After meeting in San José, we all stretch our legs on an easy walk to five splashworthy waterfalls. Then it's on to Arenal Volcano where our very cool lakeside resort (3 nights) is within view of bubbling, red lava. We're greeted at a private cloud forest reserve where the nature is amazing, but the hanging bridges and zipline through the canopy are even more awesome. We watch for remarkable birds like emerald toucanets on separate adult and kid walks, then we drop by a village school to meet the local kids. Arm yourself with flashlights for the nighttime safari. It's amazing to spend time in Carara National Park, one of the last major breeding sites of the scarlet macaw and home to white-faced monkeys and sloths. Kids will love to try their hand at fishing here.

Our next lodgings in Manuel Antonio Park (3 nights) overlook the Pacific. A chorus of monkeys is our wake-up call, and they may join us for breakfast in the open-air dining room. On ocean beaches, in mangrove swamps and in primary jungle, the game and bird viewing here is unrivaled. Join in guided walks and some easy river rafting, then boogie board, snorkel or take a siesta by the pool. After returning to San José, we part company—or you can opt to continue with us on our 3 day/2 night Tortuguero Sea Turtle Extension.