Volcanoes and Forests of the Great North

First breakfast with the group and your guide, then off to the slopes of the Poás volcano: a complete tour of a coffee plantation – from the red cherry to the cup, including roasting and tasting. Typical lunch, then a stop in Grecia and Sarchí, the birthplace of the famous Costa Rican painted oxcarts. The road then climbs into the Tilarán mountain range towards Monteverde, where you sleep in an eco-lodge on the edge of the cloud forest.

Tonight's option: guided nocturnal outing to encounter nighttime wildlife (on-site fees apply).

Morning guided exploration in one of the great reserves Monteverde (Curi-Cancha, Santa Elena, or Monteverde depending on conditions): over 400 bird species, mosses, orchids, and – with a bit of luck – the resplendent quetzal. At the end of the day, visit a hummingbird garden where dozens of individuals flit around feeders.

Optional afternoon activities: canopy suspension bridges and/or zip lines for the more adventurous (fees payable on-site).

Scenic route through the mountain range and along Lake Arenal, punctuated by stops - viewpoint overlooking the lake, craft stalls, and impromptu stops whenever monkeys, coatis, or toucans appear. Check into a charming hotel at the foot of the volcano. Arenal, relaxation by the pool or a guided nature walk.

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

Morning in the national volcano park sector Arenal Trails on ancient lava flows, viewpoints facing the cone, a full-scale volcanology lesson with your guide. Costa Rican lunch at a small farm on the other side, followed by a tour of its plantations and biomass digester — sustainable Costa Rica in action. Afternoon at your leisure: pool, gardens, or a trip to La Fortuna.

Early morning departure to the Caribbean lowlands. After a hearty breakfast in Guápiles, board at the La Pavona dock: a one-hour boat ride through rivers and canals to reach your lodge. Tortuguero — Here, there are no roads; you can only arrive by water or air. In the afternoon, a visit to the village, perched on a sandbank between canals and the Caribbean Sea, and a walk back along the beach.

From July to October, optional: night excursion to observe sea turtle nesting (fees payable on site).

Day in the heart of the national park of Tortuguero, This is Costa Rica's 'Amazon«: guided boat and walking tours to spot caimans, howler monkeys, sloths, and some of the country's richest birdlife. Free time at the lodge — trails, pool, frog garden — before another late afternoon river excursion.

Boat to La Pavona, then drive to San Jose crossing the immense forest of Braulio Carrillo Park. Buffet lunch en route, arrival around 4 PM - 5 PM. Transfer to the airport (allow for a flight after 8 PM) — or continue the adventure with a Toucan beach or nature extension.