136 Arenal Volcano National Park Arenal Volcano National Park is famous for Mt. Arenal, the world's most active volcano. It lay dormant for centuries, erupted in 1968 and has been continuously active ever since, making it one of the world's most explosive cones. The highlight comes after dark when volcanic activity often includes explosions and fl owing lava. The surrounding national park contains a bizarre landscape of lava fl ows, lush natural forest and tropical fl ora and fauna, including howler monkeys, toucans and over 350 species of birds. Arenal Springs HIGH A delightful retreat, designed to give guests the best views of the Arenal Volcano from their rooms. The hotel has lovely gardens, a large swimming pool and spa, so you can treat yourself to a massage. Rooms are air- conditioned and have a terrace. The hotel has a vegetable farm and guests are invited to visit to see how some of the local agricultural product is harvested. Arenal Observatory Lodge HIGH This is a unique property, once a Smithsonian Institute scientifi c research station and located just 1.7 kilometres from the volcano. It is protected from danger by a deep gorge and offers magnifi cent views of the volcano on a clear night. Upgrade to Smithsonian wing rooms or suites, which have huge picture windows for even better views! Tamarindo Tamarindo is the bustling surf capital and tourist centre of Costa Rica's north Pacifi c coast, but besides the stunning beaches it also offers fabulous opportunities to explore the surrounding rainforest reserves, mangrove swamps, estuaries, rivers and volcanoes for wildlife. Tamarindo's broad sandy bay stretches for three and a half kilometres, and is bordered by large river estuaries whose extensive mangrove forests are protected reserves. Leatherback Turtles lay their eggs in the north, howler monkeys swing through trees, parakeets screech as they settle for the night and giant iguanas can be seen downtown! Tamarindo Diria HIGH This is a fantastic hotel located on the white sands of Tamarindo Beach. Many rooms have ocean views and guests can enjoy relaxing in the lush tropical gardens facing the beach. Recommended for its location and style, we're sure you'll enjoy staying here. Jardin del Eden MID A small resort and boutique hotel on a small hill a few minutes walk from the beach. This enchanting hotel consists of fi ve villas with a total of 34 rooms and two fully- equipped apartments. Corcovado National Park Corcovado National Park is wet tropical lowland forest at its best, named ' the most biologically intense place on earth' by Americas National Geographic Society, and it is the last remaining Pacifi c lowland rainforest of a sustainable size in Central America. With 500 species of tree, 104 species of mammal, 367 species of bird, 117 species of amphibians and reptiles and 40 species of freshwater fi sh, this area is a naturalist's paradise. Here amongst the largest trees of Costa Rica, can be found the densest population of tapirs, jaguars and scarlet macaws in the region. The park is also home to ocelots, pumas, giant anteaters and harpy eagles. Other protected species here include howler, spider, squirrel and white- faced capuchin monkeys, great tinamou, silky anteater, poison dart frog, glass frog, bushmaster snake, and leatherback, olive ridley and green turtles. Fact! Wildlife excursions around Tamarindo abound: take boat trips into Las Baulas saltwater refuge to see giant leatherback turtles laying their eggs at night, join monkeys and birds in the trees on a rainforest canopy adventure, visit Palo Verde, a true birdwatchers' paradise, or the unusual Barra Honda National Park, renowned for its vast cave system inhabited by blindfish, salamanders and bats. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Fact! The Tenorio Volcano National Park, 35 kilometres from Arenal, sports one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls and natural hot springs; clear waters here turn blue because of a unique volcanic chemical reaction. We visit it on our Untamed Costa Rica itinerary, for those who really want to get close to Costa Rica's wild side... See page 134

Drake Bay Wilderness Resort MID This resort has 20 charming, spacious tropical cabins. Each cabin has a view of the bay, mountains and rainforest, with delicious food prepared and cooked using ingredients from the resort's own organic farm. THE AMERICAS | COSTA RICA 137 ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for San Jose for 2- nights Day 2 Poas volcano visit ( B) Day 3 Tortuguero National Park, 2- nights. Drive and boat to Tortuguero National Park; explore by boat ( BLD) Day 5 Sarapiqui, 2- nights. Explore rainforest and chocolate tour ( BL) Day 7 Arenal Volcano National Park, 1- night. See the volcano ( B) Day 8 Rincon de la Vieja, 2- nights. Visit mud pools, walks and see a freshwater volcanic lagoon ( BL) Day 10 Ocotal Beach, 2- nights. At leisure for the family to enjoy the beach and sea ( B) Day 12 Depart Costa Rica for UK ( B) Day 13 Arrive UK Departure dates 12 Feb - 23 Feb 2010 27 Mar - 07 Apr 2010 03 Apr - 14 Apr 2010 03 Jul - 14 Jul 2010 24 Jul - 04 Aug 2010 07 Aug - 18 Aug 2010 23 Oct - 03 Nov 2010 18 Dec - 29 Dec 2010 26 Mar - 06 Apr 2011 02 Apr - 13 Apr 2011 02 Jul - 13 Jul 2011 23 Jul - 03 Aug 2011 06 Aug - 17 Aug 2011 Flight inclusive cost per person From £ 1899 Land only cost per person From £ 1199 What's included Flights ( fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel/ lodge accommodation Tour code FCRA Max group size 20 RAINFOREST AND VOLCANOES - FAMILY Highlights . See manatees, tree frogs, iguanas and sloths . Explore a rainforest canopy . See active volcanoes This is a great way to explore in comfort and get the most out of Costa Rica's varied natural environment - including mountains, volcanoes, swamps, rainforest and beach. The trip is packed with exciting activities and destinations so you'll learn about all aspects of the country; guaranteeing something to interest everyone in the family. GROUP TOUR PUERTO VIEJO DE SARAPIQUI RINCON DE TORTUGUERO N. P. LA VIEJA N. P. SAN JOSÉ ARENAL N. P. OCOTAL COSTA RICA SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for San José ( via Miami). 1- night, Grano de Oro Day 2 Braulio Carrillo, 1- night, Casa Turire. Enjoy views from the canopy walkways ( B) Day 3 Tortuguero, 2- nights, Mawamba Lodge ( superior room). See nesting turtles, in season ( BLD) Day 5 Arenal, 2- nights, Arenal Springs. Enjoy a multitude of optional excursions ( B) Day 7 Monteverde, 2- nights, Hotel Heliconia ( junior suite). See how many of the 100 mammal species you can spot! ( B) Day 9 Corcovado, 3- nights, Drake Bay Wilderness Resort. Explore ' the most biologically intense place on earth' ( BLD) Day 12 Gulf of Nicoya, 3- nights, Villa Caletas. Stay in a lovely boutique hotel - a luxury end to your holiday ( B) Day 15 Return to the UK ( via Miami) ( B) Day 16 Arrive home COSTA RICA IN STYLE A comprehensive itinerary, featuring wildlife highlights and accommodations that offer a touch of class. This is for those who want to see the best bits of Costa Rica, with lovely accommodation at the end of the day. We've also chosen to include Corcovado National Park as we think it adds something special to the itinerary, as ' the most biologically intense place on earth'. TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 3249 ( Jan - Apr), £ 2999 ( May - June, Sept - Nov), £ 3439 ( July - Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, fourteen nights hotel accommodation, guided activities