COSTARICATortuguero N.P.SarapiquiBraulioCarrillo N.P.SAN JOSEArenal Volcano N.P.TamarindoMonteverde Cloud Forest Gulf of NicoyaCorcovado N.P.Cahuita N.P.Costa RicaSan José is the capital of Costa Rica and the country's main transportation hub. Its central location means that most visitors will spend some time here. The downtown area is fairly small and there are several interesting museums and parks. Of special interest is historic Barrio Amón where many of the cafetalero (coffee baron) mansions have been restored to their former glory. At an elevation of around 1200 metres, San José enjoys a near-perfect temperature of around 21°C all year round.The Alta Hotel MID The Alta Hotel is a delightful boutique property, tastefully decorated and with wonderful views of surrounding valleys. You can see the views from your room's balcony! Another attraction of The Alta Hotel is its restaurant, fusion cuisine made from lovely, fresh produce. Xandari Resort and Spa HIGH The 22 huge private villas are on a high hilltop 20 minutes from San José. Each villa has its own walled terrace for privacy and solitude, and a large viewing terrace overlooking the surrounding coffee farms and the central valley below. The hotel also has a spa, restaurant, two swimming pools, an orchid house and over four kilometres of private scenic trails.Grano de Oro HIGH Elegant and refi ned, Grano de Oro is located just off San Jose's main street - a haven in the heart of the city. The hotel is a converted Victorian mansion, and retains its old world charm and homely atmosphere throughout. If you're looking for luxury, this hotel is for you!San JoséIn focusJuly to September Green and hawksbill turtles gather in Tortuguero National Park, where night walks are organised. December to January Humpback and sperm whales can be seen along the coastline of the Corcovado National Park in southern Costa Rica. Costa Rica is possibly the fi nest country in Central America for wildlife viewing, offering a simply exceptional biodiversity and a proud heritage of wildlife preservation with world-class parks and reserves. Visitors on a two week trip can easily take in all the main wildlife and scenic areas on the Caribbean and Pacifi c coasts. Highlights include watching turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, howler monkeys swinging through the jungle canopy, toucans and brightly coloured parrots fl itting through the forests, plus tiny colourful tree frogs resting on bright green leaves. We can easily organise self-drive programmes or fully-escorted private trips, or perhaps a combination of the two depending on your preference. 118Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

119Braulio Carrillo National ParkBraulio 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.SarapiquiSarapiqui 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 known for its jungle reserves and boat rides, including exciting white-water rafting and kayaking trips. Hacienda La Isla MID A delightful property with outstanding natural features for the wildlife enthusiast. Its setting alongside mountain streams and rainforest is breathtaking, and is where you can learn about and photograph the birds and wildlife contained within. A truly lovely place to stay.Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.comSUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 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 Country Inn. At leisure to explore the Arenal Valley (BL) Day 7 Monteverde, 2-nights, Cloud Forest Lodge. Unique opportunity to see 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 homeCOSTA RICAN ODYSSEYCosta 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. We can offer this itinerary as a self-drive or, if you wish, with transfers throughout. TAILOR-MADEDeparture dates Daily, throughout the yearCost per person Self-drive From £1995 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Oct), £2235 (Jul - Aug) Transfers From £2215 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Oct), £2445 (Jul - Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation, guided activities, car hireTHE AMERICAS | COSTA RICA