Day 3 -- PIPELINE TRAIL

The 11 kilometer Pipeline Trail is the gold standard by which all other nature hikes are measured, holding the Audubon Society's record for most sightings in 24 hours (over 300 bird species). Just minutes from Gamboa, walking the trail you're almost guaranteed to see toucans, parrots, blue morpho butterflies and other exotics in their natural habitat -- as long as you're willing to be an "early bird" (the hours just after dawn are best for viewing). Sink deeper into the rainforest later at Gamboa's full-service spa. We recommend having a treatment like the aromatherapy massage using natural plant extracts at the spa's secluded gazebo adjacent to the river. Get a taste of Panama City and its skyscrapers later with dinner at The Bristol hotel's renowned restaurant, Barandas. The sea bass wrapped in yuca is particularly noteworthy.

Day 4 -- COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS

Everyone knows the way to San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and the travel hub of Central America. After your arrival via jet, you'll be greeted by a master naturalist guide from Costa Rica Expeditions, the company that pioneered "green" tourism here. After a half-hour private charter flight, you touch down at the isolated splendor of Tortuga Lodge, where Caribbean cognoscenti like Harry Belafonte have cooled out, mon. Tortuga defines jungle luxe, in fact, it was included in the coffee table book of the same name. Bounded by the coast, verdant jungle and natural canals teeming with wildlife, Tortuga is a civilized retreat (solar-heated showers, native hardwoods, sheltering verandas) that nonetheless remains true to its rainforest roots. Indiana Jones would vacation here. Tonight, the resort's guides will take you to experience a rare treat -- watching green turtles nest (June - October) on the protected beaches of Tortuguero.

Day 5 -- TORTUGEURO NATIONAL PARK

TORTUGA LODGE/COSTA RICA

Rise with first light (the early bird thing again) to explore the winding natural canals that thread through Tortuguero rainforest near the Lodge. Gliding in boats powered by silent electric motors, guests keep eyes peeled for crocodiles, jewel-tone arrow frogs, manatees and a zoo's worth of birds in a riot of tropical plumage. Another option is to spend the day tarpon fishing with Eddie Brown, Costa Rica's tarpon fishing champion several times over. He provides all the gear and instruction, you provide the luck and patience.

Day 6 -- JUNGLE HIGHLANDS

Having savored Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, it's time to experience the mist-shrouded highlands. From Tortuga, your boat takes you via the San Juan River to Puerto Sarapariqui, where your private car takes you to the elegant aerie of La Mansion Arenal Inn, close to Costa Rica's towering Arenal volcano. After checking into the Suite Cottage decorated by Italian artisans, enjoy a romantic dinner of European-inspired specialties at the hotel's restaurant overlooking Lake Arenal.