Wildlife and Volcano Daily from San José 5 days, 4 nights Drive to Monteverde Reserve, with lush vegetation and dripping treetops so rich in wildlife that it has become a base for naturalists worldwide. There are over 320 bird species and 2000 plant varieties native to the area, including many wild orchids. Jaguars are less easy to spot than howler monkeys or sloths but you may be lucky. Enjoy 2 nights at Monteverde Lodge. Drive to a lodge close to Arenal. Spend 2 nights in rich forested surroundings with unbeatable views of the lively volcano. The hotel has its own dairy farm which you can visit, and other excursions include visits to Arenal Volcano, forest hikes, white-water rafting, and horse-riding to La Fortuna waterfalls. Return to San José overland (3½hrs). How about? Combining Monteverde with Tortuguero: the Caribbean with a difference. Driving to Manuel Antonio instead of returning to the capital to spend time relaxing in one of the many charming hotels on the Pacific Coast.