THE AMERICAS | COSTA RICA 133 Braulio Carrillo National Park Braulio Carrillo preserves a pristine emerald swathe of rainforest full of tropical plants, waterfalls and trees, located just 20 kilometres north- east of San José. The highlight here is a ride on the rainforest aerial tram, looking down into the forest below where over 340 species of bird have been recorded, together with howler and white- faced monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots and pacas. There are also several short hiking trails that offer the opportunity to see animals or birds such as beautiful quetzals, toucans, trogons and eagles. Rainforest Lodge MID Rainforest Lodge is well- positioned for unforgettable views of the forest and mountains. It consists of ten modern, well- equipped bungalows with lovely wooden fl oors and a balcony. It is perfectly located for trips aboard the aerial tram, a highlight of any visit to the area. Casa Turire HIGH Casa Turire is in the nearby Turrialba Valley, a hotel with an old world charm. There are 12 spacious rooms and four suites with private balconies offering modern amenities. In the grounds a pool is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens full of birds, and guests can enjoy tranquil canoeing trips on the nearby lake. For a special ( or romantic!) occasion there is the split- level master suite with living room and enormous balcony. Cahuita National Park The Cahuita National Park is made up of a tropical forest and a beautiful reef that extends outwards from Cahuita Point. The forest shelters various animals, including pacas, racoons, northern tamanduas, opposums, porcupines and capuchin monkeys. The marshes in the park contain many other animals like green iguanas, basilisks, gigantic blue crabs and many species of birds. You'll also be amazed by the reef's marine life; sea urchins, moray eels, turtles, lobster and sharks abound. It's essential to bring a snorkel and a mask! Almonds and Corals HIGH Almonds and Corals is located 25 kilometres south of Cahuita National Park, in the heart of the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The hotel consists of 24 bungalows that lie under the forest trees - a luxury retreat in a jungle, and it also borders the coast. It's a great place to stay for a wilderness experience, in comfort, and for exploring the nearby parks. Sarapiqui Sarapiqui is a fascinating area dominated by the Sarapiqui River and surrounding lowland rainforest just north of Braulio Carillo National Park, near the border of Nicaragua. The area is rich in wildlife and is becoming known for its jungle reserves and boat rides, including exciting white- water rafting and kayaking trips. La Quinta de Sarapiquí Country Inn MID A delightful property with outstanding natural features for the wildlife enthusiast. It has butterfl y and frog gardens, where you can learn about and photograph these wonderful creatures, as well as a series of trails which weave between the gardens and attractions. A truly lovely place to stay! Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for San José ( via Miami). 1- night, The Alta Hotel Day 2 Braulio Carrillo, 1- night, Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy views from the canopy walkways ( BLD) Day 3 Tortuguero, 2- nights, Pachira Lodge. Explore untouched rainforest ( BLD) Day 5 Arenal, 2- nights, Arenal Springs. At leisure to explore the Arenal Valley ( BL) Day 7 Monteverde, 2- nights, Hotel Heliconia. Unique opportunity to see the cloud forest ( B) Day 9 Gulf of Nicoya, 2- nights, La Ensenada Lodge. Guided excursion on the canals of the Abangares River ( B) Day 11 San José, 1- night, The Alta Hotel ( B) Day 12 Return to the UK ( via Miami) ( B) Day 13 Arrive home COSTA RICAN ODYSSEY Costa Rica is one of the fi nest Central American destinations for the wildlife lover. This is a well- priced, classic itinerary which takes in all of the main wildlife highlights, which you can explore at a relatively leisurely pace. TAILOR- MADE Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 1769 ( Jan - Apr), £ 1719 ( May - June, Sept - Nov), £ 1969 ( July - Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero is a vast area of untouched rainforest on a remote part of the Caribbean coast where beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands create an extraordinary biodiversity. Activities here centre on boat trips through the extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons. The park is home to seven species of river turtle, spectacled caiman, southern river otters, spider, howler and capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths and over 300 species of birds. But most visitors' attention turns to the beaches when, at night, green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest between July and September ( peaking in August) and leatherback turtles between February and April. Pachira Lodge MID The lodge has 88 comfortable rooms in wooden cabins, each with en- suite bathroom and ceiling fans. The lodge is on the main canal in Tortuguero town, just fi ve minutes from Tortuguero National Park. It has a restaurant serving three buffet- style meals a day, and a bar. Mawamba Lodge MID The lodge has 54 comfortable rooms and four superior rooms. This beachfront property is surrounded by rainforest and exotic gardens and located on a sand bar between two canals. From here guests can easily visit the park, walk to the beach, hike on trails or just relax in hammocks beside the pool and lagoon. Monteverde Cloud Forest Monteverde Cloud Forest is a reserve of some 4,500 hectares straddling the continental divide at 1,440 metres. Here, weather patterns from both the Caribbean and Pacifi c oceans create a cloud forest ecosystem; it is considered to be one of the most outstanding wildlife reserves of Central America, home to over 100 species of mammal ( including fi ve species of cats), over 400 species of bird ( including 30 species of hummingbirds), tens of thousands of insect species ( including over 5,000 species of moths) and 2,500 species of plants ( including 420 kinds of orchids). Hotel Heliconia MID The hotel offers a perfect environment for visitors who love birdwatching, photography and peace and quiet! It is tastefully constructed, using wood to create a homely appeal. It has 55 rooms and suites, of varying sizes to suit all budgets. Hotel Fonda Vela HIGH There are nine buildings nestled in serene landscaped grounds with more than a kilometre of nature trails. There are 21 standard rooms and 18 junior suites, all with modern amenities. Parrots, toucans and numerous other birds feed from the wild fruit trees and resplendent quetzals are seen here in season. The Cloud Forest Reserve is just two kilometres away and a terrace overlooks the Gulf of Nicoya. 134Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for San José ( via Miami). 1- night, The Alta Hotel Day 2 Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, 2- nights, Almonds & Corals Hotel. Unique environment of reef and forest to explore ( BD) Day 4 Sarapiqui, 2- nights, La Quinta de Sarapiqui Country Inn. Various adventure activities on offer ( B) Day 6 Arenal, 2- nights, Arenal Observatory Lodge. See the volcano from your room! ( B) Day 8 Tenorio Volcano National Park, 2- nights, Celeste Mountain Ecolodge. True Costa Rican wilderness ( BLD) Day 10 Tamarindo, 2- nights, Jardin del Eden. Beach stay to relax at the end of your adventure ( B) Day 12 San José, 1- night, The Alta Hotel ( B) Day 13 Return to the UK ( via Miami) ( B) Day 14 Arrive home Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 2099 ( Jan - Apr, May - June, Sept - Nov), £ 2299 ( July - Aug) What's included Flights ( fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation, guided activities UNTAMED COSTA RICA Explore the wild side of Costa Rica on this adventure to some of the little- visited national parks and natural areas, from the reefs and forests of Cahuita National Park to the unique landscapes of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. We've also chosen your accommodation with nature in mind - your accommodation at Sarapiqui has butterfl y and frog gardens. TAILOR- MADE