GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info

Transcription

1 Limosa GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info Costa Rica Northern Costa Rica The exquisite and diminutive Black-crested Coquette is one of many hummers we should see at Arenal Kevin Easley 2014 Wednesday 2nd - Friday 11th April LEADER Jason Horn as guide Superb 10-day birdwatching tour to northern Costa Rica, taking in the spectacular Poas and Arenal volcanoes, the cloud forest of Bosque de Paz and the wonderful wetlands of the Caño Negro. April is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica and this trip offers the perfect complement to our longer Classic Costa Rica tour, with a wealth of species that will be new even to those who have birded Costa Rica before. Affordable 10-day tour to northern Costa Rica Poas Volcano National Park, with its spectacular crater lake Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald Toucanet, Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Large-footed Finch Incredible hummingbird feeders, including La Paz Waterfall Garden Two great boat trips at Caño Negro Boat-billed Heron, Sungrebe, Grey-necked Wood Rail and the localised Nicaraguan Grackle Night drive in search of owls, nightjars and potoos Arenal Volcano and the cloud forest at Bosque de Paz Ornate Hawk-eagle, Crested Guan, Lovely Cotinga, Black-crested Coquette, Torrent Tyrannualet Eye-level encounters with treetop specialists on the Arenal Hanging Bridges Canopy Walk Forest mammals include Mantled Howler, White-faced Capuchin and Two-toed Sloth Good accommodations, great food and spectacular scenery throughout Expertly led by Limosa s specialist Costa Rica guide, Jason Horn LIMOSA, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK) TEL: +44 (0) /4 info@limosaholidays.co.uk WEB: limosaholidays.co.uk

2 Tour Overview This superb short tour is designed not only for birders coming to Costa Rica for the first time, but also for those who may have already been to Costa Rica before and would like to discover other new and exciting areas this wonderful country has to offer. Our itinerary focuses on the northern region of Costa Rica, taking in an excellent variety of habitats along the way to guarantee a truly amazing variety of birds - with lots that will be new to birders who may have already taken our Classic Costa Rica tour. We will visit the highland forest of the Poas Volcano, at nearly 2700m (9000ft); the Caribbean foothill rainforest surrounding the impressive Arenal Volcano; the Caribbean lowland wetlands and forest patches of Caño Negro; and the lush cloud forest of Bosque de Paz Lodge at an elevation of 1450m (4700ft). From the moment we first step out into the garden of our San Jose hotel, we can expect to see a mindboggling array of tropical treats - everything from motmots, trogons and toucanets to tantalising tyrannulets, spinetails and rainbow tanagers. Respendent Quetzal, Lovely Cotinga, Black-bellied and Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, Long-tailed and Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatchers, Black-billed Nightingale-thrush, Spangle-cheeked Tanager and Large-footed Finch are just some of the magical names to conjure with. The Caño Negro wetlands offer both a change of scenery and species, and here we go in search of specialities such as Sungrebe, Boat-billed Heron, Pinnated Bittern, Black-collared Hawk, Blackand-white Owl, both Common and Great Potoos and the very localised Nicaraguan Grackle. During our travels, we might also be lucky to come across some of Costa Rica s rarer avian residents - like Buffy Tufted-cheek or the sought-after, thicket-loving Zeledonia. Among many special highlights on this tour we include a visit to the remarkable hummingbird gallery at La Paz Waterfall Garden, two terrific boat rides at Caño Negro plus a night drive there to look for owls, nightjars and potoos, as well as the unmissable rainforest canopy walk at the Arenal Hanging Bridges in the shadows of Arenal Volcano. During our visit to the dormant Poas Volcano we should be treated to spectacular views of the crater lake on top, while more distant viewing is necessary for the famous Arenal Volcano! With great birding accompanied by our resident expert Costa Rica guide, comfortable transport with a safe and dedicated driver (who s developed into quite a birder himself over the years!), delicious food and some lovely accommodations, this affordable April tour will provide a fantastic introduction to the birds of Costa Rica. Overall, this is such a terrific destination that those who have travelled before have often been tempted to book again! Limosa has been operating bird tours to Costa Rica for more than fifteen years, while guide Jason Horn has been guiding visiting birding groups there for many years. He has led all of Limosa s tours to Costa Rica since 2006, and 2014 will be his ninth year of guiding our groups there. Outline Itinerary Day 1: Day 2: Days 3-5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Fly London-San Jose. Trapp Family Country Inn (2 nts) Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Garden Arenal Observatory Lodge (3 nts) Morning Arenal, afternoon to Natural Lodge, Cano Negro (2 nts) Cano Negro including 2 boat trips Early morning Cano Negro, afternoon Bosque de Paz. Night Bosque de Paz Morning at Bosque de Paz. Afternoon return to San Jose. Fly London Arrival in London 2 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

