Costa Rica North and South: National Parks, Wildlife & Hot Springs

Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.

See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).

Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards the iconic and active Arenal Volcano, unmissable in the distance as you approach.

Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or go on a canyoning excursion, rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in the refreshing pools. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Tabacón Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.

Start the morning high up in the forest canopy, strolling a series of hanging bridges and witnessing the environment come alive from the treetops to the rainforest floor below. See Costa Rica's incredible diversity on full display and keep your eyes out for colourful toucans, hummingbirds and other residents of this lush magical natural world.

Local legend has it that when God was finished painting the sky, the brush used was washed in the river of Volcán Tenorio National Park. Hike through the rainforest along jungle trails, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife before reaching the spectacular blue waterfall of Rio Celeste.

Get to know Costa Rica's capital city like a local today as you set off by bike to explore the sights and to stimulate the senses. Discover some of San José's history and architecture in the downtown area while also visiting some local favourite spots and hidden neighbourhood gems along the way with stops for typical snacks and coffee.

Swap the big city energy for stunning natural beauty as you take in the breathtaking views from the walking trails at Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If you're extremely lucky and the skies are clear it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top. The evening provides a respite from the hustle and bustle as you settle into a wellness eco-camp at the foot of Chirripó Mountain, an ideal place to connect with nature and with your senses.

Freedom and choice are the order of the day to get the most out of this incredible part of the country. The nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve offers hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities while closer to camp provides a waterfall hike with a swim and yoga. Allow the landscapes, movement and environment to revitalize your body and mind.

The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica's final frontier, home to vast wilderness, wildlife and incredible diversity, and it will be our playground for the next couple of days. The journey south provides continuously changing landscapes until reaching the pristine coastal rainforest and stretches of wild ocean as far as the eye can see.

Set off on an unforgettable expedition into the wilds of Corcovado National Park, a natural treasure of Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, we will venture in and out by boat to head into the park on foot in search of an array of tropical birds and wildlife like toucans, monkeys and the elusive jaguar. When you hear the distinctive call, turn your eyes skyward to catch a glimpse of colourful macaws, usually flying in pairs and gleaming in the sun.

Beautiful beaches and small towns dot the Pacific coastline from north to south, with hidden coves and surf breaks coming into sight as you round each corner. Take in the sweeping views and hike to a waterfall before descending down to one of Costa Rica's most well-known gems at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Wildlife, birds and natural beauty abound as you head into Manuel Antonio National Park to walk the coastal jungle trails. Embrace the slower pace like the resident sloths of the forest to appreciate the lush environment packed with wildlife before settling on one of the park's idyllic beaches for a swim.

Leave the coast behind and relive the memories on the return to San Jose and on the onward travels home.