Costa Rica
Cloud-forests, jungles and volcanoes

Saturday 4 - Friday 17 February 2012 (14 days)
Saturday 9 - Friday 22 February 2013 (14 days)



Costa Rica is amongst our favourite destinations anywhere in the world, containing spectacular mountains and active volcanoes, pristine beaches, lowland rainforest, high cloudforest festooned with orchids and bromeliads, and some wonderful tropical wetlands. And all this in a country less than the size of England! The amazing diversity of its birdlife and the fabulous complexity of its plantlife make it one of the most fascinating of tropical countries to visit - so why not make this the year you join us there!

Costa Rica is a very different sort of nation. There has been no army since 1948, for example. "Teachers, not soldiers" has been the watchword - the country has one of the highest rates of literacy in the world as a result. The people are also very proud of their commitment to conservation. They have a national park system that covers around 12 percent of the land surface in addition to numerous privately-run reserve areas, which in total protect over a quarter of the country. Costa Rica is also an intensely beautiful tropical land, with a chain of volcanic peaks rising to over 3,500m. These mountains divide the country into quite separate ecological zones, each with its characteristic fauna and flora. Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world as a result, with more bird species to the square mile than any other country on earth.

Leaders
2012: Tim Earl and local guide
2013: tbc



Outline Itinerary
Day 1Fly London-San José. Stay overnight.
Day 2Drive to Cerro de la Muerte. 2 nights.
Day 4Drive to Tarcoles River. Stay overnight.
Day 5Drive to Carara National Park.
Day 6Drive to La Ensenada. Stay 2 nights.
Day 8Drive to La Fortuna. Stay 2 nights.
Day 10Drive to Sarapiqui River. Stay 2 nights.
Day 12Drive to San José. Stay overnight.
Day 13Depart for London

Click here for a full, printable itinerary

Prices:
2012: £ 3,995
2013: £ tbc

Single supps.:
2012: £ 595
2013: £ tbc

Deposit: £ 500 per person

The price is per person and includes scheduled return flights London/San José*, airport taxes, ground and boat transportation as outlined above, accommodation on a full-board basis, admissions, local taxes, tips to hotels and restaurants, and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes holiday insurance, drinks, optional tips to the driver and local guide, and other personal expenses.

*For an ex-international flight cost (San José/San José) please deduct £675 from the tour cost.

Costa Rica map