It would take months to exhaust the possibilities for a total immersion in Costa Rica. Few visitors have time to explore Costa Rica from tip to toe, unless they’ve opted to fly to and from distinct locales using San José as a hub (in which case, visiting the “four quarters” is eminently feasible). The typical visitor spends about 10 days in Costa Rica, quite enough to savor a smorgasbord sampler, ideally concentrating on two or three regions. Allow three or four weeks for a more complete itinerary that takes in half a dozen of the best parks plus a potpourri of active adventures.

DAY 1:
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport; transfer to a hotel in or near San José.

DAY 2:
Take an early-morning flight to Tortuguero National Park for wildlife viewing, including an evening turtle viewing.

DAY 3:
After a morning wildlife viewing by canoe or boat, fly to San José for overnight. Take time to explore the capital city.

DAY 4:
Today, an early-morning visit to Poás Volcano National Park is followed by a visit to the La Paz Waterfall & Butterfly Garden.

DAYS 5–6:
Transfer to La Fortuna for two days, with hiking at Arenal Volcano National Park; a ride on the Arenal Aerial Tram; and a soak at Tabacón Hot Springs.

DAY 7:
Transfer via Lake Arenal and Tilarán to Monteverde. This afternoon, take in such sites as the Serpentarium and Jewels of the Rainforest Bio-Art Exhibition.

DAY 8:
You’ll want to be up early for a guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. In the afternoon, enjoy a canopy exploration.

DAY 9:
Transfer to Rincón de la Vieja National Park for horseback riding and overnight at a nature lodge.

DAY 10:
Continue north to Santa Rosa National Park for a hike offering great wildlife viewing. You’ll overnight nearby at Hacienda Los Inocentes.

DAY 11:
Spend a full day horseback riding and wildlife viewing at Hacienda Los Inocentes.

DAY 12:
Today, head to the Nicoya Peninsula and Tamarindo for relaxing. This afternoon you might try surfing at Playa Grande Marine Turtle National Park.

DAY 13:
Active travelers might try their hand at catching the big one on a half-day sportfishing excursion. Spend the rest of the day sunning on the beach or by the pool. This evening, head to Playa Grande to witness marine turtles laying eggs (in season).

DAY 14:
Transfer to Nosara via Ostional Wildlife Refuge. If you’re driving, the coast road will prove an adventure! This evening visit the turtle arribada (in season).

DAY 15:
Relax at Nosara, where the beach is good for tidepooling, with great beach breaks for surfers.

DAYS 16–17:
This morning, depart Nicoya for the Central Pacific and a crocodile safari on the Río Tárcoles. Then continue to Manuel Antonio for two days of wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and relaxing in Manuel Antonio National Park.

DAY 18:
Transfer to San José and fly from Pavas airport to Carate, on the Osa Peninsula. Overnight at a nearby nature lodge.

DAY 19:
A guided hike in Corcovado National Park guarantees sightings of scarlet macaws, monkeys, and plenty of other exotic species.

DAY 20:
Relax at your nature lodge.

DAY 21:
Transfer to San José for your departure flight.