Costa Rica Express Itinerary

Get accustomed to Costa Rican time on a leisurely walk through San Jose or perhaps visit the lively San Pedro area.

Head to La Fortuna and the beautiful surrounds of Lake Arenal, where big winds sweeping in from the Caribbean make the lake a windsurfer's delight. Why not visit the active Arenal Volcano - the sight of this magnificent beast lighting up the night sky is truly breathtaking.

Ecologists have suggested that the steamy Monteverde cloud forest was actually once two different ecosystems, straddling each side of the Continental Divide. As a result, the area boasts several unique species of flora and fauna. Explore the emerald-green cloud forest by foot to admire the wide array of wildlife and to learn how this incredible ecological curiosity came to be.

Discover the soft sandy beaches, tropical vegetation and turquoise waters in 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. 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 revelry.

Return to San Jose 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 or catch a show at the city's pride and joy - the Teatro Nacional. There is many a wonderful way to end this fantastic Costa Rican adventure.