brendazzzz

We're trying to decide where to go for my husband's 55th birthday in November. We like beaches, snorkeling, nature, and wild life and preferably off the beaten path. Could you please tell me about your favorite vacations that in the Mexico, Central America, or Caribbean area?

Thank you in advance for any info you might provide. We've gotten invaluable info from all you experts in the past!

hopefulist

We've had a total of 5 wonderful vacations, +/- a month each to Belize and Honduras - all amazing experiences. They offer all that you're asking for plus fabulous Maya ruins and a variety of cultures. Here's a link to our photos and travelogues:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Happy trails! Keep us posted!

hopefulist

Truth be told, Guatemala is my favorite country outside of the US. If you want to be blown away by culture consider a Guatemala/Belize or Guatemala/Honduras combination.

brendazzzz

Thank you for that info. Lots of good reading and photos there!

volcanogirl

How about Bosque del Cabo?

http://www.bosquedelcabo.com/home/index.html

I'd pair it with another CR location like Arenal.

JeanH

Off the beaten path, nice beaches, beautiful scenery. Isla Providencia, part of Colombia, but actually closer to Nicaragua. You can fly to San Andres via Panama City, then either fly or boat to Providencia. It's what I would guess the Caribbean might have been like 30+ years ago.

volcanogirl

You might like St. John or the BVIs also.

qwovadis

Belize

www.cavesbranch.com for jungle adventure

www.robertsgrove.com for beach

do a combo...

volcanogirl

Also check out Chan Chich for wildlife; you could combine it with a beach location. Check out Chaa Creek too.

brendazzzz

Thanks so much for your replies. I'll definitely check them out!!

brendazzzz

I've done a little research and this is what I think. 1) I'm afraid Belize might be out of our price range. 2) My husband refuses to go to Columbia. He doesn't think the country is stable enough. 3) Already has a wonderful time at St. John. I think I read that Costa Rica is cheaper but there's so much to do it's a little overwhelming. What would be a reasonable itinerary for a first timer for one week?

volcanogirl

For CR, most first timers do a combo of Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Gives you volcano time and beach time and a lot of adventure activities. If you want something a little wilder and off the beaten path, you might sub the Osa for MA; Arenal and the Osa is a good combo too.

Tortuguero and Monteverde are popular too. Tortuguero is mostly canals with a lot of wildlife, and Monteverde is cloud forest. Good for birding.

You can get some good deals for Belize on Luxury Link if it still interests you. I've seen Chaa Creek and Chan Chich, two very popular properties on there.

hopefulist

Chaa Creek and Chan Chich are also 2 of the very most expensive properties in Belize. There are lots of great budget to mid-priced options that are clean, comfortable, friendly, and well located for area tours.

Just for fun - if you let me know how long you plan to be away, your interests (jungle, ruins, hiking, caving, snorkeling, diving, etc.), and what you're hoping to spend per night I'll see what springs to mind. I've stayed at about a dozen places in Belize and have helped relatives and friends find half a dozen more and would love the challenge.

volcanogirl

Nice 4 night packages for Chaa Creek on LL for around seven hundred bucks - a great deal if you do want to stay at an upscale property. Just throwing it out there since it's a special occasion.

Check out Silencio del Campo and Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area - very popular properties and not too pricey. We love the Lost Iguana, and sometimes you can get a night free or a percentage off on their specials page of their website. This area has a gorgeous waterfall, natural hot springs, an active volcano, and great hiking.

In MA, check out Mango Moon, Costa Verde, Si Como No, Tulemar Bungalows, and Villas Nicolas. The Mot Mot Villa at Tulemar is really popular. The beach inside the park is gorgeous, and there are a lot of restaurant choices. Loads of wildlife like monkeys and sloths, but a little tame.

We stay at BdC on the Osa, but there are more affordable properties there if you're interested. Best place to see wildlife that we've been to.

In Monteverde, Fonda Vela is nice. You can see quetzals.

hipvirgochick

hopefulist -- I'm considering Belize/Guatemala next year. I'm not sure what type of accommodations yet as part is depending right now if friends come (so share vs not share). But would def be more budget to moderate with a small (few nights maybe) splurge. I would love to correspond with you via e-mail if your willing to send me your contact info to [email protected]

Thanks!

hopefulist

Hi, hip -
I sent you an email and would be happy to help in any way I can. In my opinion "more budget to moderate with a small (few nights maybe) splurge" is the way to go in developing countries. The nicest, fanciest resorts sweep people off their feet but for my money they also isolate you from the local color and culture. If I wanted that isolation and to have US style amenities and service I could save money and stay in the US.

That said, it's nice to be able to splurge a bit now and then. Keep me posted!

brendazzzz

hopefulist - thanks so much for the offer! Let me get with my husband to see what "he's" most interested in, since it is his birthday. I'd definitely love to get your input. Thanks again!!

brendazzzz

volcanogirl, I'm sorry... Thank YOU too for all the info. That will be very helpful as well.

hopefulist

Looking forward to some vicarious travel planning!

suze

How about Mexico? the area on the Caribbean side down around Tulum & Akumal? Or Isla Mujeres?

I've yet to get to that side but hear only good things about it.