This is a tour that starts in San Jose and goes to Sarapiquis. It's a one week trip from San Jose through the central valley and includes volcanoes, parks, a garden, and a coffee town.

• Day 1: San Jose.Arrive at the airport in San Jose and spend a day exploring this city. Begin at the Plaza de la Cultura and embark on a walking tour of San Jose's city center. In the afternoon, depart for Alajuela — a suburb of San Jose. Go to Zoo Ave, outside of Alajuela on the highway to Atenas, where visitors will find a rehabilitation park for endangered species such as the scarlet macaw. This is a good spot for animal photography. In the evening, head to Escazu — another suburb of San Jose. Check out the White House and Hotel Alta.
• Day 2: Irazu Volcano National Park. This volcano offers four craters and a lovely green lake. Depart in the early morning, as clouds typically cover by afternoon. Head to Heredia where there's a lively restaurant scene and spend the night.
• Days 3 & 4: Barva Volcano & Braulio Carillo National Park & Cafe Britt . Travel from Barva and stop at Cafe Britt on the way. The Cafe has a highly recommended tour of the coffee plantation. Barva is a large park with two volcanoes and is only 20-km (12 mi) from San Jose.
• Days 5 & 6: Sarapiquis Neotropical Center. Technically this center belongs to the northern lowlands but it is north of Barva and a has a botanical garden with over 400 species of plants. Visitors can stay at the lodge at this center or stay in the nearby town.
• Day 7: San Jose: Return to San Jose.

There are unique cultural influences found only in Costa Rica and might be something that you would want to include on your travels to Costa Rica. Some of these unique characteristics are tangible while others are found in the culture itself.