Costa Rica, at a slower and more private pace.

Our picks are a private catamaran charter from Playas del Coco, a private guided hike in Manuel Antonio, a private naturalist walk in Monteverde and a private surf lesson in Tamarindo.

Not always. Three of our four private picks are non-refundable, as is Hacienda Alsacia. The private surf lesson, the coffee and chocolate farm, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the river float offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Yes, but the tour is priced for at least two people and solo travellers pay an extra private-guide fee.

Hacienda Alsacia is Starbucks' only coffee farm, on the slopes of Poás less than an hour from San José. The tour is 90 minutes and easy to fit in before or after a flight.

The Peñas Blancas river float (minimum two adults) or the North Fields coffee and chocolate farm, which is wheelchair accessible.

See the three stays above: an eco-luxury resort in Manuel Antonio, a cloud-forest hotel in Monteverde and a boutique hotel in La Fortuna.

In the Central Valley it usually runs from about November to March, but farm tours run all year.

The Arenal farm, river float, La Paz Gardens and the Manuel Antonio hike include pickup in set areas. The charter, Monteverde walk, Hacienda Alsacia and surf lesson meet on site.