Go to Guatemala. I was there during Semana Santa, and nine days is just enough time to take in Tikal, Antigua, and Lago de Atitlan. I’m guessing that Antigua will be beautifully decorated for Christmas, and it receives a good number of tourists so you should be able to party (no clubs, but some cool bars). The sightseeing is outstanding—it basically combines the natural beauty of Costa Rica with the colonial towns and pre-Hispanic ruins of Mexico.

Let me know if you need more info…but in short, I loved Guate more than perhaps every other place in Latin America, except you know where.

Do Costa Rica, baby! I’ll be there this coming winter!

Costa Rica is a great suggestion for many reasons…

1. Sun
2. Sand
3. Surf
4. Inexpensive Accomodations
5. Cheap flights

Really?? Tehehe, I’ve just never heard anyone saying Costa Rica is worth anything LOL

Thanks, you guys, I’ll take Guatemala and Costa Rica into consideration, see which one is more affordable at this point in my life and start checking out on Costa Rica.

No no no. Olvidate de Costa Rica! Si vas a viajar………….vete a Panama!!!! Hay de todo en Panama!

Just kiddin’ about CA. It’s nice, too.

It depends on your personal taste… People who surf, and/or are looking to simply relax on the beach, for relatively little money… Choose places like Costa Rica and Belize al the time…

Well, actually I’m thinking also in terms of distance. I’d love to go to Argentina or Brazil or Chile, but it’s expensive to get there plus it takes time. I want to choose something that’s sort of in my back yard, but since I never thought of those places, I really don’t know what is there to see.

quote:
Well, actually I’m thinking also in terms of distance. I’d love to go to Argentina or Brazil or Chile, but it’s expensive to get there plus it takes time. I want to choose something that’s sort of in my back yard, but since I never thought of those places, I really don’t know what is there to see.

(coughing)

*Panama

(coughing)

quote:

quote:
Well, actually I’m thinking also in terms of distance. I’d love to go to Argentina or Brazil or Chile, but it’s expensive to get there plus it takes time. I want to choose something that’s sort of in my back yard, but since I never thought of those places, I really don’t know what is there to see.

(coughing)

*Panama

(coughing)

Gesundheit

There is plenty to see in Guatemala, it is close by, and Skillet mentioned the favorites. What a nice time of year; I am sure Chichicastenango would have an especially colorful market on if you are into that kind of thing.

Hello,

I am yet another person stating that Costa Rica is the place. It has the most beautiful and varied landscape as well as great outdoor adventures and exoctic animals. The people are wonderful as well.

Happy travels

Wow, thanks, I’m feeling sparkly already. So I narrowed the list from the world to 3 countries… Gosh, I need to start saving up….

Mexico!

She is already there mate!

Costa Rica is the wealthiest and most economically-stable nation in all of Central America. But still, cheap for North American travellers and other countries "alike" (economically, obviously).

Do you think you’re going to be able to pull off a cheap trip at that time of year?

quote:
Do you think you’re going to be able to pull off a cheap trip at that time of year?

I don’t know if I’ll be able to pull off a trip, I moved last night, and these expenses got me by the neck right now. I don’t think I’ll be able to save in such short notice, but I’ll give it a shot anyways.

Thanks

I still maintain that you can travel cheap to Guatemala. You could even go overland. The Jungle Party Hostal in Antigua is $7/night or you can chill out on Lake Atitlan instead for not much more. It costs nothing to wander around the lake, to browse the Thursday/Saturday markets at Chichicastenango, or to check out Antigua’s incredible churches (although there is a small admission fee to see the adjacent ruins). The chicken buses to/from are dirt cheap, safe, and quite an experience.

To help keep costs down, there is always street vendor food. Mmmm elotes….

The more I think about it, Guatemala may, as a whole, be my favorite country in Latin America.

Well, let’s see what I can do for saving up. Being independent is more expensive than I thought Maybe I could even take the overnight bus to the border in Chiapas and then figure out how to get to Guatemala, and if I can’t make it, Chiapas is gorgeous, I wouldn’t mind going there again.

So is anyone doing Costa Rica (and its neighbouring countries) this winter?

Not this winter, I don’t think so unless I get some luck. Are you doing Costa Rica??

How does one do a country?

I’ve done bitches and drugs, but a country seems quite a task!

Sickboy, just don’t "do" a country. You won’t like it…