Travel

Wild Adventures in Central American Jungles

Seattle, WA - Intrepid travelers planning a natural history and cultural exploration of the rain forests, indigenous villages and tropical beaches of Costa Rica and Panama can request free 'Travel Planners' from Wildland Adventures, a Seattle-based adventure travel company. The new, 1999 Travel Planners describes a wide range of specialized travel opportunities year-round, including active, lodge-based natural history explorations, family adventures, nature honeymoons, and adventure cruising, along the wild Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the San Blas Islands, and through the Panama Canal.

Wildland Adventures President Kurt Kutay once worked for the Costa Rican National Park Service, and was a founding member of The Ecotourism Society. Recognized as one of the world's most highly recommended ecotravel outfitters by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, Wildland Adventures has recently aligned itself with leading conservationists and naturalist guides to develop the most comprehensive and in-depth nature and culture travel programs available in Panama. Trips range from lodge-based natural history and cultural explorations in the cloud forests, rain forests and among the Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands, to a 10-day, transcontinental expedition from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Crossing mountains and trekking through the Darien jungle, the route follows the same path taken by Spanish Conquistador Vasco Nunez de Balboa when he discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513.

"Since I worked for the Costa Rican National Park Service in 1982 and developed nature-based travel there, I am convinced that Panama as a destination has at least the potential that Costa Rica had 15 years ago. The transfer of the Panama Canal in 1999 will bring hundreds of millions of dollars worth of exposure to one of the most beautiful, fascinating, biologically diverse countries on the planet," notes Mr. Kutay.

Travel agents and adventure travelers will appreciate the detailed itineraries and maps, photographs of parks, wildlife and hotels, background information about climate and naturalist guides, and special "Travel Tips for Custom Trips". All-inclusive itineraries for individuals, families and groups range from 8-12 days beginning at $1095 land cost per person, with many optional add-ons.

Wildland Adventures offers authentic worldwide nature and culture explorations designed for sophisticated, active travelers who appreciate charming hostelry, premier camping safaris, expert native guides, and personal service in-country to Central America, Mexico, the Andes and Amazon, Patagonia, Galapagos, Africa, Turkey and Spain. To order a free Travel Planner call toll free 1-800-345-4453 (206-365-0686), visit the website, write Wildland Adventures, 3516 NE 155th St., Ste. K, Seattle WA 98155, or email.