Wild Planet Adventures Travelers Lavish “Hand’s On” Love To Rescued Animals In Costa Rica, Celebrate Camels & Color In India, And Save On Islands In Thailand

The wildlife viewing expert, Wild Planet Adventures, continuously creates new wildlife eco-tours and safaris with opportunities to interact unobtrusively with weird and wonderful wildlife. For winter 2014 and beyond, the company unfurls three innovations for exploring the animal kingdoms of Costa Rica, Thailand and India.

In Costa Rica guests explore up to 8 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with hands-on features that include tending to and cuddling rescued animals at a National Geographic-recognized rescue center.  In Thailand, Wild Planet has added the brilliant white-sand beaches, incredible snorkeling and limestone karst of Ko Phi Phi Island as an alternative to remote Ko Tarutau Archipelago, and at big savings ($600).  In India guests may opt for a new version of the award-winning Leopards, Tigers & Palaces Ultimate Wildlife Safari, with special Festival departures scheduled to include the famous Pushkar Camel Fair and the joyful Holi Festival of Color.

Costa Rica
Hands-on wildlife interaction meets naturalist-led wildlife viewing on the award-winning 9- and 14-day Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-Tour. A nearly four-hour, hands-on wildlife experience at Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center is a new addition to this tour and an experience recently featured in National Geographic.

“This new segment is getting rave reviews from our travelers who get to cuddle, feed and care for parrots, kinkajou, toucans, coaitimundi, macaws and other exotic tropical wildlife,” reports Josh Cohen, founder/owner. This is a natural compliment to an itinerary specializing in up-close wildlife viewing in eight remote national parks (six parks on a nine-day tour) plus whitewater rafting, cloud forest canopy tour, volcano, hot-spring, beaches on both coasts, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence, a scarlet macaw migration and a world-famous sloth sanctuary.

Thailand
Guests may now opt to save $600 person on 11- and 14-day a Hidden Thailand Rainforests & Islands eco-tourby choosing one of two exemplary island destinations; either Ko Tarutau archipelago for the most remote, off-the-beaten-path experience possible (with the best snorkeling!) or the breathtaking limestone karst and famous mottled turquoise water of the more popular Ko Phi Phi at a big $600/person savings. Both offer the experience of being on gorgeous romantic island beaches.

Says Cohen: “This is the Thailand you've always imagined: truly hidden remote places with thrilling adventure, unparalleled wildlife, exotic culture, brilliant white sand beaches and turquoise water. If you're the type of traveler that appreciates finding hidden gems, you'll love this rare experience of a country known for its sensual food, joyful people, exotic wildlife and south-sea islands.”

The Hidden Thailand adventure includes authentic wildlife safaris in three national parks not offered by any other tour operator; visits to a lakeside wildlife sanctuary, cloud forest and elephant camp; cultural experiences, Buddhist temples, night markets and Chiang Mai; and snorkeling at Ko Tarutau or saving $600 by relaxing on the world-class beaches of Ko Phi Phi.

India
India Ultimate Wildlife Safari: Leopards, Tigers & Palaces for 13 or 19 days already has won more awards than any other Wild Planet Adventures trip as the most comprehensive multi-safari available in India. Now the option to attend festivals adds to the sizzle.

During India’s Pushkar Camel Fair in November, thousands of colorfully dressed camel traders, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, comedians, sadhus (wandering holy men) and tourists turn the small town of Pushkar into a cultural phenomenon. The Holi Festival in February and March is the famous Hindu festival of colors celebrating the universal triumph of good over evil. Young and old yield to exuberance, throwing colored powdered dye and colored water on each other and rubbing the colors on their faces to celebrate the joyful power of enthusiasm.

It includes a multitude of safaris to see tigers, leopards, rhinos and rare wildlife, by jeep, elephant-back, camel and rickshaw. Also included are cultural segments in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi and Agra, including the Taj Mahal, and a total of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventureshttp://www.wildplanetadventures.com/ go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.

Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.

For a more information and a complimentary 2014 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.

Five Holiday Trips for Wildlife Lovers And Families with Animal-Crazy Kids

 

 
“A wildlife vacation is inspirational. It can impact how and where people move through life when they return home,” says Josh Cohen, founder of Wild Planet Adventures (http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/), the wildlife-viewing specialist. “International travel is the best possible gift that you can give a child of any age.”
 
For December and early January travel, he underscores that to secure airline tickets and accommodations, travel plans need to be made as soon as possible. The following adventures are priced per person, double occupancy.
 
