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-   -   last minute trip to Central America (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/last-minute-trip-to-central-america-924944/)

ginger50 Feb 22nd, 2012 09:51 AM

last minute trip to Central America
 
I am taking advantage of having a free house/pet sitter for the 1st 3 weeks in March and am wondering where to go. I'd like to keep it to Central America since the flight is not long from the Midwest, I have Delta Air Miles to spend, and I can travel for cheap.

I recently spent 2 weeks in Mexico (Oaxaca and VeraCruz states) and last year spent 2 months in Guatemala. My inclination is to return to Guatemala since it's 1. familiar and 2. cheap, but Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica are all fairly intriguing.

Most likely I would go somewhere with a Spanish school for 2 weeks, then travel around for a week. I'm accepting any and all recommendations.

Thanks,

Ginger

volcanogirl Feb 22nd, 2012 09:53 AM

We've been to Costa Rica several times and love it. The wildlife is absolutely amazing.

RAC Feb 22nd, 2012 10:11 AM

What floats your boat--ruins, wildlife, beaches, indigenous cultures, adventure activities, hiking, natural scenery?

ginger50 Feb 22nd, 2012 10:20 AM

All of the above. And I speak Spanish, so can get around easily..

ginger50 Feb 22nd, 2012 10:27 AM

Oh, and I need somewhere with good Wifi ability so I can do my job from the road.
My experience in Guatemala with Wifi was really good.

hopefulist Feb 22nd, 2012 01:31 PM

You know how I feel about Guatemala - I head back there every year. I think you'd like Honduras. It's not as colorful as Guatemala but has a beautiful, varied terrain, interesting towns and villages, some nice ruins and jungly areas, and the beautiful Bay Islands.

The Ixbalanque school in Copán Ruinas is terrific and the town is a great place to spend a few weeks; if you contact them be sure to tell them hi from Stacey. :-)

You can see my photos, blogs, etc. below. Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

ginger50 Feb 22nd, 2012 02:10 PM

That sounds like the ticket, Stacey. Maybe 2 weeks at Ixbalanque and a week at a beach?

hopefulist Feb 22nd, 2012 03:51 PM

Yep - that's what I'd do! How much are you looking to spend on the island part? I might have some recommendations for you there, too.

ginger50 Mar 1st, 2012 08:09 AM

Thanks for all of the advise. Slight change of plans. Instead of having a housesitter for 3 weeks in March I now have one for 4 months Sept-Dec. Current operating plan is to go to San Pedro de Laguna for 2-2.5 months, rent an apartment (suggestions?) do some volunteer work, then travel for 4-6 weeks thru Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and leave from Panama back to the States.

I'm just starting to plan this and am open to any information anyone has.

starrs Mar 1st, 2012 08:11 AM

That is so exciting! Can't wait to hear about your adventure!

hopefulist Mar 1st, 2012 10:45 AM

Hi, again!
Sounds AWESOME! Have you considered one of the apartments at the Cooperativa? Might at least be a good place to start while you look for something else. The staff there might know what's available around town, too. Mike and I loved staying there in 2010 but I've decided to live with a local family for my 3 weeks there this summer. Happy trails!

ginger50 Mar 1st, 2012 11:36 AM

I have considered it but I'm not so sure that I'll take classes this time. I may stay at the Hotel Sakcari for a few days until I find something. Also, I have a couple of acquaintences that live there and am going to solicit their help..


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