walkonthebeach

We would like to venture somewhere new in March with our high school and college aged kids. We have a great interest in these three countries, but are looking for recommendations to help us choose which one. We will be traveling for about 10 days and don't plan to stay in cities (other than flying in there.). We want to see natural beauty and plan to stay on or near the ocean and hope to rent a car to get around while there. Any recommendations?

volcanogirl

We've been to Costa Rica several times and love it. Our favorite areas are the Arenal area, Manuel Antonio (beach), and the Osa. Check out Tulemar Bungalows in MA; they have their own beach there and lots of wildlife on property. For the Osa, we like Bosque del Cabo, but it's quite isolated - very pretty with lots of wildlife.

baldone

I as well liked Tulemar Bungalows, but the private beach was downright fugly.

RAC

For March, Costa Rica and Panama (dry season). For driving around in nature/beauty outside of cities, Costa Rica.

I would recommend buying a guidebook to see what's appealing and where everything is located relative to the airport and to see what works as a viable itinerary.

yestravel

Haven't been to Panama. Loved Ecuador. Here's my TR. Thought CR pretty but not particularly interesting.

yestravel

Oops! Left off the link to the TR. http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...in-ecuador.cfm

johanna_lee

Hello. Ecuador is a great place! It has almost of all: beaches, nature, the Andes Mountains, Part of Amazonas, volcanoes and pretty towns.

johanna_lee

If you want to stay near the ocean Galapagos is a good idea. Also Salinas has a pretty beach and you can get there by a car from Guayaquil, the ride is about 2 hours.

johanna_lee

If you want to stay near the ocean Galapagos is a good idea. Also Salinas has a pretty beach and you can get there by a car from Guayaquil, the ride is about 2 hours.