Elite Traveler > November/December, 2002

Mayan ruins and sprawling nature preserves now sit side-by-side with exquisite, low-impact resorts in a part of the world that has come of age for discerning travelers. Elite Traveler leads you on an adventure through Costa Rica, Panama and Belize, showing that when it comes to travel combining luxe with lush, the region is ready to rumba.

Day 1 -- GAMBOA RAINFOREST LODGE EXTERIOR/GAMBOA RESORT/PANAMA Upon your evening arrival in Panama City's Tocumen International Airport, you'll be met by a representative from the country's five-star rainforest retreat, Gamboa Rainforest Resort. It's a forty-minute drive to the property, which had a starring role as the photogenic location of the Pierce Brosnan spy-thriller, "Tailor of Panama." The lush grounds of the 300-acre property are an adventure in themselves, including attractions like butterfly and orchid farms, a serpentarium and an aerial tram through the forest canopy leading to an observation tower with staggering vistas of the Panama Canal's infamous Culebra cut. At Gamboa, which has sheltered luminaries and royals such as Queen Sophia of Spain and Japan's Prince Hitachi, check into the split-level Tivoli suite. It offers splendid views of the Chagres river from the best seat in the house -- a hammock. Gamboa Rainforest Resort Contact: General Manager Fidel Reyes Phone: 011-507-314-9000; Fax: 011-507-314-9020 Email: freyes@gamboaresort.com

Day 2 -- PANAMA CANAL TREELINE EXCURSION/PANAMA Board a private yacht to traverse history and an engineering marvel as you sail several locks of the Panama Canal. Later, take the whirlwind tour, getting an aerial view of the Canal via helicopter, with unforgettable vistas such as vast Gatun lake with its crocodiles and manatees and the soaring Bridge of the Americas. Later, you'll bridge worlds as you step out of your private helicopter and into an Embera Indian village on the Chagres (arrivals by dugout canoe also available for gung-ho types). First, feast on local specialties such as sargento fish and fresh fruits, then peruse handcrafted flutes, shell necklaces and other indigenous artwork offered for sale. After dinner at Gamboa's Corotu Restaurant, grab a flashlight and board one of the resort's skiffs for a night sojourn upriver in search of the luminescent eyes of crocodiles. Gamboa Rainforest Resort Contact: Concierge Alexis Arguellos Phone: 011-507-314-9000 Email: tourdesk@gamboaresort.com

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