Two Waterfalls, Two Wildlife Stops and a 50-Metre Rappel: Arenal from San Jose

The day counts up: two waterfalls in the rainforest, two places to look at animals, seven zip lines and one rappel of 50 metres, which is 150 feet of rope under your boots. It starts early from a San Jose hotel, heading for the Central Volcanic Mountains. The coffee plantation comes first, with the guide on how the crop is grown and picked; the tasting is saved for later in the day. La Paz is the quick waterfall, a few minutes for photographs. The exotic birds' viewing point is the slow one: tropical species in front of you, the San Fernando waterfall below, and the coffee finally served while you watch both. The Iguanas Center puts the animals at eye level from a bridge, and sloths are usually out at a place nearby. Lunch is at a typical restaurant near Arenal, with the volcano in view on a clear day. The zip line course follows, then a presentation by members of the Maleku tribe, whose reservation is in the north of the country. The hot spring pools at the base of the volcano take a couple of hours, and dinner is Costa Rican before the drive home. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.