The first evening has no fixed activities after the long-haul flight. A short walk, dinner at the hotel or nearby and an early night provide a better start than continuing for several hours by road the same day. The cooler highland air often feels pleasant after leaving the airport.

From San José, the journey continues into the country. With a later departure there may be time for a short introduction to the centre around the National Theatre and a few historic buildings.

Early in the morning, the journey first continues by road and then by boat through the canal system to Tortuguero.

Early in the morning, the journey leaves the Central Valley for the Caribbean lowlands. After the road section, travel continues by boat through rivers and canals. Forest already presses close to the water on the way to the lodge.

The guide looks for herons, toucans, monkeys, caimans, iguanas and sloths, often switching off the engine to listen. Later there is a forest walk or a visit around Tortuguero village depending on the lodge programme. During turtle season, a separate evening tour can be booked with an authorised guide. Regulations are strict to minimise disturbance to the animals.

The boat leaves the lodge and follows Tortuguero’s canals back to the road connection. The journey then continues by road towards Arenal, San José or another destination.

From Tortuguero, the journey first continues by boat and then by road towards the Arenal area.

The road crosses the Central Valley and continues towards La Fortuna. The landscape becomes progressively greener and, when the clouds lift, Arenal Volcano’s familiar profile appears above the area.

A guided walk follows trails near the national park or older lava fields and shows how eruptions and regrowth have shaped the area. From the hanging bridges, the forest can be seen close up from both mid-level and canopy height.

Birds, monkeys and other wildlife occur here, but sightings are never guaranteed. In clear weather, the volcano appears between the trees and forms the backdrop for much of the walk.

La Fortuna Waterfall offers an active morning with steps and swimming when water conditions are suitable. Alternatives include a river excursion, birdwatching or more time at the hotel and its hot springs. There is plenty of room to adjust the day according to weather and energy. Rain or low cloud may make it sensible to move activities between days.

A lighter nature excursion can be combined with time in the hot springs, or the day can be used for something more active such as rafting, cycling or a longer walk. Travellers who have already had enough organised activity can leave most of the day free. Rain and cloud are part of the area, and the extra day improves the chances of seeing Arenal when the summit clears.

After check-out, the journey continues towards Monteverde, the Caribbean, the Pacific coast or the next destination. Travel times are often longer than the map suggests, so transfers are planned with plenty of time.

The route to Monteverde combines a road transfer with a boat crossing of Lake Arenal and then further transport up into the mountains.

The final section of the road up to Monteverde passes through an increasingly cool mountain landscape. Road conditions vary and the journey often takes longer than the distance on the map suggests.

The nature guide moves slowly and uses both hearing and sight to find birds, insects and other wildlife in the dense vegetation. Tree trunks are covered with epiphytes and the constant moisture turns the forest into a system of small habitats.

Later, hanging bridges provide another perspective on the canopy. Resplendent quetzals occur in the area, but a sighting can never be guaranteed.

From Monteverde, the journey descends from the mountains towards the Pacific coast, Guanacaste or the Central Valley. A private transfer or a combination of boat and road is chosen according to the next destination.

The journey from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is by private transfer. On arrival, the transfer continues to the accommodation.

The road heads towards Quepos and Manuel Antonio, where the air becomes warmer and the Pacific begins to appear between the hills. After arrival, the rest of the day is free for the pool, beach or a quiet afternoon at the hotel.

The nature guide uses a spotting scope and helps find sloths, monkeys, birds and smaller animals that are otherwise difficult to notice. Trails lead through forest towards the coast and beaches, but park rules and opening hours determine the exact route. After the guided visit there is plenty of time for swimming when conditions are suitable.

A boat trip along the coast, kayaking in the mangroves or an additional guided nature excursion can be booked, but the day can just as easily be spent at the beach or hotel. After a longer itinerary, it is often the absence of a fixed schedule that makes Manuel Antonio work especially well.

Traffic approaching the Central Valley can be heavy, so departure time is planned with plenty of time.

From Manuel Antonio, the journey continues to the airport and onwards towards Scandinavia. Exact flight times and connections are specified when the journey is booked.

Arrival in Scandinavia after the overnight flight.