So Pete and I are taking 3 months off in Jan, Feb, Mar. YAY!

During that period we're planning to take a 3-4 week trip somewhere.

Probably (though not definitely) wildlife oriented. Definitely photography oriented. Possibly food oriented, though that's more minor as it's often a conflict with the first.

We don't tolerate heat nor do we want to be somewhere during rainy season so many of the places on our wishlist are out - this isn't the best time to visit them.

Costa Rica and Falkland Islands are coming out strongly but would appreciate other ideas.

I'm investigating the latter already.

I'd like to book reasonably soon to lock in dates, which is weird as I'm usually a sloooow, meticulous planner!

Any ideas?

Hi Donna
Sorry, I should have clarified - we're not really into group tours. We have done some in the past, but we're happier travelling independently of a group.
Also, just for reference, our starting point is London, UK!
THANKS!

Oh and Peru rocks, I agree!

Thanks for CR comment on climate, that's good to know.

Peru Ecuador maybe Galapagos for me...

Decent weather lots of history wildlife

spectacular photo ops

CR choice #2...

www.saexplorers.org nice site for self-guiding

Do it a lot...

Thanks, we've visited all three relatively recently so not keen to revisit so soon.

Any tips for CR?

Maybe you could research Colombia, in the last years the eco turism there has been growing pretty fast, and is a country with many diferents weathers depending on the sea level of the place that you are visiting.
And I can tell you, that people there is super friendly and the food is great too.

We've been to CR twice (AR three times), all during the winter months (we hate the cold too). Love both places, CR has lots of monkeys/sloths/coatis and tons of birds to photograph, with 3-4 weeks you could definitely see all the highlights.

My favorite two are Arenal for the volcano and the Osa Peninsula, which is like a step back in time (but it's becoming more and more discovered). Both areas have lots of wildlife and fun things to do, hiking/zip lining, but they are also laid back and restful.

Food is good in CR, not gourmet, we live in NY so we get all the gourmet we need. Actually enjoy CR food a alot, very simple lots of grilled chicken/fish with rice/beans.

The Fodors board for Central America has lots of great suggestions and TRs for CR.

I've been monitoring the Africa boards, I think it's time for us to try a new continent too this Winter, even though we're also leaning toward the Galapados Islands.....

Hope this helps.

Thank you, folks. Some great ideas. Even if we don't use them for this trip, and of course, we can't use them all, I'm noting them down for future reference!

Just to let you know we did go ahead with booking a Falkland Islands trip today, but we're hoping to visit Costa Rica within the next 18 months.

And have mental note of all the great suggestions received.

THANK YOU