Welcome to a land that prides itself on labels like "green," "eco-friendly," "the Switzerland of Central America," "land of volcanoes," and many others. To enjoy it over the coming days, take some time to rest after your arrival. After all, it's a long journey here and the jet lag plays a part too. You've got a busy schedule ahead, so make sure you're fit. If you happen to have any time and energy left, I suggest visiting a coffee plantation for your first taste of great Costa Rican coffee.

Today you'll set off for Monteverde National Park. You won't head straight there, though; first, you'll stop at the Los Chorros waterfalls to freshen up before driving through a landscape of many shades of green to reach today's destination. You'll likely even have some time left to get acquainted with the local wildlife.

Spend your morning actively by walking through one of the local reserves, and dedicate the afternoon to relaxing or use it for a second visit to the Ranarium, coffee tasting, or maybe zip-lining over the treetops, of which there are several nearby.

Costa Rica is also known as the land of waterfalls. And today, you'll get to see four of them in one spot. And these aren't just any old waterfalls!

Today you'll head to the Nicoya Peninsula, bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It's one of the so-called "blue zones," areas where people live to a very old age in good health. And you'll see for yourself why that is. Sun, sea, no stress, and incredible relaxation. Pura vida!

You might be woken up by a troop of monkeys moving from one tree to another. You might spot a coati during breakfast or a couple of owls in a palm tree. You might see a flock of parrots flying overhead... And then, all that's left is relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches. 

A fairy-tale beach straight out of a travel brochure – that’s the destination for your trip today.

Today you'll head in the opposite direction from yesterday to explore another beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. We're curious, which one will be your favorite?

Enjoy one last morning swim, say goodbye to the Pacific for a few days, and hop in the car. You're off to your accommodation right next to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. 

In the morning, you'll head to the national park and spend the whole day there. Costa Rica and its volcanoes, from mud pots to those towering over the landscape, are something you definitely shouldn't miss.

A long journey awaits you today, but you can make it more enjoyable with a few stops: at the crocodile river, in Jaco for lunch or to hang out on the beach... And in the afternoon, you'll arrive at Costa Rica's most popular national park and still have time to refresh yourself in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. 

To wrap up your visit to Costa Rica, you'll head to the smallest yet most popular park.  Explore it, look for sloths in the treetops, listen to the menacing howls of howler monkeys, and find a nice spot on the beach for the rest of the day :-).

Today you'll head to your accommodation near the airport so you can get there in time and avoid any stress over potential traffic issues before your flight tomorrow. But that doesn't mean you won't experience anything today. You'll check out one more national park, hit another beach, or grab a drink in Jaco as you pass through.

It's time to say goodbye. I hope Costa Rica has grown on you as much as it has on me, and that you'll have fond memories of it for a long time to come.