Ecuador, Panama, or Costa Rica
 

We would like to venture somewhere new in March with our high school and college aged kids. We have a great interest in these three countries, but are looking for recommendations to help us choose which one. We will be traveling for about 10 days and don't plan to stay in cities (other than flying in there.). We want to see natural beauty and plan to stay on or near the ocean and hope to rent a car to get around while there. Any recommendations?

We've been to Costa Rica several times and love it. Our favorite areas are the Arenal area, Manuel Antonio (beach), and the Osa. Check out Tulemar Bungalows in MA; they have their own beach there and lots of wildlife on property. For the Osa, we like Bosque del Cabo, but it's quite isolated - very pretty with lots of wildlife.

I as well liked Tulemar Bungalows, but the private beach was downright fugly.

For March, Costa Rica and Panama (dry season). For driving around in nature/beauty outside of cities, Costa Rica.

I would recommend buying a guidebook to see what's appealing and where everything is located relative to the airport and to see what works as a viable itinerary.

Haven't been to Panama. Loved Ecuador. Here's my TR. Thought CR pretty but not particularly interesting.

Oops! Left off the link to the TR. http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...in-ecuador.cfm

Hello. Ecuador is a great place! It has almost of all: beaches, nature, the Andes Mountains, Part of Amazonas, volcanoes and pretty towns.

If you want to stay near the ocean Galapagos is a good idea. Also Salinas has a pretty beach and you can get there by a car from Guayaquil, the ride is about 2 hours.

If you want to stay near the ocean Galapagos is a good idea. Also Salinas has a pretty beach and you can get there by a car from Guayaquil, the ride is about 2 hours.