3 Daily Itinerary Day 1 ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSÉ Our April tour begins with an Iberia flight from London (via Madrid) to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. We ll be met on arrival in San José this evening and transfer the short distance to our comfortable hotel nearby. The Trapp Family Country Inn is a tropical oasis just one mile from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, near Alajuela, in Costa Rica s beautiful Central Valley. This colonial style hotel is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and is the perfect place to begin our tour. We will spend the first two nights here. Night at Trapp Family Country Inn. Day 2 POAS VOLCANO NP & LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS The gardens of our hotel will provide early risers with an exciting start to the tour as we get to grips with some of Costa Rica's more familiar birds, such as Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Red-billed Pigeon, Great Kiskadee, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Clay-coloured Thrush and Blue-grey Tanager. After a good breakfast at the hotel we depart for nearby Poas Volcano National Park, which lies just 45 minutes drive to the north of the city. Here in the highlands, new species will come thick and fast! We will focus our efforts on finding what many birders consider the most beautiful bird in the New World, the amazing Resplendent Quetzal. But other highlights in this beautiful upland forest might well include Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Long-tailed and Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatchers, Sooty Thrush, Blackbilled Nightingale-thrush, Yellow-winged Vireo, Black-cheeked Warbler, Sooty-capped Bush Tanager, Yellow-thighed and Large-footed Finches, and perhaps even a rarity such as Buffy Tufted-cheek or the knock-out Zeledonia (or Wrenthrush). The impressive crater lake of the volcano is another must see, with its turquoise and green waters and sulphurous fumaroles, and we will take the trail to the overlook to witness this amazing natural spectacle. Our next stop is around the opposite side of the volcano, at a private reserve called the La Paz Waterfall Garden. We will plan to arrive in time for a delicious buffet lunch. Afterwards we will concentrate on the many hummingbird species attending the garden s feeders, where the incredible variety of species can include such delights as Green Hermit, Green Thorntail, Violet Sabrewing, Brown Violet-ear, Magentathroated Woodstar, Purple-throated Mountain-gem and Black-bellied Hummingbird to name but a few. The banana feeders are well worth checking, too! Emerald Toucanet, Silver-throated and Crimsoncollared Tanagers, Common Bush Tanager, Buff-throated Saltator and ocassionally even Golden-browed Chlorophonia are drawn to these. In the surrounding forest, roving feeding flocks may hold Red-faced Spinetail, Spotted Barbtail, Spotted Woodcreeper, Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush and gorgeous Bayheaded and Spangled-cheeked Tanagers among many others. After this great start to the tour, we will return to our hotel for dinner. Night at Trapp family Country Inn. Day 3 LA VIRGEN DEL SOCORRO TO ARENAL VOLCANO This morning we make our way to La Virgen del Socorro, a deep, forested valley within the Caribbean foothills. Once there we will begin watching for mixed species flocks moving through the valley. These frenetic parties of birds can be quite large and may contain various hummingbirds, furnariids, flycatchers, tropical warblers and colourful tanagers. Skulkers resident in the valley include Immaculate Antbird, Bay and Nightingale Wrens, and Sooty-faced Finch. At the bottom of the valley we will see the rushing waters of the Sarapiqui River, which provide suitable habitat for the tiny Torrent Tyrannulet, Black Phoebe and American Dipper. As the day begins to warm up, raptors start to soar and we will check the skies for the likes of Black-chested Hawk, the unusual White Hawk and the impressive Ornate Hawk-eagle. Down the 3 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

4 main road, we ll pause briefly at a roadside pond, which may yield White-throated Crake, Slaty Spinetail and the local White-throated Flycatcher. Late morning will find us transferring to our next exciting destination: the Arenal Volcano. After a lunch stop in the quaint town of La Fortuna we will begin birding along the entrance road to the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Soon, the pastures and farms will give way to a beautiful lush rainforest encircling the base of this impressive cinder cone volcano. We will make a semi-circle around the looming Arenal Volcano, birding as we go, eventually arriving at our home for the next three nights, the Arenal Observatory Lodge. For those that want, the hot tub by the pool might provide a relaxing finale to another great day of birding in Costa Rica! Night at Arenal Observatory Lodge. Days 4-5 THE ARENAL VOLCANO AREA The Caribbean foothills of the Arenal Volcano are indeed spectacular and with two full days here we will be able to explore them thoroughly. The gardens, forest edge and forest trails of the Arenal Observatory Lodge