We have the option to go to one of the places for about 10 days in Dec. This will be our first trip to Central/South America. Would like to get help to pick one country.

We love culture, food and water sports. We avoid anything, anywhere or any atmosphere that is all-inclusive like .

Thanks!

I've yet to visit South America because I'm stuck for now going back over and over to the countries I love in Central America. My Belize travelogue is linked with photos on the site below if you're interested. Happy trails!

http://flickr.com/photos/staceyholem...7600088448630/

We spent 10 days in Colombia this past January. A few nights in Cartagena, then onto the islands of San Andres and Providencia. We loved the trip, although, the islands although part of Colombia, don't feel Colombian. The culture is more Caribbean.

I'd love to go back and see more of the country.

I spend a lot of time in Belize. I love it there. I think it will feel more familar to you than the other destinations you mention, especially since it's English speaking.

Thanks, hopefullist and JeanH! A picture is worth 1000 words. Belize is indeed very Caribbean. And I almost forgot about the language difference.

According to guidebook recommendations, domestic flights are needed. Any tips on getting those tickets?

Ecuador and Venezuela are most likely out because of the flights.

Here's the site I've used for flights within Belize: http://mayaislandair.com/
There's another airline but the prices are similar. Keep us posted!

I fly Tropic Air while in Belize, not sure why, other than that's what the hotel where I first stayed booked my ticket.

There really isn't much difference between Tropic and Maya, they use the same kind of plane.

http://www.tropicair.com/

Have you given up on Colombia? We flew there on Avianca airlines, out of Miami.

Thanks for your information! And I apologize for my late reply. I am in the middle of a less enjoyable vacation... I have been hoping everyday to get on the Internet and figure out the Latin America trip... Will come back to you as soon as I can.

P.S. JeanH, Colombia is not out.

Hopefulist and JeanH, just thought giving you an update. I am heading to Peru. Turned out the flights to Peru worked out the best. Thank you very much for your help. And looking forward to seeing you in the Peru threads.

Looking forward to your travelogue!!

Peru in a word: Amazing! The people are friendly and sweet, the ruins give goosebumps, the travel feels like an adventure, you will love it!

belize - awesome for outdoor activities, diving/snorkeling, cave with mayan pottery and skeletons called actun munikal, tubing, etc., tikal in guatemala, the beaches in the cayes arent great because of all of the seaweed -- other than tikal, i didnt feel there was much "culture" in belize
food was so so, guatemala had good food,

ecuador - loved galapagos!, otavalo, markets, quito, more expensive than belize because of the galapagos
this would be a combo of culture nature and water, food was good.

peru - great for culture, machupicchu, (i went to manu which was very interesting), the markets, people, lake titicaca, this is more culture than water sports, food was good

never been to colombia or venezuela, heard colombia is very nice but i dont know about safety...

Peru ! It is your ONLY choice !