ClassicCosta Rica15 days, ex San JoseNEWCode IQVSR111Latin America - Costa RicaFor trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at imaginative-traveller.comCosta Rica hasdeveloped an enviablereputation as one ofthe safest and mostenticing destinations inLatin America. Chief ofits attractions is theextraordinary varietyof landscapes, floraand fauna. This tripcombines the best ofthem, bringing youthick cloud forest, lushjungle, active volcanoes,perfect beaches and awealth of bird andanimal life.Liddy says...''''. Take canopy walksthrough tropicalMonteverde CloudForest. View the impressive lava displays at the Arenal Volcano. Explore the jungle and waterways of Tortuguero National Park. Hike, ride or bike through plantation country at Sarapiqui. Relax on the tropical beaches of QueposTour highlightsITINERARY... Days 1-2 San JoseWelcome to San Jose! Amid thegalleries, theatres and modern architecture of this vibrant city arewonderful reminders of a traditional and antiquated past. Take anorientation tour to discover the main sites - and little known secrets- of the city. Why not head over to the bustling Central Market toperuse the eclectic range of goods on offer or grab a bite of classicCosta Rican cuisine. Days 3-4 Tortuguero National ParkTravelinto the heart of the lush forests, cool waterways and pristine,powdery beaches of the Tortuguero National Park. An optionalcanoe trip or canopy tour offers a different perspective on thisamazing and precious ecosystem. Days 5-6 SarapiquiJourney toSarapiqui, in the heart of Costa Rica's banana-growing region. Withsuch a huge spectrum of Costa Rica's flora and fauna on display,make the most of free time by exploring the surrounding jungle bymountain bike. Or perhaps just find a tranquil spot beneath thecanopy to relax and listen to the soothing chatter and chirps of thelocal birdlife whilst enjoying the green mountain vistas Sarapiquioffers. Days 7-8 La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano National ParkWith the Arenal Volcano breathing down its neck, La Fortuna is anexciting outdoor base with endless opportunities for hiking,whitewater rafting or canyoning. Witness night time views of ArenalVolcano glowing in the distance - a reminder of the raw power andepic beauty of nature. Days 9-11 MonteverdeTravel through themountains and take a guided tour through the Monteverde CloudForest Reserve. Lush, green and jam-packed with colourfulbutterflies and exotic creatures, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is anature-lover's paradise. Days 12-13 QueposDescend from themountains to the town of Quepos on the Pacific Coast. Relax on thewhite, sandy beaches or hit the turquoise water for some kayaking,fishing, swimming or surfing. After the sun sets, join the busyQuepos nightlife and perhaps mingle with locals in a café or bar.Days 14-15 San JoseGet reacquainted with this busy capital city byshopping for last-minute souvenirs at the city's vibrant markets.Catch a show or an exhibition, or reminisce about your trip overdinner and a final night out on the town.ACCOMMODATIONHotel (12 nts), lodge (2 nts) MEALSNo mealsTRANSPORTBus, boatGROUPSIZEMaximum 12StartFinish201207 Jan-21 Jan21 Jan-04 Feb18 Feb-03 Mar03 Mar-17 Mar17 Mar-31 Mar31 Mar-14 Apr21 Apr-05 May19 May-02 Jun09 Jun-23 Jun23 Jun-07 Jul21 Jul-04 Aug18 Aug-01 Sep15 Sep-29 Sep06 Oct-20 Oct20 Oct-03 Nov03 Nov-17 Nov17 Nov-01 Dec01 Dec-15 Dec29 Dec-12 Jan201312 Jan-26 Jan26 Jan-09 Feb09 Feb-23 Feb23 Feb-09 Mar09 Mar-23 Mar06 Apr-20 Apr20 Apr-04 May04 May-18 May01 Jun-15 Jun29 Jun-13 JulTour price from£770ppSee website for detailsPlusTraveller£611ppFlight ex London fromITINERARY... Days 1-2 San JoseCoffee tour and sightseeing.Days 3-4 SarapiquiChocolate tour, white water rafting andworking at tropical research centre. Days 5-6 ArenalVisit eco-centre, hot springs, volcano hike. Days 7-9 Manuel AntonioNational ParkExplore nature trails and relax on the beach.Days 10-11 San JoseSightseeing.This trip cost £695 per person, excluding international flights,based on a group of 25 students and 3 teachers. Costa Rica is the perfect destination for a biology class. I put together anitineray for a large group of school children who wanted as much adventure aspossible, but who were also accompanied by teachers who wanted there to be adefinite educational element to the trip! So we mixed together white waterrafting and hiking up an active volcano with spending a day working at ascientific research station and a visit to an eco-centre. Jo Reeve - Tailor-made consultant''''All itineraries are tailor-made; prices will depend on season, group size, accommodation etc.For a tailor-made itinerary please contactour specialist team on 01728 885575Don't forget we can also offer flights,travel insurance, extra accommodationand airport transfers!