are not only beautiful but provide excellent birding opportunities. Hummingbirds are abundant amongst the vervain (Verbena) flowers. Stripe-throated Hermit, Violet-crowned Woodnymph, Brown Violet-ear, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Violet-headed Hummingbird and the amazing Black-crested Coquette are typical species to watch for. Around the edge of the garden and along the forest trails, we will endeavour to entice out skulkers such as Spotted Antbird, Thicket Antpitta and up to nine species of wrens, including Song, Nightingale, Black-throated and Stripe-breasted, as well as the attractive White-breasted Wood-wren. Fingers crossed, we also hope to encounter the aptly-named Lovely Cotinga during our stay here. The fruit feeding station near the restaurant is a gathering place for our group... and for good reason. A fruit salad of watermelon, papaya and bananas put out by the lodge staff attracts a fabulous variety of colourful species. Here, the blues of Red-legged Honeycreepers and Golden-hooded Tanagers, greens of Green Honeycreepers, yellow of Yellow-throated Euphonia, reds and blacks of Passerini s and Crimsoncollared Tanagers, and chestnut of Montezuma Oropendolas all come together to dazzling effect! Scraps dropped underneath the feeders attract engaging White-nosed Coatis along with Black-striped Sparrows and even the occasional Great Curassow. We will enjoy our own breakfast in sight of the feeders. Birding beside picturesque Lake Arenal is equally rewarding. Every stop is likely to produce new and interesting species. This is a superb area for Crested Guan and Grey-headed Chachalaca, and toucans are well represented with Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Collared Aracari and occasionally even the rare Yellow-eared Toucanet. We ll also watch for three species motmots, including the big Rufous, Broad-billed and the rare Keel-billed Motmot, and no less than four species of antshrike occur here with Russet, Great, Fasciated, and Barred. Two more crowd pleasers, Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Long-tailed Tyrant, can be seen hunting for insects beside the road. In the vine tangles we will search for Long-billed Gnatwren and Yellow-billed Cacique, while the grassy bits hide White-throated Crake, Slaty Spinetail, both Olive-crowned and Grey-crowned Yellowthroats, and up to five species of seedeaters. Some very interesting raptors could also be seen and possibilities include Double-toothed and Grey-headed Kites. Costa Rica s forest mammals are often tricky to find, but we could see three species of monkey at Arenal: Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American Spider Monkey and White-faced Capuchin. Two-toed (or Brown-throated) Sloths are also present in the trees, but not quite so active! Our second morning at Observatory Lodge will be spent at the nearby Arenal Hanging Bridges, which provide visitors with a unique walk through the treetops. A trail system through the primary rainforest passes through steep ravines over which are suspended hanging bridges. These will give us an exciting, 4 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

5 one-off opportunity to witness rainforest canopy species at eye level. Mixed feeding flocks in this area can also carry with them an array of local specialities, with White-fronted Nunbird, Striped Woodhaunter, White-throated Shrike-tanager and Rufous-winged Tanager to check for in amongst the more numerous flock components such as Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Spotted Woodcreeper, and White-shouldered, Bay-headed and Speckled Tanagers. Whilst working Arenal s trails we will check for undergrowth skulkers: Dull-mantled Antbird, Thrushlike Schiffornis and Black-headed Nightingale-thrush occur. Looking up, the middle storey above our heads is home to the beautiful Purple-crowned Fairy, both Rufous and Broad-billed Motmots, Rufoustailed Jacamar, Streak-crowned Antvireo, White-ruffed Manakin and Tawny-capped Euphonia. Higher still, we ll keep an eye on the sky for soaring birds of prey, including further chances of White Hawk and Ornate Hawk-eagle. Just walking through the canopy on the bridges is reason enough to visit this marvellous site, but the potential for finding such seldom seen species will make this an unforgettable morning of birding. All in all, our three-night stay in Arenal should prove to be very special, full of dramatic scenery, good food... and plenty of great birds! Nights at Arenal Observatory Lodge. Day 6 ARENAL TO THE CAÑO NEGRO WETLANDS After enjoying a final morning near the Observatory Lodge, we bid farewell to the Arenal area and transfer to the far north-central sector of Costa Rica: the wetlands of Caño Negro. Roadside birding stops en route could produce Bat and Laughing Falcons amongst a variety of raptors, as well as some nice localized species such as Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Ruddy-breasted Seedeater and the impressive Nicaraguan (or Pink-billed) Seedfinch. We will also visit a marsh en route where we can hope to actually see the very localised Pinnated Bittern along with Bare-throated Tiger Heron, American Purple Gallinule, Black-collared Hawk, and both Ringed and Amazon Kingfishers. Our destination for dinner this evening is Caño Negro, where we will spend two nights at the comfortable and