Central America and the Caribbean islands offer some fabulous destinations which combine spectacular birdwatching and marine life with vibrant cultures, set against a backdrop of active volcanoes, tropical rainforest and pristine white beaches. Turtles nesting off the coast of Costa Rica and whale watching voyages along the coast of the Baja Peninsula are some of the marine highlights, while those hoping to glimpse the elusive Jaguar have some of the best chances in the forests of Belize. The birdlife throughout the region is truly outstanding with brightly coloured parrots, hummingbirds and toucans found here in plenty. The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are particularly popular with ornithologists who also enjoy a few days relaxing on the beach or snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. Most of our trips are tailor made, and self drive options are also possible in Costa Rica - often popular with families where exciting activities such as rafting, biking and riding are also on offer to keep everyone happy! Highlights January • The whale-watching season begins in Baja California and runs until the end of April. You may see Fin, Minke, Bryde’s, Orca, Pilot, and Humpback Whales, as well as Blue Whale – the largest mammal on the planet! Please see our website for more information on trips to this area. • The dry season begins in Costa Rica and heralds vast concentrations of herons, ducks, spoonbills and other water birds around the Nicoya peninsula. July • From now until mid-September you will find Green, Leatherback, and Hawksbill Turtles in Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park, where night walks are organised. August • Olive Ridley Turtles nest at Ostional Park in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula year round, but peak time is during the rainy season. From August to December turtles regularly come ashore to nest. The number of nesting females can be in the thousands. November • Olive Ridley, and Leatherback Turtles may be seen between now and April in Costa Rica’s Tamarindo Bay. December • Humpback, and Sperm Whales can be seen now and in January along the coastline of the Corcovado National Park in southern Costa Rica. Climate Central America is tropical throughout the region with distinct dry and wet seasons, and the temperatures moderated along the coast by sea breezes. The dry season is generally between January and May, and the wet season from June until December. However the rains will not necessarily fall every day and when they do it is normally in the form of downpours for part of the day. Costa Rica in particular has its own unique weather patterns influenced by the mountain range which divides the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Often swathed in permanent cloud forest the mountains create an interesting diversity of ecosystems within a small country. S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 133 Central America / Introduction Courtesy of Mark Carwardine

F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 COSTA RICA CARIBBEAN SEA PACIFIC OCEAN Nicoya Gulf Tortuguero National Park Corcovado National Park Braulio Carrillo National Park Arenal National Park Santa Rosa National Park Monteverde Tamarindo Quepos Limon Irazú Volcano Poás Volcano Alajuela Manuel Antonio National Park Cañas Cano Negro National Park San Jose Jaco 134 Costa Rican Odyssey 13 days London to London Day 1. Depart London Depart London for San Jose. On arrival late in the evening, you will be met and transferred to the San Gildar Hotel for the night. The San Gildar Hotel is located in an historic and picturesque area, approximately ten minutes drive from downtown San Jose. With its 30 en-suite rooms, restaurant, art gallery, lush tropical gardens and swimming pool, it provides a wonderful base for your stay. Day 2. Braulio Carrillo National Park [B] This morning, you will be driven to Braulio Carrillo National Park for a ride on the Rainforest Aerial Tram. From here you will be able to view the rainforest below where over 340 species of bird have been recorded, together with Howler, and White-faced Monkeys, Tapir, Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Paca. There will also be opportunity to take a hike in the beautiful primary rainforest. Spend the night at the nearby Rainforest Lodge. Days 3 & 4. Tortuguero [B, L, D] Transfer by road and boat, exploring the canals and lagoons on the way to Tortuguero National Park. In this vast area of untouched tropical rainforest there will be plenty of time for jungle walks and boat trips, and you have the opportunity to see sloths, monkeys, manatees and fishing Bulldog Bat, the largest in the country. Between July and September, night walks are organised to view Atlantic Green Turtles which come ashore to nest. You spend two nights at Pachira Lodge, which provides comfortable accommodation in wooden cabins, each with en-suite bathroom. Days 5 & 6. Arenal [B, L (Day 5 only)] This morning you return to Guápiles for lunch, collect your 4-wheel drive vehicle and head off to Arenal National Park and the world's most active volcano. After dark the opportunity to watch volcanic activity may include explosions and flowing lava! Spend two nights at Arenal Lodge, from where you have magnificent views of Arenal Volcano on a clear night. During your stay you may wish to visit Tabacon Hot Springs, Venado Caves and Negro Wildlife Refuge. Days 7 & 8. Monteverde [B] Continue to the protected Monteverde Cloud Forest today, a reserve of some 4,500 hectares. The Resplendent Quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayans, considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world, is regularly seen between January and July, together with Emerald Toucanet and both White-faced, and Howler Monkeys. You spend two nights at the Hotel El Sapo Dorado. Days 9 & 10. Abangaritos/Gulf of Nicoya [B] Drive on to the Pacific Coast today to the Gulf of Nicoya and La Ensenada Lodge. La Ensenada provides comfortable accommodation with twenty rooms, each with en-suite facilities and a terrace. Guided birding excursions in the tropical dry forest and seasonal marshes provide excellent opportunities to see vast concentrations of herons, ducks, and spoonbills gathering during the dry season. Costa Rica Arenal Volcano Courtesy of Mark Carwardine