In Two Weeks

If you have 2 weeks, you'll be able to hit all the highlights, as well as some others, and at a slightly more relaxed pace to boot. The first part of this itinerary is very similar to the 1-week itinerary. It's a real judgment call, but you might want to substitute a 2- to 3-day trip to Tortuguero for either the Guanacaste or the southern zone section listed below, or whittle down a day here or there along the way in order to squeeze in Tortuguero.

Days 1 & 2: San José

Follow the option listed under Days 1 and 2 in "Costa Rica in 1 Week." Another option for dinner on your second night is Café Mundo, a lively restaurant and nightspot set in a wonderfully restored old colonial home in the heart of downtown.

Day 3: Active in Arenal

Spend the morning doing something adventurous in Arenal National Park, as recommended in Day 3 in "Costa Rica in 1 Week." If you're really active, you can schedule a second adventure for the afternoon or take time to visit the town of La Fortuna. In the evening return to the Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort. If you were smart, you'll have already booked yourself a spa treatment.

Day 4: Driving (& Shopping) Your Way Around the Lake to Monteverde

Give yourself at least 4 hours of daylight to drive around Lake Arenal to Monteverde. But you can take even longer. During your drive, be sure to stop at both Toad Hall and the Lucky Bug Gallery, where you can shop for gifts, artwork, and souvenirs. Once you're in Monteverde, settle into your hotel and head for a drink and dinner at Chimera.

Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Spend Day 5 as described for Day 4 of "Costa Rica in 1 Week." However, head to Sofia for dinner and grab a window table fronting its well-lighted and lush gardens.

Day 6: More Monteverde

There's just no way you can hit all the local Monteverde attractions in a day. Use today to visit a few that you missed. Also be sure to stop in at several of the local art galleries and crafts shops. Monteverde has one of the country's most vibrant arts scenes, and there are several worthwhile galleries, including Casa de Arte. In the evening, be sure to try El Sapo Dorado a long-standing and deservedly popular restaurant serving eclectic international fare.

Day 7: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

Spend this day as in Day 5 of "Costa Rica in 1 Week." However, after your sunset drink, head down into the town of Quepos for dinner at El Patio Bistro Latino, a cozy little spot serving some of the best food in the area.

Day 8: Manuel Antonio

Spend this day as in Day 6 of "Costa Rica in 1 Week."

Days 9, 10 & 11: Southern Costa Rica

Fly from Quepos and Manuel Antonio to Drake Bay and settle into a remote ecolodge, such as La Paloma Lodge. You'll need 3 days to experience the many natural wonders of this southern zone. Aside from hiking in the rainforest, you'll be able to take scuba or snorkel outings, sportfishing trips, kayak adventures, and surfing lessons.

Days 12, 13 & 14: Guanacaste's Gold Coast

You've had enough nature and adventure; it's time to enjoy some pure R & R. From the southern zone, fly up to Guanacaste and spend your final days enjoying the pleasures of one of Costa Rica's Gold Coast beaches. If you can afford it and rooms are available, I recommend the Four Seasons Resort. Alternatively, you might enjoy a smaller boutique hotel such as Sueño del Mar.

If just lying on the beach or poolside is too mellow, there are scores of tour and activity options. If you're not feeling that active or adventurous, simply break out that novel you've been too busy to open and enjoy. On your last day, fly home from Liberia.