air-conditioned Natural Lodge Caño Negro. Night at Natural Lodge Caño Negro. Day 7 CAÑO NEGRO INCLUDING TWO BOAT RIDES & A NIGHT DRIVE A major highlight of this area for birdwatchers are the excellent boat trips on Lake Caño Negro. Birds are plentiful and the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is home to an array of speciality birds. This and the surrounding area is the only regular site in Costa Rica for Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Blackcollared Hawk and Spot-breasted Wren. But perhaps the most notable species here is the Nicaraguan Grackle, a species found only on three lakes - two of which are in Nicaragua and the other is Caño Negro in Costa Rica. Even here it is only a breeding visitor from Nicaragua, but April is in the heart of the breeding season and we should have no trouble finding this localized specialty during our boat trips. We will keep a keen eye open for the unusual Boat-billed Heron hiding in trees on their day roosts, and other possible highlights during our morning boat trip may include the pied-footed Sungrebe swimming near the trees overhanging the water. Grey-necked Wood Rail (which is plentiful here), Green Ibis, the enormous Jabiru, Mangrove Cuckoo and up to five species of kingfishers are all possible. Spectacled Caiman are common, resembling a smaller version of the American Alligator as they drift lazily in the lake. After lunch and a siesta, and maybe a dip in the pool, we will enjoy our second boat trip on to Lake Caño Negro. 5 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

6 Caño Negro is also a superb spot for nocturnal species and we will conduct a night drive this evening in hopes of finding such highly prized species as Mottled, Striped and Black-and-white Owls, Pacific Screech Owl, and both Great and Common Potoos along with the ubiquitous Common Pauraque. Night at Natural Lodge Caño Negro. Day 8 CAÑO NEGRO TO THE BOSQUE DE PAZ CLOUD FOREST This morning, while it is still cool, we will bird the small forest patches near Caño Negro, which can be very productive. Woodpeckers are well represented with Lineated, Pale-billed and Black-cheeked along with their diminutive cousin, the Olivaceous Piculet. Other specialties to watch for in and around these forest patches include White-throated Crake, Olive-throated and Crimson-fronted Parakeets, Scaled Pigeon, the local Grey-headed Dove, Pied Puffbird, Western Slaty Antshrike, White-ringed Flycatcher and White-collared Manakin. A dramatic change in scenery signals that we are nearing the cloud forest retreat of Bosque de Paz Lodge. Upon arrival here you will immediately see why it is called the Forest of Peace. A beautifully designed lodge with cloud forest on three sides, a stream running beside the lodge, excellent dining, and the wonderful hospitality of the owners Federico and his wife Vanessa will all make for a most enjoyable stay - and a fitting finale to our tour. We will waste no time getting to know the birds of this habitat zone, starting with the array of bird feeders near the lodge. The hummingbird feeders are constantly abuzz with the ceaseless comings and goings of Green Hermit, Violet Sabrewing, Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-throated Mountain-gem, Magnificent and Scintillant Hummingbirds, and the endemic Coppery-headed Emerald. Corn meal and fruit feeders attract a quite different set of birds and we may find Black Guan, White-tipped Dove, Common Bush Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Yellow-thighed Finch - and even the colourful Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, which seems to forget it is a skulker here! Mammals to watch for include White-nosed Coati and Central American Agouti, which come to the corn meal to feed. As night falls, their place is taken by the nocturnal Paca, a good-sized attractive member of the rodent family. The combination of another great day s birding, delicious evening meal and the cooler evening temperatures of this area should provide us a very good nights sleep! Night at Bosque de Paz Lodge. Day 9 MORNING AT BOSQUE DE PAZ, RETURN TO SAN JOSE, FLY LONDON We will have a full morning at Bosque de Paz to take in more of the birds and wildlife of this beautiful area. A pre-breakfast walk around the gardens could yield Collared Trogon, Emerald Toucanet, Goldenolive Woodpecker, Yellowish Flycatcher, Ruddy-capped Nightingale-thrush and Slate-throated Redstart to name just a few. The stream in front of the lodge has resident Torrent Tyrannulet, Black Phoebe and American Dipper, while Blue-and-white Swallows constantly forage above and even nest in the eaves of the lodge. After breakfast, we will walk one of the forest trails looking for our final mixed feeding flocks, which here may reveal Prong-billed Barbet, Olivaceous and Spotted Woodcreepers, Red-faced Spinetail, Spotted Barbtail, Lineated Foliage-Gleaner, Slaty Antwren, Barred Becard, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, Spanglecheeked Tanager, the exquisite Golden-browed Chlorophonia and not so exquisite Three-striped Warbler. This area is also known for its occasional sightings of rare raptors and so we ll be keeping our eyes peeled for the likes of Great Black Hawk, Bicoloured Hawk and Black Hawk-eagle. 6 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

