Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Scientists from all over the world come to Palo Verde National Park and Wildlife Refuge to study its rich ecosystem of rivers, marshland, mangroves and dry forest, where crocodiles, monkeys and iguanas make their home. The leafless trees in this dry tropical forest make it easy to view up to 300 species of birds. Flat-bottomed boat tours are the perfect way to witness the park's wildlife.

Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Departs: 7:30 am

Returns: 1:30 pm

* Note: Driving time is approximately 2 hours each way.

Horseback riding offers an authentic local experience, connecting to the traditional cowboy culture of Guanacaste's vast cattle ranges. A riding excursion at El Aromal promises a memorable way to explore the backcountry landscape. The tour begins at the sabaneros cattle herding station where visitors don the hats and kerchiefs of the Pampas of the past, and ends at the Hacienda with a cool drink and typical Costa Rican snack.

Gold season (December 1 to April 30)

Days: Every day

Departs: 1:30 pm

Returns: 5:30 pm

Green season (May 1 to November 30)

Days: Every day

Departs: 9:30 am

Returns: 1:30 pm

* Note: Driving time is approximately 45 minutes each way.

Explore the colonial charm of Granada, and experience Central American culture. You will visit the San Francisco Convent, which holds a large collection of stone sculptures dating back to pre-Hispanic times. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will drive to the active Masaya volcano, where you can stand right at the edge of the immense crater. Before driving back to Costa Rica, you will stop at the picturesque Indian Market at Masaya, where you can shop for unique arts and crafts, souvenirs and leather goods.

Days: Monday and Thursday

Departs: 6:00 am

Returns: 8:30 pm

* Note: Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours to the Nicaraguan border. A minimum of four guests is needed for this excursion. Please check with the Concierge to determine visa requirements for entry into Nicaragua.

Visit the rural community of Guaitil, where the Chorotega Indians' tradition of pottery making is preserved. You'll have time to shop for a piece pottery of your own before travelling to the Diria coffee plantation at Matambu. Enjoy a Four Seasons boxed lunch followed by a tour of the plantation and a sampling of the exquisite Café Diria.

Days: Upon request

Departs: 8:30 am

Returns: 4:30 pm

* Note: Driving time is approximately 90 minutes each way.

The cloud forest is home to a stunning diversity of animals and plants, including more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species and 2,500 plant species.

On your visit to the cloud forest, enjoy indoor attractions such as the Frog Pond, Insect World, the Hummingbird Gallery, the Serpentarium and the Butterfly Garden. You may want to visit the suspension bridges, also known as the hanging bridges. In the town of Monteverde itself, small galleries showcase the work of local and international artisans.

Days: Upon request (as a private tour)

Departs (suggested): 6:30 am or 7:30 am

Returns: 7:30 pm

* Note: Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours each way.

Arenal Volcano is one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. On an almost-daily basis, red-hot rocks crash down its steep slopes and volcanic grumbles from within produce huge ash columns above the crater.

Visit the volcano and enjoy one or more of the activities in the Arenal area – rafting, hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, waterfall rappelling, hot springs, hanging bridges, canopy tours, zip lines, wildlife viewing and even cave tours.

Days: Upon request (as a private tour)

Departs (suggested): 6:30 am or 7:30 am

Returns: 7:30 pm

* Note: Driving time is approximated 3.5 hours each way.