Volcanic Landscapes and Island Life: Road Trip from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

Today the adventure really begins, so pick up your rental car and drive to the end of the Nicoya Peninsula, just over three-and-a-half hours away. Here, you'll board a boat that will transport you to the pristine paradise of Isla Jesusita. You'll spend two nights in a canvas lodge surrounded by sparkling water and the lush vegetation of an almost deserted island that's just waiting to be explored. This evening, you'll go on night kayaking trip to experience the magical natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the ocean – this promises to be an experience you'll never forget.

Bathed in the beautiful waters of Paquera Bay, Isla Jesusita offers you the chance to experience all the joys of island life with nature as your only neighbour: take a boat trip to discover the Gulf of Nicoya's most beautiful beaches; visit a traditional finca to learn more about plantain and guava cultivation; grab your mask and snorkel and explore the seabed surrounding the island; sip a drink on your private terrace at sunset; enjoy a massage at the spa before a dip in the hot tub; and wake up early to explore the dense vegetation in search of endemic birds.

If you're interested in seeing more incredible wildlife, take a boat back to the mainland to visit the Curú Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and protection of different animal species. Here, you can stroll along the trails, coming face to face with birds, reptiles and mammals.

Today you'll return to the mainland by boat to collect your rental car and drive north towards Bijagua, about three-and-a-half hours away. As you approach, the Miravalles Volcano looms above you to your left, and Tenorio Volcano to your right. Your home for the next two nights is a lodge in the heart of a beautiful estate dotted with heliconias (a native flowering plant), fruit trees and two natural lagoons. This evening, take a dip in the jacuzzi and let yourself be lulled by the sounds of nocturnal nature waking for the night.

Bijagua is a small, peaceful town where people make a living mainly through agriculture. Because of its exceptional natural setting, it's the perfect base for exploring Costa Rica's green landscapes. The nearby Tenorio Volcano National Park is not to be missed, where you can walk along one of the country's most beautiful trails between cloud forest, waterfalls and natural hot springs. You'll find the famous Rio Celeste here, which originates at the meeting point of two rivers and crosses volcanic hot springs before forming a magnificent waterfall, renowned for its otherworldly turquoise colour. Local legend has it that this is where God washed his paintbrush after painting the sky.

If you're interested in Costa Rica's abundant wildlife, go for a boat trip in the neighbouring Caño Negro Reserve, a refuge where you'll spot beautiful birds, reptiles and monkeys with the help of a guide. For unbeatable views, climb to the very top of the Tenorio Volcano.

Today you'll say goodbye to Costa Rica and head north towards Nicaragua and the southern town of Popoyo, about four hours away. Your base for the next four nights is a refined contemporary hotel where every room has a view of the Pacific. Surfing is the name of the game here, but if that's not your thing you can spend your time taking long walks along the beach, lounging by the pool and enjoying a massage or yoga class. Tonight, enjoy dinner on the beach accompanied by a tropical cocktail.

You have three full days to enjoy this incredible tropical ecosystem and the magnificent waves of the Pacific. While you're here, take a surfing lesson or simply hone your skills on the various waves which are suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. In-between, take a dip in the natural hot springs at Playa Guasacate, or go hiking in the nearby nature reserve. When you're hungry, tuck into some ceviche or a wood-fired pizza at your hotel's restaurant. At sunset, don't miss a walk along the hillside to take in the spectacular colours of the sky.

Hasta luego salt water, hello fresh water – today you're heading east to the tranquil shores of Lake Nicaragua, also called Cocibolca. From here, you'll head to the Isletas archipelago. Your accommodation is an eco-lodge on a private island that blends harmoniously into the lush surrounding nature. Days here mean cocktails by the swimming pool, massages at the spa, snacking on freshly picked tropical fruit, and showers under the stars.

Today, you'll get to experience life in the heart of Isletas, a chain of 365 volcanic islets born of an eruption of the Mombacho volcano. The locals here are mainly fishing families, and nature has been given free rein to adorn the landscape with every shade of green. After breakfast to the sound of lapping waves, explore the neighbouring islets by kayak, enjoy a picnic in an intimate corner of the islet with a view of the lake, and take a sunset stroll beside the water. Along your way, keep your eyes peeled and your camera poised to catch the many magical moments here, whether it's the hesitant gait of an aquatic bird or the masterful net throwing of traditional fisherman.

Today you'll board the ferry back to the mainland and head to Granada, just a few minutes' drive away. After returning your rental car, you'll have three nights to spend in a charming hotel in the heart of the city. On the patio, there's a swimming pool that reflects the soothing green shapes of the surrounding palm trees. This is a wonderful urban retreat in which to spend your last few days in Nicaragua.

Beautiful and full of history, both vibrant and peaceful, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is home to some incredible colonial architecture. The past is all around here thanks to the markers of Spanish occupation and the presence of artists who have taken up residence in Granada over the centuries. All this comes together on the shores of one of the largest lakes in Latin America, surrounded by thousand-year-old volcanoes.

During your final days in Nicaragua, we'll arrange for you to take a guided tour of 'La Gran Sultana' so you don't miss the highlights: the Xalteva and La Merced churches, the San Francisco Convent Museum, the cathedral, the market and the central park. A little outside of the centre, you can also visit the station and the Fort de la Pólvora.

You have the rest of your time here to spend at your leisure. Make sure you try some vigorón granadino, the city's signature dish made from cassava, fried pork and grated cabbage salad. A stone's throw from the cathedral, you'll find the lively street of Calzada, full of bars, restaurants and pop-up stages where musicians play into the night. If you like, we can also arrange for you to take a guided hike along the El Puma Trail on the Mombacho volcano.