We loved Costa Rica - where next??
 

We just returned from an amazing trip to Costa Rica. We loved the wildlife, the off the beaten path feel of the country, the combo of jungle hiking and relaxing on the beach, the reasonable prices and charming people. Before we left, we were already thinking of returning. However, I'm curious if there are other places which we would enjoy? I'm posting this on the Latin America board but I'm open to all ideas!

Hi,
Where did you stay while in CR? I am going in May and am curious about your visit.

Thanks!

Jenniemojo, check out the postings on beautiful Panama.

I agree...Panama is a great choice for your next trip! It's similar to Costa Rica, but less crowded. Panama also offers visitors amazing islands and indigenous cultures.

Go to Belize. If you want combo jungle & beach, then do ambergris caye for beach,then go over to mainland for jungle lodge. Friendly people and everybody speaks English. The Mayan Ruins in Belize and the big one in Guatemala called Tikal(just over border and day or overnight trips done from Belize) have to be one of the highlights of multiple Belize & Costa Rica trips. My 2 cents worth.

Big island of hawaii, without a doubt.

keith

I agree with Txtrav1, Belize has a lot of wildlife and is beautiful, though maybe not quite as lush as Costa Rica (close though). The jungle lodges are great, lots of activities like canoeing, caving, and hiking in the area. Placencia on the south coast is another option for beach - the cayes have fantastic snorkeling. And the Mayan ruins add yet another dimension. We've also done the Slickrock Adventure Week in Belize, and loved it.
Pat

jenniemojo - Although each Central American country definitely has its own identity, pick out any other place in Latin America and you will find similarities to Costa Rica. What I mean is that most have rainforests to explore, beaches, small islands off the coast, old world architecture, Mayan ruins etc. I have been to Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras and loved them all because of the combination of experiences that you described. If you have not been to Belize, I would say go there and split your time between the mainland and Ambergris Caye. Next up for me is a Nicaragua/Costa Rica trip...

Thanks - Belize sounds like a great option.

Went to Belize 3 yrs ago and CR last yr. Going to Panama late May - early June. Chose Panama cause we loved CR and they say tourist wise Panama is like CR was 20-30 yrs ago. also supposed to be at least equal or even better than CR wildlife wise.

We loved and had a great time in Belize and the people are great but the beachesjust don't compare to CR. Also there are not many (or any?) easily accessible places that I'm aware of in Belize where the jungle meets the ocean like in CR. You go must go inland to get to real jungle.Maybe we just had bad luck but we did not see near the wildlife in Belize as CR. We just thought it was so cool how in CR we could watch the surf while at the same time monkeys crashed around in the trees above and macaws were flying about. If I had to choose between going back to either CR or Belize I would choose CR.

To me Belize is similar to Costa Rica, except the snorkeling/diving is better. When I travel I usually like to experience new places and something different.
Since you say that you like wildlife, the jungle and the beach, I would recommend Australia. Queensland has rainforests, wildlife that is unique in the world, fantastic beaches and the best snorkeling/diving in the world at the Great Barrier Reef.
Australia is one of the few places I will likely visit again since I felt I barely scratched the surface of it.

Greek islands are also really nice, some without too much tourists, authentic people, great water, great beach, awesome villages

Don't count on seeing any wildlife in Greece but it is a gorgeous destination.

not too much wildlife, you are right :) but a lot of cats, everywhere...

How about safari in Africa? Wildlife everywhere your guide takes you.

Ah, a safari in Africa is our dream vacation! I've been to Sydney, but didn't have the opportunity to explore the rest of Australia, which does sound amazing. Thanks for the great advice, I'm getting very inspired.

definitely an African safari - but for a more reasonable priced trip - you might enjoy Brazil too. We were in CR last summer and can't wait to go back - definitely a highlight of all our travels too!

We have been to Belize which I really enjoyed. I really liked the ruins and the crystal clear water off the coast.

I am looking forward to visiting family in New Zealand and then going over to Australia hopefully next year or shortly after. That has always been my dream trip.

We went to Argentina last year and enjoyed Iquazu falls although it is very touristy. We are hoping to go again and get down to see the sea lions.

Aw heck....just spin the globe, close your eyes, and point. Except for a few places, it is a wonderful world out there.