Costa Rica

World renowned especially for its birding opportunities, Costa Rica fulfils the dreams of those who wish to see monkeys, sloth, Caymans, sea turtles and exotic birds in their natural habitat. The distances are small and the variety is amazing.

South of the cosmopolitan and colonial capital, San Jose, Manuel Antonia National Park is a great place to start with picture-book beaches and lush green rainforest. Further South and less accessible, stumble across laid-back beaches and several small wildlife parks on the Peninsula de Nicoya. Through the months of October to March, look out for the 'baula' the world's largest nesting turtle that can weigh over 500kg. Other parks include the 'Parque Nacional Santa Rosa' with Costa Rica's largest colony of scarlet macaws. Volcan Arenal is the most active volcano in all of Central America with spectacular lava flows erupting every few hours. Take the optional night excursion to 'volcano watch'!

Parque Nacional Tortuguero will have you floating through waterways glimpsing deep into the tangled forests and swamps. A delicious, damp rainforest aroma engulfs while the noisy chatter of the brightly coloured parrots mingle with the cry of howler monkeys. This Coastal park is also the most important breeding ground of the green sea turtle. Monteverde Cloud forest will have you on the lookout for the splendid, but elusive, quetzal. However as home to 2500 species of rare plants, you won't be disappointed in any case.