Day 2: Take a private shuttle to the La Fortuna area where you'll stay at Mountain Paradise, just outside of the center of town. Enjoy gorgeous views of the volcano from the comfort of the pool or hotel restaurant.

Day 3-4: Discover the natural wonders of the surrounding area during your stay in Arenal on a volcano hike that will take you all the way to the foot of the active volcano where you can hear daily eruptions and explore cooled lava fields amid a tropical forest. Then, enjoy a Caño Negro river float with a professional naturalist who will point out diverse animal and bird species in this unique habitat.

Day 5: Today you will travel from the central region of Costa Rica to the central Pacific coastal town of Manuel Antonio. Stay at the exclusive Gaia Hotel & Reserve, a boutique hotel offering only 20 suites and villas overlooking the ocean.

Day 6-7: Spend the next couple days relaxing at the hotel infinity pool or getting to know the tiny beach town of Manuel Antonio. Learn more about the distinct habitats of the region on a guided tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can spend an entire day wading through the beautiful beaches and coves and experiencing one of the finest wildlife viewing areas of the country.

Day 8:  Today you will board a short domestic flight back to San José where you'll stay another night at the Alta Hotel. Enjoy fine dining at the hotel restaurant as you reflect on your intimate journey through Costa Rica.

Day 9: Your vacation has come to end. Take a quick shuttle transfer to the San Jose international airport where you'll await your flight home.