Hi,
Looking for a relatively close place from NYC to take our girls (13 & 11)to explore and expand their horizons. They've gotten some pretty good exposure to the U.S. including some camping down in St. Johns.
Also we've taken them to the isle of Grenada, which was a pretty good intro to a non-U.S. culture.
I'm thinking Costa Rica or pushing the envelope a bit w/ Ecuador.
I've been to C.R. and loved it, even though it was 18 years ago: Pre tourist invasion.
Any & all thoughts are appreciated.
We hike, bike, swim, and like horses.
TIA,
Pete

I don't think you could go wrong with either Panama or CR for your girls - both have lots to offer...
Panama is still undiscovered to not as crowded or touristy as CR and you can do pretty much the same stuff in both countries.

Cheers,
Andrew

Thanks Andrew;
I've actually just begun to do my homework on CR. It seems a bit more geared for what our family needs.
I actually visited there about 16 years ago w/ 2 other friends.
Back then there were few tourists and even getting a rental car wasn't easy.The beach at M.A.---as well as the rain forest--- were virtually empty. I'll try the CR board.
Thanks,
pete

Might want to think about Mexico too. Away from the beach- colonial cities can be fascinating. Oaxaca would provide exposure to ruins and a wide array of indigenous culture, folk art, etc. Lots of other places in Mexico would do likewise.

Pete,
Take a look at Panama - with kids at their age the history and culture of Panama would probably be very interesting - a visit to an indigenous village - where they live the same as they have for centuries - Spanish forts, the Panama Canal... And on top of that the beaches, mountains and rain forest like CR - Panama would be more like you remember CR... not overrun by tourists...

Cheers,
Andrew

Pete: I'm 38 y.o, from Connecticut, married with 2 boys. I think Ecuador will be great for your girls and you will save a TON of money. I've been a few times to take Spanish classes (I'm not an outdoors person, but if you are then Ecuador is perfect).

Ecuador is very safe, the people are laid back, it's 4 hours from Miami, they're in the NYC time zone, they use US money officially, and it's very easy to get around. Your girls can explore a safe foreign cities with great sites (Quito and Cuenca, for example), see volcanos, hike, ride horses, meet locals, etc. Did I mention that you'll save a TON of money?

I'll be in Quito and Cuenca in June with my two small boys. Email me if that's your time frame and we would be glad to meet up with you for a day.

John
[email protected]