Rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean along Osa Peninsula.

Small beginnings - a Giant Leatherback Turtle hatchling ready for its journey into the ocean.

The morning after - tracks left by a female Leatherback.

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Barro Colorado Island, Panama Canal

It is difficult to imagine a more intense experience of Central American wilderness, wildlife and conservation than this trip which combines Costa Rica and Panama.

The journey begins at a location described by National Geographic magazine as '..the most wildlife intense place on earth' - the Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula.  We usually propose exploring the northern end of this area where we can provide you with access to the marine life haven of the Caño Island Biological Reserve.

The western side of the Corcovado provides more than 30 miles of beach where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean.  This is where the two ecosystems combine with coatis, macaws, and tapir coming out of the forest and onto the beaches, and turtles and even bull sharks coming in from the sea and swimming into the Corcovado's tidal streams.  Flocks of pelicans look like pterodactyls as they glide low over the Pacific waves and float in formation above your head.  This coastline feels truly primordial.

Our journey then takes you from the south west to the north east of Costa Rica.  Here the rainforests of the Tortuguero National Park meet the Caribbean Sea in a network of natural and manmade waterways.  Tortuguero means ‘place of turtles’ in Spanish which refers to the hundreds of turtles that visit its beaches each year to lay their eggs.

Between March and September we have arranged am opportunity to stay at la Reserva Pacuare - a coastal rainforest reserve owned and managed by the Endangered Wildlife Trust in association with Rainforest Concern.  This period coincides with the arrival of female Giant Leatherback and Green Turtles, which arrive in their hundreds on the 6km of beach that this project protects.  You will stay at a private hacienda and have the opportunity to take part in the anti-poaching patrols and tagging that takes place each night.

As the night shift ends, Howler Monkeys beckon you to explore the reserve’s 2,000 acres of protected forest.  Or if you prefer, you can gaze at the Caribbean from your balcony, or explore the network of lagoons and creeks which link to Tortuguero Canal.  Pacuare is rich in wildlife and you will find it easy to see Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, poison dart frogs and some of the many species of bird which include the Boat-Billed Heron.

From Pacuare you return to San José before connecting with your flight to Panama City.  Here you will be met by our representative before driving to one of the most dramatic lodges in Latin America: The Canopy Tower.  This former US radar tower within the Sobrenia National Park has commanding views over the canopy and the Panama Canal.  It is arguably the capital of birdwatching in the country and an ideal  base from which to explore the forests along the canal.

A visit to one of the world’s centres of excellence in rainforest research at the Smithsonian Institute’s Barro Colorado Island, rounds off what will be one of the most eye opening experiences you can hope to have in just two weeks.

Click here for sample itinerary

Prices for combined Costa Rica & Panama journeys 13 day tailor made programme available throughout the year from £1,680 based on twin sharing. Single supplement from £395. 16 day tailor made programme available Mar - Sept from £2,090 based on twin sharing. Single supplement from £545 Prices for Costa Rica only version 13 day tailor made programme available Mar - Sept from £1,590 based on twin sharing. Single supplement from £350. Prices valid to Dec 2009 subject to seasonal variation.  Prices and timings exclude international flights (from £650 incl. taxes) Prices include all accommodation; airport transfers; guided tours in Sobrenia N.P.; boat visit and optional snorkeling to Caño Island; guided visit to Corcovado rainforest; optional guided birdwatching visit in the Corcovado; contributions to conservation and research organisations; park fees; all meals when outside of San José; breakfasts in San José.  These prices are subject to availability of selected accommodation and seasonal pricing variations. Prices exclude international flights and insurance; items of a perssonal nature; activities not specified; tips; visas. Diving at Caño Island can be organised in advance at an additional cost. Activity Level: Medium to low depending upon personal preference.  High activity variations such as a Canoe & Lodge Safari in the Tortuguero or White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River can be prearranged. Standard of Accommodation: Comfortable lodges and hotel in San José. Accommodation at the Pacuare Reserve is at the project's comfortable private hacienda.  Space is limited to a maximum of 6 at any time in twin / double rooms with shared facilities which include a screened al fresco shower. Upgrades available in the Corcovado and San Jose. Premium cloud forest lodges close to the Poas Volcano are also an option in place of hotels in San Jose.  These require additional private transfers.

Photographs kindly provided by Natalia Lizano, Lapa Rios, Casa C., Endangered Wildlife Trust, Rainforest Concern

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