7 After enjoying a farewell lunch at the lodge, we must bid a reluctant farewell to tranquil Bosque de Paz and load up the bus for our transfer to San Jose airport. Check-in for our late afternoon Iberia flight to London (via Madrid). Day 10 ARRIVAL IN LONDON Midday arrival in Madrid and onward afternoon connection to London, where our Northern Costa Rica tour concludes. Trip Information Group Limit 10 participants & 1 guide (the optimum party size for birding on Costa Rica s rainforest trails and to avoid the need to split the party into two separate groups along forest trails). Birds 300+ species Mammals We should encounter a reasonable variety of forest mammals, typically between 10 and 20 species, including up to three species of neotropical monkey, Two-toed Sloth, White-nosed Coati, Paca and Agouti. Accommodation We stay at good hotels and lodges throughout. All rooms have private facilities. Meals All main meals are included in the tour price. Food is good to excellent in Costa Rica, with much that is locally grown - including the coffee. Walking & Altitude Please note: Costa Rica is a mountainous country so all visitors should expect some trails to be steeper in parts - but these are always taken slowly, with frequent stops to bird. The walking effort is mostly easy, but can be moderate at times due to the terrain. At the Poas Volcano, we shall be birding at elevations of 2400m (8000 ft), including an hour spent at the crater lake at around 2700m (9000ft). Arenal Observatory Lodge stands at 730m (2400 ft), and the lodge at Bosque de Paz is located at an elevation of 1450m (4700ft). Our birding at Caño Negro is much lower at 30m (100ft) above sea level. As one would expect, rainforest trails can sometimes be muddy, so sturdy waterproof walking shoes or boots with good grip essential. Maximum elevation this tour (for approx 1 hour only): 2700m, at the Poas Volcano crater lake viewpoint area. Weather Tropical to temperate climate. Our April tour runs during Costa Rica s major dry season but rainfall can (and does!) occur year-round in the mountains and rainforests. It can be cool and misty in the mountains and cloud forest; generally hotter and sunnier in the lowlands at Caño Negro, and usually quite comfortable in and around Arenal Observatory Lodge. Overall, April is an excellent month to visit. Although the birding in Costa Rica is outstanding year round, we are frequently asked about the best time to visit, particularly by those anxious to avoid Central America s rainy season. To help you, our local agents in San Jose have provided the following climatic summary: We have 2 rainy seasons and 2 dry seasons here in Costa Rica. The 2 rainy seasons can be separated into 2 catagories: Major Rainy Season - mid-sept through Oct (except in far SE); Medium Rainy Season - mid-may through mid-july. The 2 dry seasons can also be separated into 2 catagories: Major Dry Season - mid-jan through April; Medium Dry Season (or veranito) - mid-july through Aug. As with weather patterns anywhere, these may vary slightly year to year but they basically hold true. 7 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

8 Flights There are no direct flights from the UK to Costa Rica, so all routes involve a change en route, usually in the USA or Madrid. This April tour is designed around the scheduled services of Iberia, routing from London-Madrid-San Jose. Early booking is recommended to be sure of seats on these busy flights! Ground Transport By comfortable Toyota Coaster (midicoach) with air-conditioning and usually driven by the same excellent and regular local driver that we've used for many years; (minibus if small group). Boat Trips Our tour price includes two boat trips on Lake Caño Negro. Boats are large enough to accommodate our whole group. Each trip last approx. 3 hrs. Insects There is currently no malaria risk in any of the areas visited on our tour (see also Health, below) Photos Generally tricky in the forest (due to low light levels). Excellent photographic opportunities in more open habitats, especially at feeders around the lodges - birds, other wildlife and scenic shots. Tour Cost 2014 (10 days): 2695 (inc flights from London) Land only cost: 1995 Deposit: 400 Single Supp: 235 Cost includes Return scheduled flights London-San Jose, all accommodation, meals, coach transport, boat trips at Caño Negro, entrance fees to the parks and gardens, tips to lodges, driver and guides, airport taxes, Costa Rica departure taxes, map, bird checklist and services of the leader. Cost excludes Insurance, drinks & other items of a personal nature. [ESTA fee in the case of any flights routing via the USA, currently US $14pp] About Your Guide Jason Horn Jason is our resident Costa Rica expert and guide. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he has birded extensively throughout North, Central and South America (with limited experience in Europe and Africa, too). He has a BSc in Biology and has worked as a professional bird guide at both Rancho Naturalista and Tarcol Lodge in Costa Rica, where his expertise with bird calls and remarkable field identification skills have since been put to excellent use by our specialist local agents in Costa Rica. Jason has been guiding visiting birdwatching groups throughout this amazingly bird-rich Central American country for many years now. He led Limosa s tours to Costa Rica annually in , 2011 (2 trips), 2012 (2 trips) and 2013 (3 trips), and 2014 will be his ninth year of guiding our groups there. What You Say: " Jason has an exceptional talent for spotting and recognising birds (and other wildlife), and their songs. Passionate about birding and made very effort to ensure that we all saw as much as possible..." Carrie Piggott, Northern Costa Rica tour 8 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

