Hi everyone!
Looking for recommendations for Central America. It's a two week trip- hiking, backpacking and lazing on beaches. Tossing between Nica @ Costa. Does anyone recommend Guatemala ? I've heard mixed reviews but Lonely planet says it's not bad if you travel smart. Thoughts ?! Thanks!

Guatemala is really good if you want to be exposed to their culture. The people are beautiful and there's lots of culture to see. There's not much for beaches nor the laid back vibe though. For that I'd go to the east coast of Costa Rica. There you have the Carribean culture with a reggie-like beat, lots of open friendly people and plenty of beaches. Do the class four white water rafting on the Paquare. It's expensive but so worth it. Note Guatemala was '93 and Costa Rica was '06.

Go to Nicaragua. I was there last year and I'm going to El Salvador on Friday. Nicaragua is similar to Costa rica but cheaper and less Americanized. Go to San Juan del sur. It's a cool beach town with surfing, swimming and good night life.

Buena Vista Surf Club in San Juan Del Sur

Loved Costa Rica but found it very Americanized as well as very expensive. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Nicaragua and Honduras. Two of my next choices !

I just came back from Belize, amazing trip, reasonable accommodation prices and super cheap food. Beautiful Mayan ruins as well (a number to choose from)

I thought Costa Rica was expensive too. LOVED Belize - especially Caye Caulker.

Jillian Walker same, I just got back from there almost two weeks ago. Amazing in so many ways!

I have been all through Central America except Guatemala. Honduras is also nice, but I'll stick with my earlier recommendation for nicaragua

Have you considered Belize? We have property there and accommodation prices can very from a little to lots. Beaches in Placencia are best in the country with snorkelling off beach, diving, ruins, banana, spice & chocolate farms, etc. Cheap to eat out there for most part and people are friendly and definitely not Americanized. Big factor for us buying there is drinkable water , English speaking and British law.

Belize is beautiful too, although not as much of a cultural experience as the rest of CA

I got return airfare for this Friday from Vancouver to El Salvador for 500.00 cad return

Jason is the flight direct ? That's a great price!

connects over Mexico City. Red eye flight.

I loved Leon and area in Nica. Check out Quetzaltrekkers for hiking and volcanoes. Plus its a university town, so quite lively.

Been to Guatemala- nice country but not a lot of beaches. Been to Costa Rica - beautiful place lots of beaches and probably the safest of the 3 but it is more expensive. Went to Nicaragua last spring. It's the poorest country of the 3 so also the cheapest. We had no problems but there is a lot of crime due to the large number of very poor people. The lakes are nice and San Juan del Sur is pretty cool. There is less infrastructure for cheap tourist travel. Lots of high end places and very cheap but I don't think a lot of mid range once out of the city. Belize is one of my favorites as is Costa Rica. Either would get my vote.

Guatemala is hands-down one of the best places I've visited. Antigua and Tikal were definite highlights on my tour through Central America. Belize is definitely worth checking out too.

costa rica, fly into Liberia. Tamarindo area nice, fantastic beaches. Stay at hotel bula bula. tropical and affordable. I know i am going back

Had a friend who this year visited Nicaragua. Got into a serious accident and broke her back. Hospital wouldn't accept travel insurance nor credit card to treat her. Wanted $2000 up front. Just saying research before you go.

My son was in quatamala last june. He said some of the most beautiful scenery ever! Eating was an issue. He was with a group and only him and his friend didnt get sick. Loaded up on probiotics before leaving. They ate at mcdonalds whenever they could as was safer.

Megan Kay

Go to Nicaragua and Guatemala. No question. I just got back from traveling both Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Nicaragua is way more fun; you get similar views, access to nature, and less Americans and typical tourists; you will also pay half of the price for everything. Guatemala is great too.

I've been to Guatemala twice and absolutely love it! Antigua is gorgeous, lake atitlan is a chill place to hang out at, rio dulce was really nice and Livingston has an awesome Caribbean community!
I also love Costa Rica but is definitely more expensive!

Costa Rica is way cheaper to fly to though!!
its 2 hours from the border of Nicaragua so you could fly there and make your way up

I got return airfare from Vancouver to Managua last year for $600.00 return.