What's the best value for travel in Latin America. I'm looking for someplace where I can get by with very little money and still have a great time. Belize?

Belize isn't that cheap, or at least I didn't find it to be cheap. Their dollar is tied into the US dollar exchange rate (2 Belize $ for 1 USD) so for Canadians, it wasn't a deal. Parts of Mexico can be inexpensive (particularly the interior). I haven't been there, but Guatemala is supposed to be very inexpensive. <BR> <BR>I guess it depends on what you want - if you want beach or culture, or whatever! <BR>

I'm looking for culture, mostly. I am an arm chair sociologist and I enjoy seeing and learning about how other people live. It would be nice if there were some tourist attractions, too, but mostly I want to see daily life and experience different cuisine.

Both Mexico and Guatemala would have lots of opportunities to experience different cultures. We keep going back to Mexico for just that reason. It's a big country with lots to offer. Oaxaca is a fascinating smaller city south of Mexico City and I've heard that San Cristobal de Casas is very interesting. Guatemala would be similar. <BR> <BR>Belize does have the Mayan culture and there are numerous archeological sites to visit. English is their national language, but there are many Spanish speaking there as well. <BR> <BR>In terms of food, I love the variety and complexity of Mexican food. In Belize, it was fine, but not special. Since I haven't been to Guatemala, can't comment there.

I agree with susan on belize _ I found it fairly expensive even eight years ago, and while the ruins, etc., were interesting and the people very friendly and welcoming, it just did not have the wealth of culture that mexico offers. If you are specifically looking for inexpensive, i suggest either oaxaca or one of the interior cities that are less-touristed by americans, like perhaps zacatecas. my pick would be oaxaca _ you can spend several days just exploring the city, which has one of the most beautiful and fun zocalos i've visited in mexico. and there are dozens of worthwhile daytrips where you can see ruins, markets, little villages. You can get all over the countryside on the local bus, maybe a dollar or two for a whole day of riding. The folk art is great, the people are warm, and the food is very good. I have only been in guatemala once for three days, but i was also taken by their food and arts _ and as i recall it was very inexpensive. happy planning!

We are on a budget--yet we spend one month a year on Isla Mujeres and <BR>spend what one week would cost on some other eastern carribean islands. <BR>We can send you our 15 page travel <BR>brouchre on the Island if you request <BR>dan and ginny <BR>