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

The Gulf of Nicoya The Gulf of Nicoya is a stunning coastal landscape of wetlands, jagged rocky islands, cliffs and mangroves. The offshore islands protect seabird sanctuaries inaccessible to visitors. However, with binoculars, birdwatching is easily enjoyed by boat. Guayabo is the largest of four known nesting sites for brown pelicans in Costa Rica and is also home to boobies, frigatebirds and falcons at certain times of year. This is not an area regularly visited by tourists - a distinct advantage for those with a keen interest in wildlife! La Ensenada Lodge MID This is a unique opportunity to stay on a working ranch and wildlife refuge. It offers 25 spacious rooms in comfortable ocean- facing villas. Activities include horse- riding and guided birding excursions in the forest and marshes which provide excellent opportunities to see herons, pelicans, parrots, ducks and spoonbills gathering during the dry season. Villa Caletas HIGH Villa Caletas is a luxurious boutique hotel perched in an absolutely stunning location amidst rainforest overlooking the Pacifi c Ocean and the Gulf of Nicoya. Accommodation consists of 52 gorgeous rooms, individual villas and suites. There's a dramatic amphitheatre where concerts are often held. The area is renowned for its fl ocks of colourful scarlet macaws. THE AMERICAS | COSTA RICA 135 ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for San Jose Day 2 Travel to Tortuguero National Park for a two night stay at Mawamba Lodge ( BLD) Day 3 Boat journey to see numerous monkeys and prolifi c birdlife ( BLD) Day 4 To Arenal Volcano National Park to see the world's most active volcano ( B) Day 6 Two days exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest - canopy walkways are one of the best ways to explore the region ( B) Day 8 In Rincon de la Vieja you'll enjoy various trail walks and swim in waterfalls ( B) Day 10 After your explorations, there's time to relax on the white sand beaches of Tamarindo from the beach- front Diria Hotel ( B) Day 12 A fi nal night in San Jose, visiting Carara National Park en- route ( B) Day 13 Depart San Jose for UK Day 14 Arrive UK Departure dates 14 Aug - 27 Aug 2010 13 Nov - 26 Nov 2010 18 Dec - 31 Dec 2010 12 Feb - 25 Feb 2011 16 Apr - 29 Apr 2011 13 Aug - 26 Aug 2011 17 Dec - 30 Dec 2011 Flight inclusive cost per person From £ 1999 Land only cost per person From £ 1265 Single room supplement From £ 390 What's included Flights ( fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights hotel/ lodge accommodation and two nights in a hacienda Tour code WCRW Max group size 12 COSTA RICA'S NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS Highlights . See prolifi c wildlife in a unique natural environment . Take in the world's most active volcano - Arenal . Relax on tropical, white sand beaches Wildlife abounds on this wonderful trip exploring Costa Rica's natural highlights. You'll discover nesting turtles, monkeys, prolifi c birdlife and much more besides, amidst a tapestry of forests, beaches, lagoons and waterfalls. Exploring by foot, boat and high above the trees on canopy walkways, this tour visits our favourite places, from Tortuguero National Park to Monteverde Cloud Forest and the white- sand beaches of Tamarindo. GROUP TOUR Atlantic Ocean COSTA RICA ARENAL SPRINGS RINCON DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Carara National Park MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST TAMARINDOSAN JOSE Siquirres Fact! The resplendent quetzal, the sacred bird of the Mayans, is considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world, and is regularly seen between January and July in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com