Thailand - Remote Rainforests & Islands: There are two comprehensive itineraries to choose from. Highlights include excursions seeking elephants, guars, tigers, gibbons, langurs, macaques, barking deer, flying foxes and a plethora of unique birds; wildlife safaris by boat and kayak based from a floating aqua-lodge; jeep and walking safaris in Kaeng Krachan, the largest and least visited national park in Thailand; tracking wild elephants in Pa La-U; and snorkeling the turquoise waters of Ko Tarutau archipelago.
 
Thailand tours are best for couples or families with teens and adult children who will appreciate the peace and joy instilled by the Buddhist culture. Everyone will love the fun and sensuality of the Thai people best experienced through the extravagant Thai cuisine, unique Thai massage and the simple beauty of the Asian aesthetic found at many of the lodges.
 
Hidden Thailand: 14-day (Dec. 15-28, Dec. 22-Jan. 4, $4,898) & 11-day (Dec. 15-25, Dec. 22-Jan. 1, $3,798) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/204/434/
 
Thailand Ultimate Wildlife: 15-day (Dec. 15-29, Dec. 22- Jan. 5, $4,798) & 11-day (Dec. 15-25 or Dec. 22-Jan. 1, $3,798) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/143/384/
 
India – Exotic Wildlife and Rich Culture: Wild Planet guests don’t have to choose between India’s spiritually rich cultural experiences or its classic wildlife safaris. Two in-depth itineraries provide the very best of both. These are the most comprehensive multi-day safaris available in India. They include India's top national parks, wildlife reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites where sightings of wild leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and tigers inspire a lifetime of awe. Included are cultural experiences and safaris in five very different National Parks and wildlife reserves, by jeep, elephant-back and camel-back.
India is best for couples or families with older teens or adult children who want their kids “to have the inescapable spiritual experience of traveling in India, seeing how people with so little can have so much joy, and appreciating how fortunate we are, a message underscored by the privilege of getting to see tigers and other extremely rare animals in their natural habitat,” says Cohen.
 
India Ultimate Wildlife Safari - Leopards, Tigers & Palaces: 19-day (Dec. 17-Jan. 4, $7,398) & 13-day (Dec 17-29, $4,998) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/235/1196/
 
Untamed India & Nepal: 19-day (Dec. 15-Jan. 2, $7,198 - a $500 savings) & 14-day (Dec. 15-28, $5,098) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/259/661/
 
Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife: Costa Rica has six percent of the world’s biodiversity, but the vast majoriBorneoty of travelers never see more than a fraction of that. To go beyond the norm requires a specially designed itinerary like Wild Planet’s “Ultimate Wildlife” eco-tour that escapes the mainstream and visits a variety of diverse ecosystems. Highly trained naturalist guides with extensive knowledge of localized migrations, nocturnal animal activity and little-known wildlife hot-spots guide travelers through the widest variety of eco-systems to expose travelers to the most possible wildlife. The itinerary includes eight national parks, beaches on both coasts, cloud forest canopy tours, whitewater rafting, volcanoes, hot springs, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence, a scarlet macaw migration, a world-famous sloth sanctuary and a hands-on wildlife rescue center.
 
Cost Rica is best for adults and kids eight years and up (especially for wildlife enthusiasts with limited time, who like to travel closer to home and have highly active kids). “A wildlife-focused trip like ours is especially suited to families with animal-crazy kids who want to take the next step and inspire them to become biologists, work with animals or start a green business,” Cohen notes.
 
Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-tour: 14-day (Dec. 14-27, Dec. 21-Jan. 3, $4,798) & 9-day (Dec. 14-22, Dec. 21-29, $3,198)  http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/12/50/
 
Borneo’s Weird & Wonderful Wildlife:“It may come as a surprise to many that Borneo is an ideal Holiday destination because its most popular season is March through October. However, in Borneo the difference in seasons is minimal since it’s hot, humid and rainy year-round,” Cohen notes. In December there are fewer travelers and some of the best flight availability of the year. The ancient primeval rainforest here harbors an Orang-Utan sanctuary, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys with huge noses, and Bornean gibbons who sing to each other, among countless other rare and endemic species. Highlights include a special expedition to see Borneo’s unique flying and gliding mammals. Night excursions reveal tarsiers and slow loris, two of the world’s smallest and cutest primates. Borneo’s rainforest is disappearing at alarming rates due to palm oil cultivation, making it the world’s #1 “see it while you can” destination.
 
