A Taste of Costa Rica

Itinerary

Day 1 San Jose

Get a feel for the city on a sightseeing walk through its busy streets.

Days 2-3 La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano National Park

Head out into the beautiful surrounds of Lake Arenal and explore the green countryside. Big winds sweeping in from the Caribbean make the lake a windsurfer's delight. Why not visit La Fortuna waterfall, take a canopy tour in the forest or visit the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge.

Days 4-5 Monteverde

Ecologists have suggested that the cloud forests of Monteverde were actually two different ecosystems, straddling each side of the Continental Divide. As a result, the area boasts several endemic species of flora and fauna. Explore the emerald-green cloud forest by foot to admire its vast array of wildlife and to gain an insight into how this incredible ecological curiosity came to be.

Days 6-7 Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover the white sand beaches, tropical vegetation and turquoise waters of Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike along the trails to spot some of the abundant wildlife - be on the lookout for armadillos, sloths and colourful birds. Impossible to resist, the warm waters offer great swimming, kayaking or surfing, and while Manuel Antonio itself is a laidback kind of town, its nightlife is famously fiery - so kick up those heels and get a taste for Costa Rican carousing.

Days 8-9 San Jose

Return to the capital to meander through the stalls of the Mercado Central, take a look at the collection of shimmering art at the Museo de oro Precolombino y Numismatica (Gold Museum) or to catch a show at the city's pride and joy - the Teatro Nacional.