I am hoping to spend a month in Central America next spring and need help planning. I would like to spend at least a week in Costa Rica but am open to any and all suggestions for other destinations. Where else should I go??

I want to spend most of my time in beach areas relaxing but would also like to visit the rainforest and ruins.

Sorry this is such a vague request but I need to start somewhere and Fodorites always have the best advice! Thank you in advance!!

I have no interest or history with Costa Rica so can't help there, but Honduras or Belize might be good for you - good combination of ruins, inland activities, and blue water opportunities. Guatemala is incredible but doesn't offer much in the way of watersports. My photos and travelogues are linked below if you're interested. Happy trails!

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

The Yucatan peninsula in Mexico is offers a lot of those things--realistically it has more in common with Central America than it does with Northern Mexico.

Belize has a lot of those things too.

Lots of variables though--price, creature comforts, etc.

Congrats on your trip.

Hopefulist is right culturally Guatemala and Belize have more
history but in 4 weeks you can
go all over.

Might fly into GUA on Taca usually
cheapest then go up to Belize

www.calicojacksvillage.com

www.mayan-traveler.com

for mayan cultural sites

then hop www.ticabus.com

to Nica Costa Rica Panama.

www.hotelcolonialgranada.com

my fav in Nica

Arenal Monteverde

www.manuelantoniopark.com in CR.

on down to PC fly out or bus back

to GUA...

Do not miss www.lacasadelmundo.com

at Atitlan

Have Fun,

Thank you SO much for the great info and links!