierpe River, keeping an eye out for mangrove herons, then the coastal road northwest to the national park of Manuel Antonio. After lunch, a guided walk on the trails of the country's most famous «small» park: capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, three-toed sloths, and postcard-worthy coves concentrated on 638 hectares. At the end of the day, check into a comfortable hotel on the coast of Tárcoles, with beach and pool access. Dinner on site.

Morning cruise of approximately two hours on the Guacalillo Estuary and the Tárcoles River, on the edge of Carara National Park: the river is home to one of the largest colonies of American crocodiles in the world, with scarlet macaws and wading birds flying overhead. Lunch in the area, followed by a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation between the beach and the pool. Dinner facing the Pacific.

Breakfast, then drive back to the international airport San Jose, with a final stop at the Tárcoles Bridge to say hello to the crocodiles. Plan for a flight departing after 2 PM — or extend the adventure with a Toucan-signed extension.