Hi everyone. My husband and I have been investigating a trip to Central America. It all started after I read an article on Belize. We are interested in combining a beach-type vacation with a jungle vacation experience. I am particularly interested in snorkeling, light-to-moderate adventure activities, and seeing animals in their native habitat. Based on these criteria, where in C. America would you suggest?

PS - I would prefer it not be terribly hard to reach from major US cities. In other words, I don't want to take 3 planes to get there.

Costa Rica! You'll love it and its people!

I would have to say Belize if snorkelling is first on your list of priorites

Thanks for your replies. I'll look into CR a little more. But WHERE in Costa Rica? I know nothing about the country! Can anyone give me two great spots - one beach and one jungle? What sorts of wildlife is one apt to see in CR?

Still haven't ruled out Belize. If we go for our scuba cert we'll definitely go to Belize. Thanks.

If snorkeling and scuba is your thing , go Belize . If wildlife , hiking , waterfalls , volcanos , whitewater rafting , rainforests , cloudforests , zip-lines , tropical beaches , coffee plantations , etc. Costa Rica .Of course Belize has a lot of these things as well , plus it does offer ruins , but typically one thinks of Costa Rica . You could land in San Jose , one night in the area , off to Arenal Volcano and area for 2 nights , perhaps Monteverde , and a beach area like Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio . What is your budget .... We could help with hotel suggestions .

We saw lots of monkeys, sloths and birds in Costa Rica. But, it was in Panama that we saw the elusive jaguarundi..... (as well as monkeys, sloths and birds).

Why not both (depending on your budget and time off!)? I am going to Belize first next Feb and after 9 days will fly to Costa Rica. We'll get several days of snorkeling, experience some wildlife inland and south to Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize and then more wildlife and some adventure stuff in CR. If you like rustic places you could save on hotel bills. Just a thought!

Do not mean to highjack the thread but if you are still online do you mind me asking where you stayed in Panama - everytime i think i have a handle on it i get confused. Thanks alot!

We spent a full two weeks in Panama, so had some time to move around. Several nights in Panama City, two nights in the San Blas Islands (Kuna Yala), almost a week in Bocas del Toro, a couple nights at Canopy Tower and one night at Gamboa. I would like to go to the Boquete area some time, but we were traveling from the midwest in January and were in search of heat.

If you decide to go to Boquete, which is simply beautiful, consider the Panamonte or the Coffee Estate Inn. Either will offer lovely accomodations at a reasonable price. Volcano tours and hikes will be available there.

for jungle in Costa Rica, it has to be Corcovado...

Yes, I too would suggest Corcovado. Jungle wildlife, scarlet macaws and the beach!

We stayed at Drake Bay - snorkelled at Cano Island which was great except for a few small jelly fish (saw turles and reef sharks). Also hiked in Corcovado and saw lots of animals, birds and reptiles.
It was the best part of our Costa Rican adventure...