Parks, mountains, and the whale coast

We'll start with a national icon: a coffee plantation in the highlands of Poás, where you'll follow the bean from the bush to the mill, with roasting and tasting along the way. After a traditional local lunch, we'll make a brief stop in Grecia and Sarchí, villages famous for their painted carts, then ascend towards Monteverde along the crests of the Tilarán mountain range. And the day doesn't end there: after dinner at the eco-lodge, your guide will take you into the forest, flashlight in hand, to discover the nocturnal wildlife that awakens — an included excursion, accompanied by a local specialist.

Morning guided walk in one of the reserves Monteverde — Curi-Cancha, Santa Elena, or the eponymous reserve, depending on the day's conditions. Here, mist nourishes a world of epiphytes, orchids, and hundreds of bird species. In the afternoon, a change of perspective: you cross the hanging bridges of a private reserve to overlook the canopy (included). Before dinner, a stop at a garden where swarms of hummingbirds compete at feeders.

Craving some thrills? The reserve's ziplines can replace the suspension bridges (fees apply on-site).

Head northeast across the high-altitude pastures of the mountain range, with the best the road has to offer: a café-viewpoint above the lake, artisan stalls, and the experienced eye of the guide who stops the vehicle at the sight of a coati or toucan. Arrive at a charming hotel at the foot of the'Arenal, whose cone overlooks the pool and gardens.

Tonight's option: volcanic hot springs (access sometimes included depending on the hotel, otherwise a fee payable on-site).

In the morning, trails in the national park sector of the volcano Arenal We walk on the cooled lava from 1968 while the guide explains the tumultuous life of the volcano, now dormant. Campesino lunch at a small farm on the other side, which opens its doors to show you its food crops, its nursery, and its surprising biomass digester. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon – relax, explore the gardens, or take a trip to La Fortuna.

Rising at dawn and descending to the Caribbean plain; breakfast awaits in Guápiles. At the La Pavona dock, luggage is transferred to the lancha: one hour of navigation between bird-filled banks to reach your lodge Tortuguero, a world without roads or cars. In the afternoon, a walk through the village nestled between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, returning along the beach.

From July to October, you can witness sea turtles nesting at night (fees apply on site).

Full day dedicated to National Park Tortuguero Boat trips at sunrise and late afternoon, when caimans, howler monkeys, and sloths are active along the canals. In between, enjoy the lodge — forest trails, a frog garden, a pool — in one of the most rain-soaked and vibrant regions of the country.

We'll take the lancha back to La Pavona, then the road that cuts through the forest of Braulio Carrillo Park, with a buffet lunch along the way. Arrival at San Jose Around 4-5 PM. The iconic north is Canceled; tomorrow, the route switches to the southern mountains, which most travelers will never see.

Early departure to climb to the summit of Irazú, the country's volcanic peak (3,432 m), where an emerald green acidic lake occupies the main crater—and where, on a clear morning, one can glimpse both oceans at once. After a typical lunch, the Pan-American Highway rises into the Talamanca mountain range before descending via a small road towards San Gerardo de Dota Giant bamboo, tree ferns, fresh air at 2,200m. Settle into an eco-lodge on the Savegre River and enjoy your first observation outing.

At first light, hummingbirds put on a show around the lodge. Then your guide, informed by local trackers about active nests, takes you on a hunt—with binoculars—for the sacred Mayan bird: the quetzal. San Gerardo de Dota is one of the very best places in Central America for the quetzal. In the afternoon, hike along the Savegre to its waterfall, before an evening by the fire in the mountain cool.

Final high-altitude walk on the heights of Cerro de la Muerte, then a long descent towards the South Pacific coast. In Uvita, your eco-lodge is nestled in a private reserve, a few minutes' walk from the sea and Marino Ballena National Park. The afternoon is yours: a trail to the very private Playa Arco, a waterfall and pool on the property, or simply contemplation from the terrace. Here begins a two-day interlude of freedom, without a guide – lunches and dinners are à la carte at the lodge's restaurant (not included).

A day off between forest and ocean. The trails in the reserve are home to around forty species of birds, monkeys, and sloths; the often deserted beach invites you for a swim. And if you visit from December to March or July to November, keep an eye on the horizon: humpback whales swim with their calves in these calm waters – sometimes they can be spotted from the restaurant terrace.

À la carte today (on-site fees apply, subject to availability): snorkeling or diving trip, whale watching cruise, mangrove kayaking, or excursion to the Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Last look at Uvita, then up the coast towards the national park of Manuel Antonio. After lunch, a guided walk through this slice of nature: thieving capuchins, squirrel monkeys, three-toed sloths, and beaches fringed with jungle, all within just 638 hectares. At the end of the day, check into a seaside hotel in the Tárcoles region, with your feet in the sand, and dinner on site.

Morning embarkation for a two-hour gentle cruise on the Guacalillo estuary and Tárcoles River, on the edge of Carara Park: dozens of American crocodiles, herons, roseate spoonbills, and the flamboyant flight of scarlet macaws. Lunch upon return from the cruise, followed by an afternoon of pure relaxation between the hotel pool and the beach.

On the road to San Jose, a ritual stop at the Tárcoles River bridge to bid farewell to the crocodiles one last time, browse the stalls, and slip a few souvenirs into the bag. If time permits, a short guided tour of the capital before transferring to the airport — plan a flight departing after 3 PM, or extend your trip with a Toucan extension.