9 " Great leader, very good accommodation, most of the birds were new to me and very colourful. Overall a superb birding tour..." Geoff Nelson, Northern Costa Rica tour " It was lovely to revisit Costa Rica, and the trip came up to all my expectations. Once again, Jason was phenomenal..." Marion Hodgson, Northern Costa Rica tour...what a fantastic trip! I know we have left Costa Rica a little late in our neotropical experiences but it truly was a brilliant birdwatching experience. The guides, lodges, staff, food and transportation (including flights) were all first class - I was reluctant to get on the plane to come home; tempting to stay with Jason for his next tour of the more northern regions. Thank you for yet another wonderful Limosa holiday!... Andy & Jane Baxter, Costa Rica tour A top quality tour exceeding our expectations. Jason skillfully enticed difficult birds into view. Our highlights were Sunbittern family at their nest, two Sungrebes swimming beside our boat, dancing and bathing manakins, gaudy tanagers and frogs, spotlighted Kinkajou... Steve & Sue Place, Classic Costa Rica tour They [Jason and Vernon] are a formidable team and really made the trip. Vernon drove magnificently on roads that were really tricky and was patient in city traffic. Jason is in a class of his own!... Phil Hodgson, Classic Costa Rica tour We had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. For us it was a great balance of birding, adventure, fun and discovery... We had unmatched views of some thrilling birds... This was our best birding holiday! Joyce Collins & Dinah Harrison, Classic Costa Rica tour Just a quick note to say I had a fantastic holiday in Costa Rica. The weather was great, our group got on well together... An unforgettable holiday. Mary Laing, Classic Costa Rica tour Limosa Loyalty Discount We are proud of the number of loyal customers who travel regularly with us. As our way of saying thank you, we offer a Frequent Travel Discount. Under the scheme, everyone who takes four trips with us is entitled to claim a 5% discount on their fifth trip *1. Alternatively, you can opt to save your discounts up and carry them forward to claim a 10% discount on your 10th trip. The choice is yours, but please remember to request your discount at time of booking! *1 Please note: This offer applies to the basic tour cost only and excludes certain commission-based trips, extras such as additional flights, private extensions and cancellations. Discounts cannot be given in lieu of tour deposits or off the cost of single room supplements. 9 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

10 How to Book You can make a booking by one of three easy methods, but if you experience any problems, please feel free to contact the office. Be sure to read our Booking Conditions and General Information found at the back of our current brochure or on our website - Book Online: You can book swiftly and securely online via our website: Book by Post: Our brochures contain a Booking Form, but you can also download a copy from our website - Please complete both sides of the form, remembering to sign and date the section at the bottom of the second page. Send this to us, together with the appropriate Booking Deposit (see below). Telephone bookings: Telephone bookings will be accepted on a provisional basis to allow time for your Booking Form and deposit to reach us by mail. We will hold provisional reservations for up to 14 days pending receipt of booking form, after which time any unconfirmed space will be released. Payments Deposits: The amount of deposit per person is shown above. We accept payment by cheque (drawn on a UK bank in GB Pounds Sterling), by BACS or internet banking (please ask us for our bank details), and by debit card. We also accept most major credit cards (not AmEx). Final Balance: Full payment of the balance is due not later than 12 weeks prior to departure (occasionally longer in the case of some tours such as cruises or those involving rail travel). We will send you an invoice at about this time indicating the balance. We accept payment for final balances by cheque or debit card. Payment of the balance can also be by credit card with a 2% commission charge for the latter (see below). Please ask for our bank details if you prefer to transfer your payment direct to our bank account. Card Charges: Due to escalating credit card charges we are unable to absorb the cost of these. We will not charge for payment of the initial booking deposit (amount as indicated in the Tour Cost section, above), but will make a 2% commission charge on any balances or subsequent payments (e.g. interim flight deposits) paid by credit card. We do not charge commission on payments made by debit card or by cheque or direct to bank. Late Bookings: In order for us to guarantee your airline seats, hotels etc., full payment is required at time of booking for all late bookings (i.e. bookings made within 