Where is a good place to travel in South America- to explore history, culture and art, Costa Rica-Equador? TIA

I was looking for a balance of outdoor activities- biking, kayaking, with a good share of exploring the history, culture and art of the region. I am only beginning with the research for my trip, and any input would be appreciated.

here some ideas in Costa Rica
http://www.travelinparadisecr.com/
http://www.costaricatravelabout.com/freephotogallery.htm
http://www.costaricatravelinparadise.com/

guatemala!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While I've lived and traveled extensively throughout all of central and south america - I highly recommend either ECUADORr, PERU or COSTA RICA (especially if this is your first time to the region). Also - to get a good balance of local history, culture and outdoor activities - check out the lonely planet travel guides - they're great.

These 3 countries offer a variety of great outdoor travel options, they have a rich political and cultural history, they're relatively safe, and if you venture "off the beaten path" you can get a sense for what local life is really like. It's also great if you have family or friends you can visit - so you get a real sense of the culture etc.

If you travel to any of these places you should plan for at least 2 weeks (though a month is preferable). Flights can be expensive from the U.S. but once you arrive (if you stay away from heavy tourist areas) then prices can be very reasonable. My mom and I stayed at a beautiful b/b in Arequipa Peru for 4 nights (including breakfast/ laundry service/ balcony and pool) for just $120 total! ($60 each).

ECUADOR. The landscape (when you get out of the cities) is breathtaking. Also - you've got the Galapagos islands (though I went to a nearby island instead called the "poor man's Galapagos" which much cheaper and has all the same wildlife etc - and isn't as crowded).

PERU. (I was just there this past December/January) - it's got a lot of great food/ great culture etc. Outside of the cities you'll be amazed at the range of different landscapes within this country. From desert to mountains, to coastline. The best hiking is around Aguas Callientes/ Machu Picchu - you might want to try the Inca trail.

COSTA RICA - I haven't been there for about 7 years, but they have some great eco-tourism spots. Check out the pacific coast, Monteverde and the Arenal Volcano (which erupts every hour). We did quite a bit of hiking in the jungle areas of this country - though it was not my favorite hiking (lots of mud, rain, tree branches, snakes and other creatures).

Ecuador would be a good choice. Costa Rica also, but it has no history or culture to explore. Panama does not have any mayan heritage. If your truly want to explore the hisory and culture you should consider Guatemala, that also has the balance you are looking for. It has great outdoor activities like the ones you mention, plus white water rafting, cave exploring, cannopy, scuba diving, rappel, hiking, expeditions to the jungle, and many others. Plus it i has one of the greatest cultural heritage of the colonial times in Latin America, in Antigua a great and peaceful historical colonial city. Also and more breathtaking, is the great ancient mayan heritage, including the most spectacular cities of the Mayan World, especially Tikal, Yaxha, and many others in the department of Peten. Moreover, Guatemala has one of the few remaining "live culture" with the indigenous inhabitants of the highlands who are descendants of the glorious Mayan civilization and you can actually see and share their way of living, speaking and economic activities.
For more information search
http://www.expediciongt.com and http://guatemala.travelreality.com

Try Panama. It is a safe country to travel by bike. It offers kayaking, white water rafting. Panama has a rich cultural history. Panama has many indigenous tribes with a great examples of pre-colombian art. Panama also has other great traditional art from locals besides indigenous people.
Panama has it all.