COSTA RICA - 4WD SELF-DRIVE

With the 2008 Olympics drawing to a grand finale, it seems that Team Costa Rica won’t be returning with extra golden hand luggage – but with a host of record-breaking highlights and top-of-the-league performances back home, why should they worry? Observe an alternative winning combination in the world’s most bio-diverse nation, where 25% of the country’s land is protected - the world’s highest proportion, home to some of the world’s largest (Goliath Beetle) and smallest (Fairyfly) insects, the world's third-largest feline (Jaguar), the world’s most poisonous frog (Blue Poison Arrow Frog), and site of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Arenal). Wildlife Worldwide offer a 13-day Costa Rican Odyssey tour, going for gold amongst lush rainforests, active volcanoes and unique wildlife, including nesting Atlantic Green Turtles throughout September - departing London daily!

An initial night is spent at San Gildar Hotel located in an historic and picturesque area of San Jose. Next day, travellers are driven to Braulio Carrillo National Park where the Aerial Tram offers a different perspective on to the expanse of rainforest below, home to over 340 bird species, together with Howler and White-faced Monkeys, Tapir, Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Paca. Continuing by road and boat to Tortuguero National Park, 2-nights are spent exploring the vast area of untouched tropical rainforest on foot and by boat. Between July and September, night tours allow for observation of nesting Atlantic Green Turtle. Next, after collecting their 4WD, travellers head to Arenal National Park and one of the world's most active volcanoes. On a clear night, observe magnificent views of Arenal Volcano from the hotel – with possible explosions and flowing lava. Continue to the protected Monteverde Cloud Forest, a reserve of some 4,500 hectares. Here, the Resplendent Quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayans, considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world, may be seen, together with Emerald Toucanet and both White-faced, and Howler Monkeys. Drive onwards to the Pacific Coast and the Gulf of Nicoya where guided birding tours amongst tropical dry forest and seasonal marshes provide excellent opportunities to see vast concentrations of heron, duck and spoonbill gathering during the dry season. Return to San Jose to drop off the jeep, spending a night at the San Gildar Hotel before homeward flights next day.

The tour costs from £1,595 p/p including scheduled flights, private transfers, lodge and hotel accommodation, most meals, 4WD vehicle hire (days 5 to 11) and expert wildlife guiding.

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