Off the beaten path, Arenal variant

We're starting strong: climbing to Irazú volcano (3,432 m), whose main crater houses a lake with shifting reflections—and from which, on a clear day, you can survey both the Caribbean and the Pacific in a single glance. After a country lunch, we'll cross the Talamanca ridges and descend into the Dota Valley: welcome to the «cold jungle» of San Gerardo de Dota, at 2,200 m, where your eco-lodge borders the Savegre River. First observation outing before dinner.

Early morning lever — it's the hour when hummingbirds flit about and the quetzal emerges from its sanctuary. At San Gerardo de Dota, Your guide relies on local trackers to spot the trees where the Maya's sacred bird nests. In the afternoon, hike along the river to the waterfall, between tree ferns and mossy trunks. In the evening, a blanket and a hot drink: you're in the mountains, and it's delightful.

From the heights of the Cerro de la Muerte then along the southern Pacific coast, the road descends to the village of Sierpe. There, you change mounts: a boat takes you through the Río Sierpe mangrove to Drake Bay, the gateway to the Osa Peninsula — Beach landing, wet feet guaranteed. Two nights in a rustic charming inn: simple, authentic, and ideally located for Corcovado.

Boarding around 7 a.m. for Sirena or San Pedrillo station: you're now in the national park Corcovado, which concentrates a dizzying share of Central America's biodiversity. The day is spent exploring deserted beaches and primary forest: scarlet macaws, spider monkeys, peccaries - tapirs are never out of the question. Return to Drake for sunset over the ocean.

Last boat trip in the Río Sierpe mangrove—caimans and herons ambushing—then drive north to the national park of Manuel Antonio. Guided hike among capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and sloths, where the forest literally drops into the sea. In the evening, a hotel with its feet in the water in the Tárcoles region.

In the morning, a two-hour cruise on the Guacalillo estuary and Tárcoles River, on the edge of Carara Park: dozens of American crocodiles, wading birds, and scarlet macaws flying over the mangroves. Lunch upon return, then spend the afternoon by the pool or on the beach at your own pace.

Quiet morning by the water, then return to the capital with the ritual stop at the Tárcoles bridge, where crocodiles nap below. Check into your hotel at San Jose and a relaxed evening with the group: the first loop — the great south — is done; tomorrow it's time for coffee, cloud forests, and volcanoes.

In the morning, immerse yourself in a coffee plantation on the slopes of Poás: the fields, the mill, the roasting, and the tasting—you'll learn everything about Costa Rican coffee beans. Enjoy a typical lunch, then make a detour to Grecia and Sarchí to discover their artisanal traditions before heading up towards Monteverde through the reliefs of the Tilarán Mountain Range. And tonight, a perk of this variation: a night forest excursion is included—kinkajous, frogs, and tarantulas awaken in the beam of flashlights.

Morning guided exploration in one of the reserves Monteverde (Curi-Cancha, Santa Elena, or the Ecological Sanctuary): The cloud forest is home to over 400 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants. In the afternoon—another bonus of this version—you'll walk across suspension bridges in a private reserve, at canopy level, before visiting a hummingbird garden at the end of the day.

Looking for thrills? Ziplines can replace suspension bridges (fees apply on-site).

Crossing the bucolic landscapes of the Tilarán mountain range towards the volcano Arenal, with gourmet and photographic stops: a viewpoint over the lake, craft stalls, and all the stops mandated by monkeys, coatis, and birds encountered along the way. Check into a charming hotel at the foot of the volcano.

Tonight's option: volcano-heated thermal baths (included in some hotels, otherwise a fee applies on-site).

The day that gives this variant its name: exploring the trails of Volcan National Park Arenal, between frozen lava flows and viewpoints on the perfect cone of the now-dormant colossus — an outdoor volcanology lesson led by your guide. Typical lunch at a small farm on the other side, followed by a visit to its plantations and biomass digester. Return to the hotel to relax, or a stroll through La Fortuna with the guide.

Departure at first light, hearty breakfast in Guápiles, then boarding at La Pavona for an hour's navigation to your lodge Tortuguero — a world without roads, accessible only by water or air. In the afternoon, a stroll through the village nestled between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, returning by the beach.

From July to October, optional: night excursion to observe turtle nesting (local fees apply).

Boat trips in the heart of the national park Tortuguero, morning and late afternoon, when the fauna is active: caimans, sloths, howler monkeys, and some of the country's richest birdlife. Between boat trips, there's the lodge's pool, trails, and frog garden. A gentle conclusion after two intense weeks.

Return navigation to La Pavona, then drive through the forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, buffet lunch en route. Arrival at the airport of San Jose late afternoon: plan a flight departing after 8 p.m. — or arrange for an extra night or a beach extension to finish in style.