12 weeks of departure). When to Book This is one of the most Frequently Asked Questions - the short answer is as early as possible! Accommodation and flights are much more easily secured well in advance and there is nothing more frustrating than to know that on paper space is still available on the tour but that hotels and/or flights are full. To encourage early booking therefore, we are pleased to offer an Early Booking Discount - see our current brochure or website for details. Our tours are limited to small group sizes, so they can fill up quickly - sometimes even before our new brochure comes out! It's not unusual to find trips are fully booked around four to six months in advance. Single rooms in particular can often be in short supply and among the first to go, so do try to plan well ahead if you definitely require one of these. 10 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

11 Last-minute bookings: We inevitably receive a few unexpected late cancellations over the course of a season so it is always worth enquiring about vacancies on any tour - even for those departing in just a few weeks time! Other Things You Need To Know Passports & Visas All participants must be in possession of a valid passport. Passports must have a minimum of 6 months validity beyond your intended date of return home. VISA NOT REQUIRED for entry into Costa Rica by UK passport holders. All others should contact their nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate to check whether or not they require a visa/s. If a visa/s is required, you will need to apply locally. If the embassy or consulate requires you to provide a letter confirming that you are booked on an all-inclusive tour, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide one. *** NOTE: The following section APPLIES ONLY to passengers travelling to and/or transiting through the USA. If your flights to Costa Rica are with the group (via Madrid) or you are NOT going via the USA, skip to next section, Health & Vaccinations *** IMPORTANT! For all passengers on flights to Costa Rica which transit via the USA, please note that US Government Transit/Visa regulations ALSO APPLY. (Please note: our office may not be in a position to advise flights or routing for this tour until minimum group size has been achieved.) A brief summary is given here: VISA NOT REQUIRED for entry/transit into the USA by UK passport holders eligible under the current US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Under the VWP, travellers must ensure they comply with new US Customs regulations in advance of travel. The measures require all those travelling under the VWP to provide details online at least 72 hours prior to travel - this is known as an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), and is mandatory. The latest information about entry requirements including ESTA can be found on the UK s Foreign & Commonwealth Office website at - click on the Travel & Living Abroad header and follow the Travel Advice by Country link to find the US advice page. For more information, and to apply online, please visit the official ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Need help? Our Costa Rica Travel Info sheets (sent to all participants who book this tour) contain further details and our office will also do its best to answer any questions you may have. But if you have any doubts about whether you are eligible to enter (or transit) the US under the VWP, or about visa matters generally, you are advised to check online or contact the US Embassy in London before your travel. The Visa Information line is (calls are charged at 1.20 per minute). Health & Vaccinations Compulsory vaccinations: None for travellers from the UK. However, note that all visitors to Costa Rica arriving from any of the following countries - Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, French Guyana, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Gambia and Sudan - are required to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis documenting yellow fever vaccination before entry to Costa Rica will be granted. NB. Certificates become valid 10 days after the date of vaccination. 11 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

12 Recommended vaccinations: tetanus, polio, typhoid and hepatitis A. Consult your doctor for current advice regarding diphtheria, TB, hepatitis B and typhoid, which may be recommended in some circumstances. Malaria: Our local agents in Costa Rica advise that there is currently no malaria risk in the areas to be visited on our tour. Nonetheless, we always recommend that you check with your doctor prior to travel as areas of risk can change. The above information, together with that contained within our Travel Information sheets (sent to everyone who books), outlines health requirements for this tour. Please note that these details are given for guidance only - and are only for certain diseases - and you must consult your doctor in good time prior to travel as to what immunisations (if any) are needed for your chosen holiday. For full and up-to-date health information we urge everyone to consult The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website prior to booking any overseas holiday. NaTHNaC is funded by the UK Government s Health Protection Agency and provides health information for both health