The small but beautifully formed Central American country of Costa Rica, though only 2/3rds the area of Scotland has a greater biodiversity than the whole of Europe or North America. There are a number reasons for this including the country's location as a landbridge between North and South America, enabling plants and animals from both continents and the Antilles (Caribbean islands) to establish themselves there. Costa Rica's tropical climate and the parallel mountainous topography create a mix of habitats that ranges from hot steamy lowland forest to cool wet cloud forest with numerous streams & rivers, extensive wetlands, Paramo (high-altitude moorland) & dry decidous forests. Finally a stable population served by a democratic socially responsible government enjoying a stable economy, quality education & good health care has allowed Costa Rica to turn over more of its landmass to National Parks than any other country.

These galleries record the wildlife (mainly birds) seen on a 2-week family holiday to Guanacaste in Costa Rica's North Pacific coast. During this time we also undertook a tour of northern Costa Rica from west to east starting in the lowlands of Guanacaste & ending up in the Caribbean lowlands at Tortuguero. This was not a dedicated photographic holiday but was more a family adventure holiday & as such it included activities such as Whitewater tubing, Zip-lining & Horseriding -all activities that should really be avoided by a middle-aged fat man!!!

Our holiday was booked as a two week package deal comprising a one week 'Grand Tour of Costa Rica' followed by a week based at a coastal hotel in the Gulf of Papagayo on the north Pacific coast. This package was booked through First Choice holidays who are the only company to provide direct flights from the UK to Costa Rica ( http://www.firstchoice.co.uk/holidays/costa-rica-holidays/ ).

During our week based in Golfo de Papagayo we used the excellent services of Carlos Jimenez as our guide for day trips to the Guanacaste Cordillera, Rincon de La Vieja, Palo Verde & Santa Rosa. Carlos is an excellent & highly knowledgeable wildlife guide with a talent for pulling rare birds out of the undergrowth. Carlos has a comfortable air-conditioned minibus, an intimate knowledge of local habitats & a very easy-going pleasant disposition; in short he is a very nice guy, is excellent company & I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending his services. Carlos can put together a customised travel itinerary specific to your requirements & taking in any part of Costa Rica you might care to visit. Though based now on the north Pacific coast Carlos originally came from the Sarapiqui area in the Caribbean lowlands -an area reknowned for its biodiversity and one that Carlos knows well.

Carlos can be contacted through this website: http://www.ecoexplorercr.com/index.php or alternatively copy & paste this Email to discuss your plans & requirements with him directly: ticomonklet@yahoo.com