2 weeks - Something like Costa Rica, Belize or Borneo but none of these :)

Well, it doesn't belong on this branch obviously. Perhaps the Shoestring branch would be more appropriate but then you haven't said anything about budget so who knows.

You have indicated plenty of interests and they are diverse but you are going to have to indicate some priorities as well since there is no where to suggest where you are likely to see both monkeys and bears in the same place. Just throwing out a list of interests without some prioritizing doesn't help with suggestions. All you are likely to get are people's OWN preferences rather than suggestions that would fit YOUR preferences (priorities).

1. Where are you travelling from?
2. What is your budget including airfares?
3. What are your priorities from your list of interests?

Your original two choices were not bad at all.

I've been to both in August..the weather is not a great problem in Belize (unless you are unlucky enough to hit a hurricane;-) and the situation on most of Borneo is fine...I know there has been some problem in a small part of Sabah recently but doesn't seem to be anything serious (I have a friend there now).

Still...apart from those 2.Lots of places with monkeys,fewer with bears,fewer still with monkeys,bears and snorkelling!

There are still parts of SE Asia with sun bears (though not so easy to see in the wild) as well as loads of monkeys and very good snorkelling....Thailand,peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia for example.

I agree with lucapal and tis here. There are so many places you can choose from, but frankly there was nothing wrong with your original picks.

If Costa Rica is perfect for you, then head there! What is stopping you? I have been there in August and it is great.

Belize will be a great trip, don't get put off by weather.

Borneo is absolutely fine! Civil unrest is a bit strong. If you don't want to go to Sabah, try Sarawak on the other side. Base yourself in Kuching (amazing place) and then you have everything you want from your criteria.

Alternatively, try Madagascar?Do you like Lemurs?

Thanks for the feedback.

Spent 3-4 weeks in Costa Rica before so probably somewhere else is a good idea.

Borneo looks excellent but the warning about travel to the Northern part are getting stronger and think this is where some of our top picks (Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Sipadan Islands & Danum Valley) are... the warnings seem to be building http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/malaysia. I got caught in a visit to Thailand before during unrest and it just was one thing more to think about .....

We're thinking now of maybe either:
- Brazil (Pantanal / Igazu Falls / Rio / Beach)
- OR Galapagos + Equador

anyone any tips / experience of these? problem is very short trip so lots of travel but could be excellent to see!

I agree that Sabah in Malaysian Borneo has what you are looking for. In particular, there are some excellent wildlife viewing opportunities (from a boat, no need to hike!) along the Kinabatangan river.

Okay, Sabah is perfectly safe and the troubles are dying down. Warnings always air on the side of caution, especially from the fco. I wouldn't rate sepilok at all, it is a tourist attraction on a grand scale. Semmengoh Orang Utan rehab centre in Sarawak is MUCH better.

Brazil would certainly fit your criteria and is an amazing place. A shame you don't have longer to explore it, but a couple of weeks would be well filled there.

You reaaly haven't got much time for that Brazil trip (2 weeks?)..maybe if you leave out Iguazu?

Galapagos is great,but really expensive..Pantanal is not cheap but still considerably cheaper than the Galapagos.At least,it can be done on a budget.

No bears there,but you might see a jaguar in the Pantanal if you are lucky!

They haven't really got time for anywhere they are suggesting in 2 weeks lucapal. It will just be a case of picking a country, choosing one, or maybe two places in it and enjoying a holiday, as opposed to travelling.

My first thought on reading your post was Ecuador (though without Galapagos). Monkeys in the rainforest, bears in the mountains (not that easy to see but possible, do a bit of research and you'll find out where) and whales down on the coast. Not really tropical beaches but you have to compromise.

If you wanted to do Galapagos and Ecuador then I'd say a week in the Galapagos and a week in Ecuador - I'd actually suggest you spend that week in the highlands but you may opt for the Amazon (Napo or Yasuni best places).

As for Brazil. If you have the $£$£ you can do that itinerary in 2 weeks. Fly to Cuiaba and spend 4 or 5 days in the Pantanal, then fly to Iguazu for 2 days and fly to Rio spending 3 days in Paraty or Ilha Grande and 3 days in Rio itself. This won't be cheap but it's a great way to spend a couple weeks.