The inter-relationship of all of nature is one of life's most fascinating mysteries and it is so easy to observe in tropical nature. Costa Rica supports an incredible array of life forms because of its unique geography and moderate temperatures. It is between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and a mountain range runs North to South with rivers and volcanoes throughout. The World Resources Institute in its 1995 chart, shows Costa Rica as having the most varied fauna on the planet. In February, 2005 Hidden Treasures of Costa Rica, our guided adventure will focus on:

TROPICAL FLOWERS: This journey will focus on tropical plants and visit public and private gardens guided by their owners.

Mammals including sloths, bats, and monkeys: White-faced Capuchin, Spider and Howler monkeys.

Reptiles including iguanas, lizards, turtles and crocodiles.

Butterflies: Costa Rica boasts 10% of all the world's butterfly species. To me the most dazzling is the Blue Morpho, with its 6" wing span and electric-blue upper wings. There are several educational butterfly gardens and in February we visit the Butterfly Garden in Monteverde.

Ants: The most fascinating for some of our guests are the leaf-cutter army ants. You can observe them marching across the forest floor carrying pieces of leaves or flowers above their heads like parasols. These pieces are brought to their underground home and turned into a mulch garden. Part of this fungus feeds the colony and contributes to the whole web and chain of life. Come this winter and hear more.

Take Time Out to Smell The Orchids!