bouzin2

Where should I go for my first trip in Central or South America, I have between 8 &amp; 15 days. I'm looking for great architecture, history, adventure and a day or two at the beach relaxing. I'm photographer looking for interesting shots, something differents. <BR><BR>Please help.

Howard

One suggestion - fly into Guatmala City and out of Belize City.<BR><BR>Rough suggested plan:<BR><BR>Antigua, Guatamala - 3 days or so - one of my favorite places anywhere - great atmosphere - Spanish colonail architecture - nice scenery in surroundings<BR><BR>Guatamala highlands - pick out a town or two with market being held - perhaps 2 days one night<BR><BR>Tikal, Guatamala - two days for ruins (Mayan)<BR><BR>A day or so in Flores, Guatamala - boating, relaxing, hiking, nice atmosphere<BR><BR>Inland Belize - A couple of days at a lodge - ruins, hiking, caving<BR><BR>A couple of days on one of the Belize cays for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, diving<BR><BR>If you would like any more details, let me know.<BR><BR>

Dude

Since you specify Central or South America, I assume you have already spent time in Mexico. If you have not, I think it is a good first start. I am glad I spent some time in Mexico before I went to Honduras. Anyway, if you are not familiar with Mexico, I beleive you would find, say Oaxaca City and State a fascinating place which meets you critera and would be a little easier.

gailc

I completely agree with the Guatemala suggestions above. As a photographer, you could not do better in terms of people and scenery both. By all means, stay at the Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua.<BR><BR>Another wonderful photo destination is Ecuador. Start in Quito, with at least one overnight to the market town of Otavalo &amp; other small villages in that area. Then perhaps Cuenca for a few days. I'm not aware of any great beaches, though, and I would avoid Guayaquil altogether.

smith111

My suggestion: go to Belize. It´s a wonderful choice. I stayed on Ambergris Caye for 3 nights and it´s a very safe place. I´ll definitely try to go back even though I don´t enjoy snorkeling much.