I have hiked in many places in the world but I have never hiked anywhere where the soundtrack was this extraordinary. The howler monkeys start before you can see them, and the birds come from every direction at once, and underneath it all there is the constant sound of water — because every five minutes there is another waterfall. Sensoria is the kind of place that makes you understand why Costa Rica calls itself blessed. The thermal pools at the end were exactly what the body needed after seven kilometres.

We had spent five days on the Pacific coast and thought we understood what Costa Rica looked like. Sensoria corrected that impression entirely. The moment the landscape changes — you literally walk from one type of forest into another within a few hundred metres — is something you feel rather than just see. Our guide had deep knowledge of every plant and animal on the trail. The walking sticks were a genuine help on the steps. One of the truly great days of a two-week trip.

As a naturalist, I approach these experiences with professional caution. Sensoria exceeded every expectation I arrived with. The biodiversity within that 7km corridor is genuinely remarkable — the transition zones alone are worth the visit. Our guide identified species I was not expecting to encounter this far into the dry season. The thermal pools are a geothermal feature of real interest, not a gimmick. I will recommend this reserve to every colleague who visits Costa Rica.