MexicoUnplugged15 days, ex Mexico CityNEWCode IQVRM112Latin America - MexicoBook now at imaginative-traveller.com or call 01728 885561This is Mexico ona shoestring, takingyou to the highlightsof this fascinatingcountry and leavingyou plenty of time toexplore at your ownpace. What's more, youend up at Playa delCarmen, right on thehot sands of theCaribbean.Liddy says...''''. Discover the incredibleMayan ruins at Palenque and Chichen Itza. Explore the beautiful towns of Puebla and Oaxaca. Enjoy colourful San Cristobal de las Casas and the surrounding Indian villages. Relax on the tropical Caribbean beaches at Playa del CarmenTour highlightsITINERARY... Days 1-2 Mexico CityThe centre of Mexico City'sbuzzing metropolis still moves to the beat of its Aztec heart. Hit thetown Mexican-style for a night of mariachi music or escape thecrowds on an optional day trip to the canals and gardens ofXochimilco. Days 3-4 PueblaStart the day with a ride on one ofMexico's colourful buses to Puebla. Soak up the city's colonial charm,visit the market for handicrafts, try some mouth-watering molepoblano or head out for an optional hike to Puebla's nearbyvolcano. Days 5-7 OaxacaPeruse Oaxaca's main plaza and take inthe cosmopolitan atmosphere. Head out to the impressive Zapotecruins of Monte Alban. Satisfy culinary cravings by sampling Oaxaca'sfamous chocolate and cheese. The more adventurous may want totry the local delicacies - chocolate-covered grasshopper or mescal,complete with a worm at the bottom of the bottle. Days 8-9 SanCristobal de las CasasDiscover a world of jungle-entangled ruinsin the cool climes of Mexico's mountains at San Cristobal de lasCasas. Venture to the hills to explore local villages or perhaps take aday trip to the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon. For a slower pace,stop in at a café and sample coffee from one of the world's premiercoffee growing regions. Days 10-11 PalenqueThe Palenque ruinsare one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Mexico. Climb thetemples - the best vantage point for spying on the exotic wildlife ofthe surrounding Chiapas Jungle. Cool down in the nearby AguaAzul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, a shimmering invitation too good torefuse! Days 12-13 MeridaJourney to the colonial city of Merida inthe Yucatan Peninsula. Cruise the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo,hang out in the Plaza Grande or hit the clubs to learn some dancemoves. Spice up your life and try El Yucateco, a hot sauceguaranteed to blow your taste buds away. Merida is also an idealbase for an optional visit to the Uxmal ruins. Days 14-15 ChichenItza - Playa del CarmenStand in awe of the incredible ruins whichwere once an ancient ceremonial centre. In free time, opt to gosnorkelling, swimming or diving around nearby reefs and islands - orsimply unwind on palm-fringed beaches, relax and sip coldmargaritas while watching a spectacular, golden sunset at Playadel Carmen. ACCOMMODATIONHotel (13 nts), overnight bus (1 nt) MEALSNo mealsTRANSPORTBus, metroGROUPSIZEMaximum 16StartFinish201207 Jan-21 Jan14 Jan-28 Jan28 Jan-11 Feb11 Feb-25 Feb25 Feb-10 Mar10 Mar-24 Mar17 Mar-31 Mar24 Mar-07 Apr31 Mar-14 Apr07 Apr-21 Apr21 Apr-05 May05 May-19 May19 May-02 Jun02 Jun-16 Jun30 Jun-14 Jul14 Jul-28 Jul28 Jul-11 Aug11 Aug-25 Aug25 Aug-08 Sep08 Sep-22 Sep22 Sep-06 Oct13 Oct-27 Oct27 Oct-10 Nov03 Nov-17 Nov17 Nov-01 Dec24 Nov-08 Dec01 Dec-15 Dec08 Dec-22 Dec15 Dec-29 Dec22 Dec-05 Jan201305 Jan-19 Jan12 Jan-26 Jan19 Jan-02 Feb26 Jan-09 Feb02 Feb-16 Feb09 Feb-23 Feb16 Feb-02 Mar02 Mar-16 Mar16 Mar-30 Mar 30 Mar-13 Apr 13 Apr-27 Apr 27 Apr-11 May 11 May-25 May 25 May-08 Jun 08 Jun-22 Jun 22 Jun-06 JulTour price from£575ppSee website for details£630ppFlight ex London fromBasicTraveller