glover

For lots of reasons we haven't been advance planners this year, so here we are in Nov. with no plans for our usual Jan/Feb 2 month max jaunt to warmer climes.

Just thought I'd see if I could get some inspiration/suggestions from Fodorites.
We've done Panama twice, CR 3x, and Mexico (several locations) several times as well.
We could go back and explore some of those again or do something new. We're in shape active geezers who like hiking, birding, nature but also urban pleasures like good food and interesting architecture, history, culture. We've seen a bit of Ecuador and Peru, but no more of South America. Am tempted by Colombia, Argentina, Chile.

We speak a little Spanish and like to practice it/go to classes. We also appreciate the lesser cost of visiting south . . We're game to find a great apt and settle in for full time, or to range about and visit say as many as 4 or 5 locations. . . of course, our resources aren't unlimited. Any Fodorites out there who want to rave their faves?

RAC

Have you considered Belize/Guatemala--lots of eco-stuff to do, as well as many fabulous Mayan ruins.

glover

Yes, I'm thinking about Guatemala as a possibility for sure. I dunno, for some reason, I've not been much interested in Belize - perhaps because it's English speaking - or because I've thought of it as younger generation destination . . Guess it would be easy to combine those two though

RAC

Belize is technically English speaking, but it's really a cultural hodge podge. We're doing Belize/Guatemala this coming February.

hopefulist

I think Guatemala and Belize combine really well as do Guatemala and Honduras - lots of photo collections with travelogue and blog links below. I've attended some great Spanish schools in Guatemala and Honduras so let me know if you're interested in longer reviews than the travelogues include. Happy trails and keep us posted!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

ttraveler

Guatemala may be a great spot for you to visit. Antigua has a lot of what you are interested in. Really great food, interesting culture and a lot of history. Check out Elizabeth Bells site. She offers a lot of interesting tours out of Antiuga, her city tour is wonderful.
Old town adventures offer many good tours as well.
Lake Atitlan is a beautiful spot as well.
Enjoy your two month trip... I am envious as I only get to go for a week at a time.

SusanInToronto

I'd recommend Guatemala as well - I absolutely loved it. We only had 10 days there - 2 months would be fabulous.

I notice that you also posted on the South American forum. This year, we're going to Buenos Aires and a couple of places in Uruguay. We've got 16 days this time around, but I think there is lots to see there.

glover

Hopefulist: Loved reading about your Guatemala travels and Spanish study. Thanks.

Susan - Uruguay - had forgotten about it - will look into it. Have heard lots of wonderful things. . .. Thanks for the suggestion!

Vttraveler

Another vote for Guatemala. We spent a week there in February and would have loved to spend more time. Tikal is a great destination for anyone interested in history and birding. Antigua is a fascinating and beautiful colonial city.

My husband has been to Mendoza, Argentina twice and highly recommends that area.
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...ba-mendoza.cfm