Motorcycling

Motorcyclists with their own bikes should know that the lion's share of Panama roads are twisty-curvy, with the exception of the Pan-American Highway. Also, most roads off this highway are peppered with potholes, and it is common to see farm animals blocking or sharing the road. The company ACS Motorcycle Tours (tel. 727/787-6278 in the U.S., or 236-7232 in Panama; www.acs-panama.com) offers 10-, 14-, and 21-day Panama-Costa Rica motorcycle tours with a support vehicle, and can include other Central American countries. Tours happen from September to January, and cost $2,850 (rider) and $1,550 (passenger), which includes everything except the flight to Panama.