The Great South, from quetzals to Corcovado

Early morning departure for the Irazú Volcano, the country's volcanic peak at 3,432 meters. On a clear day, you can see both oceans from the ridges, and the main crater reveals its green-hued lake. After a typical lunch, the road climbs into the Talamanca mountain range before descending into the Savegre Valley: giant bamboos, tree ferns, and moss-laden trees herald San Gerardo de Dota. Installation in an eco-lodge by the river, followed by a first guided walk in the high-altitude forest. In the evening, a warm dinner in the mountain chill.

Wake up to the ballet of hummingbirds, already busy around the feeders. Binoculars in hand, you set off with your guide in search of the resplendent quetzal: the valley of San Gerardo de Dota It is among the best sites in Central America for birdwatching. In the afternoon, hike along the Savegre River to a waterfall, in a unique high-altitude jungle setting. A peaceful evening at the lodge, with a family-style buffet and a night lulled by the river.

Heading south: descent of the mountain range via Cerro de la Muerte, crossing San Isidro del General, then the Pacific coast appears, hot and humid. In Sierpe, we swap the minibus for a boat: an hour of navigation through the mangrove swamps before disembarking directly on the beach — sandals on! — in Drake Bay, at the gates of Osa Peninsula. Two nights in a charming inn, between beach and forest. Free end of the day: swimming, hammock, or guided observation walk.

The comfort here is deliberately simple—no pool or television: at Drake, luxury is raw 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 expanses of Central American Pacific rainforest. Guided hike between beach and primary forest: monkeys, scarlet macaws, anteaters—and, with a little luck, tapir or peccary. Picnic facing the ocean, another exploratory walk, then return to Drake in the mid-afternoon for a west-facing sunset over the Pacific.

Boat trip back via the Sierpe River, keeping an eye on the mangrove and its herons. The minibus will be waiting for you at the dock and will head northwest to the national park of Manuel Antonio After lunch, a guided walk on the trails of the country's most famous «small» park, home to capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and three-toed sloths. At the end of the day, check into a comfortable hotel right on the water on the central Pacific coast—pool, beach, and dinner on-site.

This morning, a two-hour cruise on the Tarcoles River estuary, on the edge of Carara National Park: the river is home to one of the largest American crocodile populations in the world, and scarlet macaws fly overhead in pairs. Lunch in the area, then an afternoon of pure relaxation at the hotel: beach, pool, and sunset – you've earned it. Dinner by the water.

Return route to the capital, with a stop at the Tárcoles bridge to bid farewell to the crocodiles one last time and, if time permits, a city tour of San Jose — places, markets and monuments. Transfer to the airport for your international flight (allow for departure after 3 p.m.) — or continue with a Toucan extension.