Experience the vacation of a lifetime in an oasis of unimaginable beauty, in a destination long beloved by dreamers, explorers and adventurers. Where lush jungles are so filled with life, you can almost feel the strangler figs and orchids growing around you. And a profusion of birds and animals—from jewel-hued macaws to acrobatic monkeys—thrill the senses. You'll find secluded tropical islands strung like pearls in the blue Pacific. And an enchanting undersea world brimming with coral gardens and a multitude of vibrant tropical fish. There's endless sun-soaked beaches, mighty volcanoes, and a vibrant melting pot of captivating indigenous cultures. It's beautiful, authentic and astonishing. Paradise awaits in Panama.

• Meet our friends in the local Emberá community, and learn about their way of life
• Discover the Panama Canal, a 99-year-old engineering marvel, at a private tour of the Miraflores Locks Museum
• Indulge in local delicacies as you watch the ships pass through the canal
• Hike amid bromeliads and wild avocados, keeping eyes peeled for stunning—yet elusive—quetzals and funny-looking three-wattled bellbirds
• Bike from Finca Lerida's coffee farm to Boquete through lush tropical terrain
• Snorkel with schools of colorful fish and, if you're lucky, hawksbill turtles
• Junior explorers whoop it up at a kids-only dinner while grown-ups savor gourmet cuisine at Panamonte Inn & Spa

Weaving together breathtaking scenery, colorful culture and astonishing wildlife encounters, our multisport adventures wrap you in the essence of Costa Rica. And everywhere, you'll experience what our friendly Tico hosts call pura vida—literally, pure life—which for us means a remarkable blend of discovery and relaxation in this nature lover's nirvana. Trek through luxuriant jungle, feeling the rush of excitement as a howler monkey's roar reverberates through the canopy. Relish the sun's warmth as you sip a batido (fruit milkshake) on a white-sand beach. And enjoy a rich array of activity options, from surfing to zip-line flying. The promise of family fun looms large in Costa Rica. Dive in and savor it all with Backroads!

• Watch for signs of life from unique Arenal Volcano while hiking, biking and soaking in natural hot springs
• Have a blast white-water rafting one of Central America's most pristine rivers
• In famous Manuel Antonio National Park, explore alongside experts who intimately know the country's incredible flora and fauna
• Listen for the call of birds and monkeys as you walk through primary forest and cross hanging bridges—up to 300 feet long
• Look forward to lots of kid-inspired fun—maybe even pick-up soccer with local niños
• Bask on peaceful beaches, soothed by the sounds of ocean waves