2 Oceans, 2 Countries *11 Day*

This morning we're whisked away on a charter flight to Tiskita Jungle Lodge, where steep jungle clad hills plunge down to the Gulf of Dulce across from the Osa Peninsula and deserted black sand beaches stretch for miles. Originally an experimental fruit farm of Peter Aspinall, Tiskita now protects 550 acres of primary and secondary forest in this seldom visited region of Costa Rica. Thirty-seven acres of the original farm still produce over 100 varieties of fruits such as carambola, mango, guanabana, pineapple, papaya, guava, vanilla, and more. Savor the flavors of some of these exotic fruits on a tour of the farm.

After exploring the jungle around Tiskita with a naturalist guide, head down to the beach with a boogie board or grab a snorkel and mask to discover the underwater world of nearby tide pools. Days 3 and 4 are free to explore the forest on your own or relax on the beach. Optional excursions include visiting Corcovado National Park ("the most biologically intense place on earth," according to National Geographic), horseback riding or fishing with the locals.

This morning you drive to the border at Paso Canoes to meet your Panama driver who takes you up to the wonderful town of Boquete, Panama. Known for its cool fresh climate and pristine forests, Boquete makes a great respite from the heat of the lowlands. Settle in today, wander the town and find a cup of locally grown coffee - Panama's finest!

The 407,000 acre International Friendship (La Amistad) Peace Park is a shared park between Costa Rica and Panama. With slightly more than half of its area in Panama, the park contains some of the countries richest biodiversity with seven of the 12 life zones found here. Quetzales, harpy eagles, 90 species of mammals including jaguars and pumas reside in this spectacular protected forest. Early this morning you'll depart Boquete for the 7-8 hour hike along the Sendero Los Quetzales with excellent chances of spotting the resplendent quetzal, for which the trail receives its name. For those not interested in such a long day, Boquete offers excellent biking, coffee tours, horseback riding and shorter hikes.

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. The whitewater rafting is exhilarating and the Chiriqui river is world renown for its easily accessed non-stop Class III-IV rapids. The steep canyons and thick jungle provide a breath taking setting for the adrenaline packed trip. If you prefer drier activities, you can choose from an assortment of activities around Boquete. A local coffee tour lead by a small coffee plantation owner is one of the most highly recommended or you can choose from half a dozen day hikes, rent bikes and tour the countryside or go horseback riding.

Today our Panama travels take us onwards to the charming Caribbean town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon. We'll arrive around mid-afternoon, and the rest of the day is yours to wander this charming town and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. A welcome-to-Bocas dinner tonight is on us.

Today we board a motor launch to explore some of the areas most idyllic beaches, forests and snorkeling waters. The island's midsection and surrounding waters are protected in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and the entire island offers nature lovers an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. The waters here are filled with brilliant parrot fish, angel fish, red snapper, slender needle fish and many others. Four species of sea turtles come ashore to nest on some beaches and the forests are home to many endemic and endangered species such as neon colored frogs, the red billed tropic bird and two and three toed sloths. Tonight, enjoy the laid back night life of Bocas town.

A short flight takes you over vast jungles and into the center of Panama's vibrant capital city. You'll be met at the airport for a tour of the ruins of Panama La Vieja where the mountains of Peru's gold once crossed and later the pirate Henry Morgan ransacked in search of that same gold. Next it's off to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to observe the "eighth wonder of the world." Locomotives tie onto the mammoth ships and pull them through the locks to lessen the chance of mishap. The day ends with a visit to charming Colonial Panama where some of the city's best restaurants and boutiques are quickly revitalizing the area.

With a few more days for Panama travel, you might visit the San Blas Islands and the Kuna Indians or stay at the famous Rainforest Tower.