Free day to explore the peaceful cloudforest trails at San Gerardo. Common sights include hummingbirds, colourful butterflies, exotic frogs and orchids.

Waves lapping on the golden sands of the Pacific coast

Day 4

Costa Rica, Dominical

To the South Pacific

Drive southwest through banana plantations and tropical jungle to Dominical, on the shores of the south Pacific. Stay three nights.

A monkey poised to leep to the next branch

Day 5

Costa Rica, Dominical

Corcovado National Park

Visit Corcovado National Park today on the Osa Peninsula for a chance to see some incredible wildlife, including several species of monkey, sloth, toucans and scarlet macaws.

Looking out across the waters of the Golfo Dulce from the Osa Peninsula

Day 6

Costa Rica, Dominical

Boat to Cano Island

Visit Cano Island today. Pods of dolphins often accompany the boat en route.

The idyllic white sand beach at Manuel Antonio

Day 7

Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio

The Central Pacific

Drive north along the coast today to Manuel Antonio National Park, probably one of the most scenically beautiful areas in Costa Rica.

Day 8

Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio

Wildlife and beach

Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park today. The forest fringing the white sand beach is home to monkeys, coatimundi, sloth and toucans.

A vibrant Scarlet macaw perches in an almond tree

Day 9

Costa Rica, Carara

Macaws and crocodiles

Continue driving north along the coast to the Jaco region. Visit the Tarcoles Bridge en route to see scarlet macaws flying home to roost and crocodiles in the river below.

The pitted summit of Irazu, the tallest volcano in Costa Rica

Day 10

Costa Rica, Alajuela

Explore the Central Valley

Spend your final day exploring the Central Valley. Perhaps visit one of the active volcanoes at Poas or Irazu , or spend the afternoon at a local coffee farm.