Borneo is best for adventurous or experienced travelers who can appreciate its extraordinary wildlife. Borneo shares a rare commonality with the Galapagos, as its wildlife evolved in highly unusual ways due to its isolation. Think gliding frogs and snakes, flying lemurs and lizards and much more. Snorkelers and scuba divers will also appreciate one of the world’s top five barrier reefs.
 
Borneo Weird & Wonderful Wildlife Safari: 12-day (guests choose their own departure date, $5,998). http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/427/1426
 
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise: “Because most quality, first-class yachts are sold out one to two years in advance for the Holidays, now is the time to start thinking about Holiday 2014 and even 2015; or consider a non-holiday week if you’d like to go sooner,” Cohen advises.  Wild Planet Adventures works with over 30 yachts to offer travelers a wide variety of options.
 
The Galapagos Islands are best for adults and children six and up and provide excellent experiences for travelers who are less adventurous or less active, as the activities aren’t strenuous. “However, it’s not a good fit for those who get seasick easily or small children who would feel cooped up on a small yacht for a week,” notes Cohen.
 
Galapagos Islands Aboard the M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo:  8-day (Sunday departures year-round, rate depends on choice of cabin, from $3,900)  http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/10/219/
 
About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.
 
Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.
 
For a more information and a complimentary 2014 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.

Quest to See World’s Smallest Primate Draws Visitors Deep into Peru’s Amazon Rainforest With Wild Planet Adventures

Fewer than 3,000 travelers annually access one of the planet’s most bio-diverse regions in Peru’s Amazon rain forest  While getting there is half the fun, the payoffs, for starters, may include sightings of the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy marmoset and the elusive jaguar.

Wild Planet Adventures(http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/) offers 12 departures of its 13 day signature Peru Ultimate Wildlife Adventure from April 3through Dec. A shortened nine day version is also offered that shares the same departure days. The per person double rate of $4,798 for 13 days and $3,298 for nine days also includes a tour of Machu Picchu. Private departures are also available for a minimum of only 2 travelers.

Wildlife expert Josh Cohen, Director of Wild Planet Adventures, says “Our Peru trip represents one the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. The protected regions visited on this itinerary are home to up to 30 percent of the world's species; a single hectare of forest may have more than 480 species of trees alone.”

Manu National Park is the perfect destination for Wild Planet’s wildlife expertise; it is the number one park in the world for biodiversity, and one of two Amazon reserves visited on Wild Planet’s itinerary. Manu’s extreme biodiversity offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see 200 species of mammals and 1,000 species of birds –the highest concentration on earth -- plus 13 species of primates including woolly monkeys, monk saki and the extravagantly mustachioed Emperor tamarins. Travelers also enjoy a unique pack-dinner at a wildlife camouflage blind to photograph tapirs at night.

The second reserve visited is Tambopata Biosphere Reserve, where travelers venture deep into the remote Reserved Zone – visited by less than 3,000 visitors a year – to witness the spectacle of the world's largest clay-lick where up to 1,000 vibrantly colored macaws and parrots cluster during peak activity, turning the sky into a rich tapestry.

Wild Planet is known for its exclusive wildlife activities that are designed to see rare animals, with special arrangements for silent approach and intimate habitat access. No other company offers these exclusive wildlife activities. In Manu Wild Planet mounts special excursions to see the pygmy marmosets, the world’s smallest primate, and in Tambopata travelers can enjoy the company’s exclusive sunrise Jaguar Kayak Float looking for jaguar and tapir riverside.

The wildlife portions of the trip are balanced with cultural visits to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, with options to visit Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and Colca canyon.

Accommodations include intimate jungle lodges where guests mingle with staff from nearby indigenous communities and who, in the case of the lodges in Tambopata Reserve, actually own the lodge. Some 170 native and ribereño (second or third generation settlers) families work and profit from the operation of these Amazon lodges, which feature wellness and holistic centers utilizing traditional Amazonian medicinal herbs, massage and aromatherapy. Guests will also meet an authentic Ese'eja Amazonian Shaman, tour his medicinal garden and learn ancient secrets used in healing.   

For more details please see Ultimate Wildlife - Amazon & Machu Picchu 13-Day andUltimate Wildlife - Amazon & Machu Picchu 9-Day.

About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.

Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.

For a more information and a complimentary catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.

Follow Wild Planet Adventures:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mywildplanet

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport