We loved Costa Rica - where next??
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Pat
Trending Topics
#8
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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...
#10
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
#11
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#17
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
#18
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
travelbunnies
Mexico & Central America
5
Mar 2nd, 2006 07:17 PM