Compared with the vast distances separating the highlights in South America, the geographical entity of Central America ?that neck of land joining Mexico to the southern land mass?is small and compact. There's a decent road and air network throughout nowadays, so it's tempting to cross the border from Costa Rica to any of her neighbours.Costa Rica is a superb country for nature lovers, active adventurers and those seeking a relaxing beach break. Human culture has made less of an impact here; the indigenous population was wiped out and there isn't much in the way of Spanish colonial heritage. For an experience of how history and culture have moulded the landscape, you can visit Panama's epic canal, or spend time among the Kuna Indians on the barefoot San Blas islands (p47).You might take a short flight from San José to Granada, the most impressive of Nicaragua's cobblestone towns, where the graceful colonial architecture remains intact (p49 and below).See our Isthmus crossing journey for more ideas of how to combine a visit to several Central American countries on one holiday (p173).Costa Rica and Central America 40 Costa Rica lapa rios If you want a rich wildlife experience, you can't do better than to stay at the eco-lodge Lapa Rios(right), which has luxurious thatched bungalows, a network of private trails that snake past clear water pools, rivers and cascades; sandy beaches and a sunken pool. A plethora of birds, monkeys, frogs, lizards and sloths reside in the surrounding forest. Here, trained guides lead all excursions ranging from mangrove kayaking and surfing to night walks and trekking. It's a gorgeous place where guests' serenity and privacy are top priorities. Lapa Rios is quite possibly the best place we have ever stayed! Location, facilities, staff, everything?magical. MS, WokingALFREDO MAQUIZ / IPATSHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Connoisseur Costa Rica and Nicaragua 14 days, 12 nightsSan José 2 nights, Osa Peninsula 4n, San José 1n, Granada 2n, San Juan del Sur 3n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to San José. Upon arrival, a 45 minute drive to the Central Valley. Overnight in a luxurious villa at Xandari Plantation, a working coffee farm. Individual terracotta villas are decorated in contemporary style and there are many original works of art. Day 2 At leisure to enjoy the many facilities on offer, including horse-riding. Days 3-6 Fly to Puerto Jimenez (1hr) on the verdant Osa Peninsula and transfer to Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge (p36) overlooking the coast and backed by virgin rainforest. Day 7 Return to San José. Day 8 By air to Managua, on by road to Granada. Spend 2 nights at Hotel Patio de Melinche, built in colonial hacienda style around a courtyard. Day 9 At leisure to explore the colonial quarters of the city. Days 10-12 It's 90 minutes' drive to Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge (p49) on a stunning Pacific bay, sufficiently undisturbed for sea turtles to lay their eggs. Day 13 Return to Managua for flight to the UK, arriving day 14. Prices from £2,566pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily from the UK ManaguaMorgan's RockGranadaPuerto JimenezCOSTA RICANICARAGUAPANAMA.....San JoséCentral Valley020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 41how about?» Adventure in style: make time for our white water rafting trip with an overnight stay in Pacuare lodge (p38), it's just a one night side trip from San José.COSTA RICA HABITACIONISTOCKPHOTO.COMPACUARE LODGE