11 Days in CA - Where to go?
 

3 girlfriends and I are planning a trip to Central America in late August/early September. After taking out the travel days we should have about 11 days there.

We're trying to figure out where to go, and could use some advice - it's so hard to pick a place! We were initially attracted to Belize, but got turned off after seeing how pricey it is. The other countries we've been looking at are Honduras, Panama and Nicaragua.

Here are some of the things we're looking for:
1) BEACHES: This is the most important - we'd like 4-5 days of solid beach time, since 3 of us live in SF and it is not exactly tropical during the summer. :) Preferably with a cool beach-y nightlife included.
2) SIGHTSEEING: We get bored with nothing but beaches, so we want to see some cool things - bonus points for ruins. Cute towns are also good.
3) OUTDOOR: We're not hardcore with the outdoor activities and trekking, but a cool hike or two would be nice.

Is more than one country feasible (on a budget) in only 11 days? From my brief research it looked like flights were pricey between countries, but I'd love to get some other opinions.

Thanks!

I would not go to Nicaragua, that's not a good country for Americans for various reasons, not the least of which is its president and/or its legal system (two words: Eric Volz).

Go to Ambergris Caye in Belize. Go to Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai, or take a flight to Tikal, Guatemala. Go ziplining in the jungle; dive at the Blue Hole; etc.

And Belize is a friendly country that is the only one in the Western Hemisphere whose sole official language is English (everyone speaks Spanish, many speak Creole; the US has no official language) and has a legal tradition that comes from the Brits, not one dominated by Castro sympathizers.

As many hurricanes that are being predicted this year, my vote is for Bocas Del Toro in Panama! So much fun, great nightlife, something for all budgets, great beaches and it's above the hurricane belt. On, I don't think they have ruins though...

While I can't comment on Nicaragua's beaches, the recommendation against going there surprises me.

Nicaragua is lovely, and in no way does it feel hostile towards Americans in particular. But it IS challenging in some ways, if you're a first timer to the developing world. Granada is easily the most intact but not overly restored colonial city I've visited. Very much a living city. But even Granada has a visible element of poverty one must expect. Still, the country is said to have the lowest crime rates in Latin America.

After looking at the travel times between sites in Nicaragua (not fans of spending half our time in buses with a trip of this length - I'll save that one for when I have more time to travel), we decided for Honduras. It seemed to have the best mix of beaches and ruins. Thanks!

Kristen, I hope you will report back. We're going to Honduras in March, and I will be eager to read trip reports between then and now.

Be sure to include the Island of Roatan, Honduras. One of the top ten beaches in the world, West Bay Beach. For cheap accommodations, stay in West End, great shops, restaurants, bars, very laid back. West End, for a little adventure try sailing from Sundowners http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgR7pNBsCmk Then just take a water taxi to West Bay, or walk there along the shore. You won't be disappointed.

Good choice! We've loved every place we've stayed and everything we've done during our 3 trips to Honduras. You can check out my photos with detailed travelogues linked on the main page of each collection:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Happy trails!