121ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for San Jose Day 2 Travel to Tortuguero National Park for a two night stay at Laguna Lodge (BD) Day 3 Boat journey to see numerous monkeys and prolifi c birdlife (BD) Day 4 To Arenal Volcano National Park to see the world's most active volcano (B) Day 6 Two days exploring Santa Elena 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 UKDeparture dates Sat 12 Feb - Fri 25 Feb 11 Sat 16 Apr - Fri 29 Apr 11 Sat 13 Aug - Fri 26 Aug 11 Sat 12 Nov - Fri 25 Nov 11 Fri 10 Feb - Thu 23 Feb 12 Sat 14 Apr - Fri 27 Apr 12 Sat 11 Aug - Sun 24 Aug 12 Sat 10 Nov - Fri 23 Nov 12Flight inclusive cost per person From £2295Land only cost per person From £1425Single room supplement From £455What's included Flights (fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights hotel/lodge accommodation and two nights in a haciendaTour code WCRWMax group size 12COSTA RICA'S NATURAL HIGHLIGHTSHighlights. 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 TOURPacificOceanAtlanticOceanCOSTARICAARENALSPRINGSRINCON DE LA VIEJANATIONAL PARKTORTUGUERONATIONAL PARKCararaNational ParkMONTEVERDECLOUD FORESTTAMARINDOSAN JOSESiquirresOr visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.comTHE AMERICAS | COSTA RICAinwhiteand 12A ight 13Depart Sanose ggnightssize12t

122The Gulf of NicoyaThe 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.Arenal Volcano National ParkArenal Volcano National Park is famous for Mt. Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanos. 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!Arenal Manoa HIGH Each room at the Arenal Manoa hotel offers a panoramic view of the volcano, as does the delightful swimming pool and garden area. So why not sit on your balcony and observe the amazing sight of one of the world's most active volcanoes before you. There's also a spa - a perfect combination of nature and relaxation.Arenal Country Inn HIGH A comfortable base from which to explore the volcano, whether you choose bird-watching in the morning or to enjoy the hotel's gardens. Rooms are tastefully decorated with mini-bar and air-conditioning.Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982Fact!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 122