Tours & Cruises

COSTA RICA: Tropical forests

Howler monkeys, toucans, parrots and lots of birds star in this 10-day trip to Costa Rica sponsored by the Greater L.A. Zoo Assn. The naturalist-led expedition explores Poás Volcano National Park to learn about active volcanoes, the Monteverde Cloud Forest mountain reserve, Carara National Park on the Pacific Coast and a rain forest at Braulio Carrillo, with an aerial tram that takes you into the tree canopy. A tour of capital city San Jose also is included.

When: Nov. 11-20.

Price: $2,795 a person, double occupancy; singles pay an extra $495. The cost includes land transportation, accommodations in lodges and hotels, meals, entrance fees and other items. Travel is by bus; participants should be prepared to walk one to two miles on daily outings. Airfare is not included.

Info: Greater L.A. Zoo Assn., (323) 644-4792, lazoo.org/calendar/travel/index.html

CAMBODIA: Ancient temples

The ancient temple complex in Angkor, Cambodia, represents remnants of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. Although Angkor Wat is among the most famous, other temples — Baphuon, West Mebon and one in West Baray — are equally impressive. Roland Fletcher, an archaeologist who teaches at the University of Sydney in Australia and directs the Greater Angkor Project, will lead informal talks and tours to these sites as scholar in residence at the Amansara resort in December.

When: Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 14-16.

Price: $1,100 a night, plus tax and fees, for two at the 24-suite resort near the entrance to Angkor. The cost includes accommodations, daily breakfast, daily lunch or dinner, beverages and wine, temple excursions and airport transfers. Guests pick dates to stay; three nights is recommended.

Info: Amansara, (800) 477-9180, https://www.amanresorts.com/amansara/home.aspx

CANARY ISLANDS: Bike tour

This bicycling trip takes place on one of Spain’s Canary Islands off northwestern Africa. Ciclismo Classico offers a seven-day bicycle trip on Gran Canaria that weaves through forests, along a volcano en route to San Bartolome, up to the island’s high point at Pico de las Nieves, down to the coastal village of Playa de Mogan and on to the lush Parque Natural de Tamadaba. The bicycle tour is good for intermediate-level riders.

When: Nov. 5, Feb. 19, March 5 and other 2012 dates.

Price: $2,695 to $2,995 a person, based on double occupancy; $400 single supplement. The cost includes accommodations, daily breakfasts, five meals, baggage handling, van support and departing airport shuttle. Airfare is not included.

Info: Ciclismo Classico, (800) 866-7314, https://www.ciclismoclassico.com

MEXICO: Dining special

Celebrity chef Gary Danko will join chef Gonzalo Cerda at the Esperanza resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in late October to create special dinners and meet guests. The four-night Ultimate Culinary Escape includes a dinner created by the two chefs as well as a Champagne reception with the duo before the meal.

When: Oct. 20-25; dinners with Danko are available Oct. 21-23.

Price: $1,910 a person, excluding taxes and fees. The price includes four nights at Esperanza, one dinner and reception with Danko and Cerda at El Restaurante, a meal at La Palapa Bar & Grill, airport transfers, daily breakfast and a $50 spa certificate. Airfare is not included.

Info: Esperanza, (866) 311-2226, https://www.esperanzaresort.com

—Mary Forgione

travel@latimes.com