The great crossing, seaside finale

Before breakfast, early risers follow the guide around the lodge: the region of Rincón de la Vieja ranks among the best birdwatching spots in the country. The day continues in the national park, where everyone sets their own pace: the main trail along bubbling mud pots and fumaroles, or a more strenuous hike to the volcano's heights. Late afternoon spent in the tranquility of the ranch, with a buffet dinner on site.

Last bird concert from bed, then we hit the Pan-American Highway heading southeast, punctuated by observation stops and a typical lunch along the way. Arrival at San Jose In the afternoon: 4-star hotel in a shopping district, free time to stroll or relax, dinner at the hotel restaurant.

A Day of Volcanoes and Nature: Hike up to Poás Volcano National Park to admire its giant crater—one of the largest in the world and still active—surrounded by high-altitude cloud forest. On the way back down, a comprehensive tour of a coffee plantation (harvesting, processing, roasting, and tasting), followed by a buffet lunch at the La Paz Gardens: a series of spectacular waterfalls, butterfly greenhouses, hummingbird aviaries, and even a snake house. Return at the end of the day to San Jose.

Early departure for Irazú, a giant of 3,432 m: from the viewpoint, you can take in its five craters, the main one housing a sulfurous lake with green reflections—and with a bit of morning luck, the Caribbean and the Pacific can be seen at a single glance. Regional lunch, then the road climbs into the Talamanca mountain range before descending towards San Gerardo de Dota A cool canyon where giant bamboo and tree ferns grow. Eco-lodge on the Savegre river, short approach hike with the guide, dinner by the fireplace.

From dawn, hummingbirds buzz around the lodge — then head for the trails. San Gerardo de Dota, binoculars around your neck: your guide, briefed by local trail guides on the newly spotted nests, will do everything possible to ensure you have the best chance of spotting the resplendent quetzal. In the afternoon, the river trail leads to a beautiful waterfall, nestled among lichens and wild avocado trees. A cozy night at 2,200 m.

Big transition day: crossing the ridges of Cerro de la Muerte, descending towards San Isidro, then the southern coast via the Costanera, all the way to the village of Sierpe. There, we board a boat to go down the river through the immense mangrove, heading for Drake Bay, at the tip of the Osa Peninsula. Disembarkation is directly onto the beach — bring sandals! Two nights in a charmingly rustic inn: here, luxury is the location, not the amenities.

At 7 AM, the boat heads toward the Sirena or San Pedrillo station, in the heart of the national park. Corcovado — one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Guided treks between deserted beach and primary forest, on the lookout for scarlet macaws, peccaries, anteaters, and why not Baird's tapirs. Picnic on site, then return to Drake in the mid-afternoon: free end of the day, guaranteed west-facing sunset in clear weather.

Morning ascent of the Sierpe River — an opportunity for a final mangrove safari — then coastal road to national park Manuel Antonio. After lunch, a guided hike in this 638-hectare gem where capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and sloths share the trees above stunning beaches. In the evening, settle into a seaside hotel in the Tárcoles region, with a pool and beach just a flip-flop away.

This morning, a two-hour cruise on the Guacalillo estuary and the Tárcoles River, on the border of Carara Park: the river is home to one of the highest densities of American crocodiles in the world, with scarlet macaws flying overhead and all sorts of waders walking along the banks. Lunch upon our return, then a relaxed afternoon between the pool and the beach — a foretaste of what's to come.

After breakfast, private transfer to the northern coast: approximately a four-hour drive to Langosta beach, adjacent to Tamarind, in the Guanacaste. Free lunch en route, then check-in at the 4-star hotel facing the ocean: from this moment on, the all-inclusive formula takes over — buffets, bars, local drinks, and beach activities. Your guide leaves you here to relax.

Three days without a watch or a schedule, on the sands of Langosta, at the gates of the Las Baulas Marine Park. Depending on your mood: kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, tennis, beach volleyball—or the strict alternation of lounge chair, swimming, and buffet. The hotel's restaurants switch from buffet to a la carte Italian and Japanese dining, local drinks always included, and the spa looks after muscles still sore from Corcovado. The village of Tamarind, nearby, is worth the trip for its surf spots and relaxed atmosphere.

Dreaming of getting away? The hotel offers à la carte excursions: sunset catamaran, kayaking in the estuary, snorkeling trip (fees apply on-site).

Breakfast with ocean views, then a short shuttle to Liberia Airport – allow about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and plan for a flight departing after 2 PM (return to San José possible upon request). You'll leave with the complete diagonal of Costa Rica on your memory card. Pura vida!