Volcanoes and Fine Sand: The Great Crossing from San José to Sámara

About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different feel than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the heart of nature. Situated in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most diverse forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It's also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its stunning beaches, its incredible rivers and its untouched mountains. San José has certain attractions of its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively feel to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings reveal their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.

About the destination: Monteverde is situated in the northern central region of Costa Rica and is renowned for its cloud forests, which are among Costa Rica's top attractions. Stunning cloud forests and rainforests are nestled amongst verdant mountains. The Monteverde reserve embodies everyone's vision of a rainforest. It is home to over 100 mammal species, including 5 cat species, more than 400 bird species, including 30 types of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 plant species. The area is hailed as one of the most exceptional wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics. There's a wealth of activities to partake in. Rafting, zip-lining, canopy tours, coffee tours, and you can also visit a frog museum and Insectarium. The Monteverde and Santa Elena settlements are divided by a muddy road, with neither having a distinct city centre. Shops, restaurants, tours and hotels are scattered along the road. In the Monteverde region, you'll encounter a unique and beautiful natural environment.

About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different feel than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the heart of nature. Situated in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most diverse forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It's also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its stunning beaches, its incredible rivers and its untouched mountains. San José has certain attractions of its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively feel to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings reveal their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.