Costa Rica's west: between dream beaches and pure wilderness

Your Costa Rican adventure begins with a flight from Frankfurt to San Jose. Upon arrival, a transfer driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in the suburb of Santa Ana. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, resting from your journey or exploring the local area. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, you'll journey north to the Poas Volcano National Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the main crater, taking in the stunning views of the lagoon and, if you're lucky, the lowlands of the Caribbean and the Pacific. Continue your journey to the Arenal Volcano National Park, a haven of primary cloud forest, rainforest, rivers, waterfalls, and thermal springs. In the afternoon, unwind in the soothing waters of the Ecotermales la Fortuna thermal springs. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, delve into the history and significance of the cocoa plant and chocolate in Mesoamerican culture. Learn about the production process, from growing and harvesting the fruit to drying and grinding the seeds and making delicious drinking chocolate. Don't miss the chance to taste the traditional drink of our ancestors and the finest handmade organic chocolate. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, continue your journey to the Rio Celeste region. Visit the Tenorio National Park and marvel at the turquoise river that gives the region its name. Discover the secret behind its magical color and enjoy the park's rich biodiversity. Overnight stay in a lodge.

Today, travel through the plains of Guanacaste to Playa Carrillo on the Nicoya peninsula. Along the way, you'll pass sugar cane plantations and cattle farms, key economic activities in Guanacaste. This region is also the birthplace of much of Costa Rican culture, including folk dances and other traditions. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Spend the day at the sandy Playa Carrillo, a 2 km stretch of beach lined with coconut palms. Relax and unwind, or if you're feeling adventurous, opt for a guided kayak tour through the mangrove forests. Nearby Garza Bay offers opportunities for snorkeling, horse riding, and fishing. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After a relaxing day on the beach, continue your journey to the Central Pacific coast in the Tarcoles River region. This area is a paradise for birdwatchers, with a large number of bird species found along the river banks and in the mangrove forests. You can also spot many crocodiles under the bridge of the Rio Tarcoles. Overnight stay in a lodge.

In the morning, visit Carara National Park, where your guide will introduce you to the beauty of the tropical forest. Keep an eye out for the various monkey species and the famous red macaws that nest in the area. Continue south along the Pacific coast, passing palm fields from which oil is extracted for export. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Today, visit one of Costa Rica's most popular national parks, the Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore the white sand spit, locally known as 'tombolo' or 'whale's tail', and the volcanic rock cliffs that form a dreamlike landscape. The hilly forests are home to numerous animal species and flowers, providing an excellent base for exploration. Look out for monkeys, toucans, and iguanas. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, visit the Nauyuca waterfall, located just a few kilometers from your hotel. After a short hike through the forest, you'll reach the waterfall. Depending on the time of year and the river level, you can enjoy the crystal-clear water. Overnight stay at the hotel.

From Nauyuca waterfall, continue your journey to Palmar Sur/Sierpe. A staff member from your next lodge will meet you here and take you by boat across the Sierpe River and the sea to a lodge nestled in the tropical rainforest. Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the vibrant colors and forms of life in this remote oasis. Explore the endless sandy beach and the deep rainforest paths of the nature reserve. Overnight stay in a lodge.

In the morning, take a boat trip to the Isla del Caño National Park, just off the coast of Costa Rica. Explore the underwater wonderland full of coral reef gardens, relax on the white sandy beach, and if you're lucky, swim with gentle whale sharks. You'll also have the chance to see sea turtles, dolphins, and stingrays. Choose to snorkel (included) or dive (optional, at extra cost) in the clear waters along the island's coast. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Today, visit one of Costa Rica's most important ecological areas, the Corcovado National Park. This rich ecosystem stretches along the southern Pacific coast and includes beautiful ocean bays, tropical rainforest teeming with life, the largest wetland in Central America, and the country's largest mangrove forest. Look out for jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, red macaws, quetzals, and red-eyed tree frogs, as well as dolphins and humpback whales in the coastal waters. Overnight stay at the lodge.

After the last incredible days in contact with nature, you will return to San Jose for your last night before your flight home. Travel from the lodge first by boat, then by bus to the airstrip for your local flight. The flight usually follows the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, offering unforgettable views. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy some free time before the transfer to the airport for your flight back to Frankfurt. Say goodbye to Costa Rica with a heartfelt 'Hasta Luego!'

Welcome back to Frankfurt! Your Costa Rican adventure may have come to an end, but the memories will last a lifetime.