professionals and travellers, with information compiled by its own clinical and scientific team. You can search for your individual country requirements, which are updated regularly. Your Safety & Travel Advice An unavoidable aspect of travelling abroad nowadays is the threat it may pose to your safety and security. The UK s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) encourages British nationals to be better prepared for their overseas trips with a view to avoiding common travelling traumas, risks and dangers. In order for you to assess and protect against any risks in your chosen destination it is strongly recommended that you refer to the relevant FCO Travel Advice both prior to booking and regularly before you travel. It is standard Limosa policy for our office to send a copy of the relevant FCO Travel Advice about the tour to all participants along with their Final Letter (2-4 weeks prior to the trip). Further useful information on visas, health, etc., can be found at the World Travel Guide website: Know Before You Go - staying safe and healthy abroad - is a travel safety campaign run by the FCO, and another useful resource. Go to: Travel Insurance Good travel insurance is essential before setting off on any overseas trip. In common with all responsible tour operators, it is a condition of booking that all clients are fully and adequately insured before travelling overseas with us. Your travel insurance should cover against cancellation, curtailment, missed departure, delay, personal accident, death, loss of baggage and valuables (see note below), personal liability and legal expenses. Most importantly, your insurance must cover you fully in respect of medical care and repatriation should you become too ill to continue with the tour, including the cost of emergency evacuation by helicopter or air ambulance should this be necessary. Note that passenger liability insurance covering the transportation that we hire, particularly in Third World countries, may be inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover includes sufficient provision for your dependents in the event of an accident. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your holiday to ensure you are protected right from the word go in the event of unexpected cancellation prior to departure due to accident or illness. You must inform your insurers of any pre-existing medical conditions (including those of persons not necessarily travelling but upon whom your holiday may depend) that may require treatment during a period of overseas travel or might cause you to cancel the trip. 12 Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see:

13 Once you have arranged your insurance, please be sure to send us the following essential details: name and contact details of your insurance provider, your policy number, expiry date and your insurers 24hr Emergency Assistance number. Important Things to Note! Be aware that Travel Insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover for valuable optical equipment, which is often best protected under your own household insurance policy. If in doubt ask your insurers for advice prior to travel. Most travel insurance policies limit the amount of cover, typically up to a maximum tour cost of 5000 per person. If the tour you are booking exceeds this amount, additional cover can usually be provided upon payment of additional premium. We recommend all travellers check their individual policy limit to ensure the full cost of their holiday is covered. Arranging Your Insurance: due to UK Government legislation, under Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations, we are not allowed to offer or recommend travel related insurance to customers. Premiums can vary widely according to your age, needs, health, choice of destination and other factors, while many people nowadays have Annual Travel Insurance cover. For these reasons, we leave you free to shop around and pick your own policy, one best suited to your own individual needs. General Information Our website gives easy access to detailed tour itineraries (Tour Info Packs), trip reports, trip photos and the latest Limosa News. Special Diets & Other Requests We pass on all such requests to the airlines, hotels and other suppliers, and do our best to ensure (but of course cannot guarantee) that your needs will be met. Please be sure to tell us about these (in as much detail as possible) at the time of booking, to allow good time to make the necessary arrangements. Smoking Almost all of our clients prefer a smoke-free environment. For the enjoyment and comfort of all, we ask that smokers refrain from smoking in proximity to the group and respect our NO SMOKING policy in the vehicle, at meal times and when watching wildlife. Any Questions? If you have any questions at any time, you ll find our office staff friendly, efficient, approachable - and just a phone call away, eager to assist you in every way. Our office is open hrs Mon-Fri, and can also be reached by fax and . In the event we are unable to take your call, please leave a message on our answerphone (24 hrs) and our office will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you for your interest in our tours. We do hope that you will be able to join us - and we look forward to hearing from you again! CK/KE Any questions? Please call: +44 (0) / Or see: