Arrival at the airport. You will be received at the airport and transferred to your city hotel in San José.

At the hotel, you receive the rental car and drive through the former capital Cartago to the Orosi Valley. You may spend the night in Orosi or in Turrialba, ubicated further east. On the way, it’s worthwhile to visit the church of pilgrimage Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles in the centre of Cartago. Your way will lead you through Paraíso, close to the Lankester Botanical Gardens which are a highlight for plant lovers.

To visit Costa Rica’s highest volcano, the volcano Irazú with 3´432, you should start in the morning. At this time of the day, chances are best to see the crater lake cloudlessly.

Both the small village of Orosi and the small town of Turrialba are authentic centres of life outside the Greater San José area. Here we recommend exploring the centre on foot and to get to know the daily lives of the locals. In addition, the following excursions are possible:

Orosi: Hike in the Tapantí National Park, tour around the Cachí Reservoir, ruins of Ujarrás, visit of the local Thermal Springs.

Turrialba: Rafting in various categories on the rivers Pejibaye (rather leisurely) or Pacuare (rather strong), hike in the private reserve La Martha, hike and/or Canopytour in the park "Paraíso entre volcanes". Close to this you may find a frequented Paraglider launching site, the possibility to visit a cheese dairy or to visit of the Agricultural University CATIE with its botanical garden.

Then you continue on the Pan-American Highway until kilometre 80, where you turn right into the high valley San Gerardo de Dota. Here you have different possibilities of accommodation.

Passing by Siquirres, you continue to the port of Limón and then further to the small village Bananito. The jungle lodge Selva Bananito is located nearby. You should contact the lodge beforehand and check if rooms are available and if direct access by 4x4 car is possible or if you need to be picked up in Bananito at "Salón Delia". Experience a pure adventure in the sustainable lodge!

Be enchanted by the nature that surrounds you, be active and learn about the lodge's efforts for sustainable tourism and its active contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in this natural corridor between Costa Rica and Panama. For a surcharge, you can even stay on a platform in the middle of the jungle if you wish.

The journey continues from Bananito to the southern Caribbean coast. Discover the wonderful Caribbean Sea in the afternoon. On the way, you can visit the Cahuita National Park, where you can perfectly enjoy both, hiking and swimming.

Beach day, e.g. in the Cahuita National Park or at one of the other numerous dream beaches.

You continue to the inland, to Sarapiquí or to Boca Tapada, which is ubicated further north. Both worthwhile stops on your journey to get to know the rainforest in authentic surroundings.

In Sarapiquí we recommend visiting the Tirimbina Natural Reserve or the biological station La Selva. Additionally, a chocolate tour or a boat trip on the Sarapiquí River provide exciting insights into the culture and nature of the country.

In Boca Tapada the hotels are already ubicated in the protected area. Here you can do hiking, kayaking and observe birds and other animals in their natural environment.

You continue to the region around the volcano Arenal. In the area around the volcano, which is currently in a resting phase, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy today and tomorrow: hiking, cycling, horse riding, kayaking, ziplining and much more. Have fun!

For those seeking the highlights as well as the hidden treasures of the country, we recommend a detour to Caño Negro, a wetland north of La Fortuna. There are optimal conditions for spectacular birdwatching and boat trips through narrow canals. It is possible to sleep here far from tourist crowds or to book a day trip from/to La Fortuna.

There exists a wide range of day trips in La Fortuna, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, ziplining and much more. Enjoy the surroundings and spend the day actively!

Next stop - cloud forest. You drive around the reservoir Arenal to Tilarán and continue to the cloud forest paradise around Monteverde. The cool mountain climate creates a magical magic forest that you will discover during these days.

You can expect colourful and diverse epiphytes, moss and ferns, as well as colourful birdlife and cool temperatures. Experience Costa Rica from a different perspective, e.g. from above, on the hanging bridges in Selvatura Park!

Your journey continues to the northern region of Guanacaste at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. In this dry forest, you can experience the volcanic phenomena of the colossus (the Rincón de la Vieja volcano) up close.

On the circuit at the sector Las Pailas of the National Park, you will pass by bubbling mud holes and sulfur smelling fumaroles. Enjoy cool river or hot pools, filled with thermal water and relax after the hike.

The journey continues to the North or the Central Pacific coast. To reach the beaches of Sámara and Tamarindo you pass by Liberia. To reach Tambor / Montezuma / Santa Teresa you take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera. And to get to the Central Pacific coast you simply drive south as soon as you come across the Pan-American Highway.

Beach days at the Pacific Coast! In Manuel Antonio, you can also enjoy a short hike in the national park.

Return to the Central Valley where you return the rental car at the airport and start your journey home. Tip: Plan enough time to get to the airport, as there sometimes occur delays on the route, which is mostly single-lane. If you prefer to take it easy or have a morning flight, we recommend spending the last night in San José.