ADay 1: Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport

BDay 2: Finca 6 spheres in Palmar Sur and a tour of Río Sierpe

This is the second Costa Rican archaeological site open to the public, along with Guayabo. It is one of the few preserved sites with residential stone constructions. Some of the spheres are preserved in situ, meaning that they have never been moved since the time of their discovery. The site is located in Palmar Sur de Osa, Puntarenas, in the Diquís Delta. The land extends over an extensive plain formed by the confluence of Río Sierpe and Río Grande de Térraba. The main sectors are: Montículos (residences), Alineamientos (5 spheres arranged in two lines: one with three spheres and the other with two), Esferas en Tránsito (20 spheres recovered by the National Museum) and Punto 5 (a site with a high concentration of ceramic and sculpture fragments). Of the country’s four archaeological sites that have been declared World Heritage Sites, Finca 6 is the only one currently open to the public with a visitors’ center. Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.

CDay 3: Borúca Indigenous Reserve

This is an indigenous territory in the country’s southern Pacific region. The most striking cultural elements for visitors include the traditional “Little Devil’s Dance” (Baile de los Diablitos), celebrated in the community on December 31 to January 2, representing the struggle of the Borucas against the Spanish conquistadors and reflecting their never having been “conquered”. Nowadays, the community works selling artwork from their houses or local stores. The community’s pride is the masks carved from wood with a variety of styles and colors. Enjoy the cuisine, culture and tours to learn more about their ancestors.

DDays 4-5: San Gerardo de Dota (relaxation and hiking).

Prepare yourself for the cool climate and to be surrounded by nature and biodiversity. This village is located two and a half hours from San José and is famous as a place to relax and enjoy exquisite peacefulness. It is a place for birdwatching – especially quetzales – hiking, viewing waterfalls and fishing for trout. Don’t forget to visit the Los Quetzales National Park, which is located very close by.

EDays 6-7: Visit to a coffee plantation in San Marcos de Tarrazú, Los Santos region.

Prepare yourself to try one of Costa Rica’s best coffees: visit a village of the Los Santos region and see for yourself. Both Santa Maria de Dota and San Marcos de Tarrazú are ideal places to see birds like woodpeckers, warblers, falcons, owls, the resplendent quetzal, and many others. Enjoy the vistas from your accommodations and the cool nighttime that descends on the mountains. While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit the Los Campesinos Waterfall, located in San Lorenzo de Tarrazú. The rope bridge around the waterfall will take your breath away.

FDays 8-9: Guayabo National Monument, Irazú Volcano, city of Cartago and return to San José.

The Guayabo National Monument is located 18 km to the northwest of the city of Turrialba, Santa Teresita district, Cartago province. It was created with the intention of protecting and conserving one of the country’s most important archaeological sites as well as its flora, fauna and water resources. The monument contains preserved archaeological structures that were inhabited from 1000 BC until 1400 AD. Its peak of development was reached by around 800 AD. Its structures include 43 mounds, three aqueducts, two plazas, two roadways and one enclosure, all of which are connected by minor roadways, bridges and steps. The mounds were the most important structures. Hours of operation: Every day between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., including holidays. Volcán Irazú National Park Visit Costa Rica’s highest volcano. It has an elevation of 3,432 meters above sea level and offers easy access, at just 31 km from downtown Cartago. It has five craters, but the largest is the most popular because it contains an iridescent green lake. Be careful while you’re in the area having lunch because there are agoutis and raccoons who may pay you a visit and attempt to steal your meal. This is a place where you’ll be surrounded by low vegetation and a cool, wet climate. Though mist is often present in the morning, it is likely that you will be able to take in the surrounding landscape and, if you’re lucky, see the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Hours of operation: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. City of Cartago: Cartago is a land that is rich in colonial traditions. It was the capital until 1823 and it was here that the revelation of the Virgen de los Angeles occurred on September 23, 1824. In recognition of the devotion, she was declared the Patron Saint of the State. Thousands of romeros, as the pilgrims are called, visit the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles every August 2 to give thanks for a promise or make a request. Another of the city’s emblematic locales is the Ruins of the Santiago Apóstol Parrish, a building that was never finished due to the earthquake of 1910. Near the city, you can visit the Orosi and Ujarrás Viewpoints and the Ujarrás Ruins (one of the country’s oldest builings). Enjoy the energy of the Avenida Central, see the Post Office Building, have your picture taken at the Catedral Metropolitana, visit the National Theater and Melico Salazar, take the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and eat traditional food in the Central Market. La Sabana Metropolitan Park is right next to the downtown core, an ideal place for a picnic and a day of rest. San José is home to most of the country’s population, business centers, institutions, cultural locations and tourism information offices.

GDay 10: Departure from Juan Santamaría International Airport.