We usually go to Panama for the month of February. We rent a two bedroom apartment right on the beach for US2000 for the month so it is an affordable vacation. We have done this for four years so we are thinking of going somewhere different next year - February 2019. Mulling over Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Mexico. We are in our early sixties so not looking for a party place. Looking for advice and maybe a sense of pricing for a two bedroom. Panama is very reasonable but just want a change. TIA.

We really enjoyed Nicaragua. Stayed on Corn Island ...scuba dove with Dos Tiburone.
Loved Ometempe Island. City of Granada is worth a stay. Juan Del Sur was a little touristy busy but lots of expats live there.

We stay in akumaal bay area in mexico for a similar monthly price and time od year. Little bit of work required to get that price tho.

Granada is a great place in Nicaragua. Also Antigua in Guatemala.

Just got back two weeks ago. Loved granada. And san juan del sur was nice for two days.

Sayulita, 45 mins drive from Vallarta, is perfect for you. Beautiful beach, fantastic restaurants, not expensive. There is also a butcher, vege and fruit stalls and really nice ppl. Tonnes of expats. It is also a walking town. We stay at Alemendros condos and have a great contact.

I'd love to have the contact info

Cathy pmed you.

I heard that the sewage is draining into tge water there and people are getting sick. Again its something I heard on a site so not confirmed myself.
Manzanillo is a beautiful area of Mexico in the state of Colima with many beautiful places to see close by. Accomodations are reasonable generally under $2000 US

Check out Candy King Real Estate she has many rentals on there.

They are fixing the issues. We have gone and rented for many years now with our kids. Have had no issues. As any foreign city, you have to drink only bottled water. All the restaurants in the area only serve bottled water and are super careful. In fact they also wash their utensils and other wares in bottled water.

You can safely drink the tap water in Puerto Vallarta. It might be one of the only places you can!

I drink the filtered tap water or I boil it. I have friends who live there permanently that suggested that.

San Juan del Sur, Nicalandia. Quiet, safe and resonable.

Could you tell me where you've been staying in Panama? Sounds like a good place to rent for a month or two.

Uvita, Costa Rica might fit your interests (or somewhere just slightly south of there like ojochal).
It’s a quiet beach town with a beautiful National Park from uvita south. We haven’t rented there only because our place is an hour away so we just go for daytrips when we want great restaurants, beautiful quiet beaches. There are enough expats so that the grocery shopping is good.

My husband and I live in San Juan del Sur. Finding long term affordable rentals for people is what we do.
We have a Home Finder & Relocation Services business here. We have been able to find North American style two bedroom condos with shared pools in town or within walking distance of town starting at $1000 USD per month with utilities extra. Most all properties located directly on the beach rent out nightly for $250 USD and up. I do know of one complex that has a couple two bedroom units that rent for $1800 USD per month.

Bucerias Mexico, between pretty Vallarta and Saluyta..

I agree. I much prefer Bucerias over Sayulita.

Wow do many options. Thanks everyone. I have a lot to research!

Check out VIVO Resorts In Mexico. A great Canadian resort we've been to twice and loved it and it is reasonably priced and canadian owned.

Roatan Honduras?

Nicaragua is definitely worth the visit. We have been living here full time in Managua for 2 years running a small hotel. Prices are cheaper than Panama and you could likely rent a whole beach house for a month for that same price depending on location.

Which place? Good for families? Ocean swimming?

Hi Lori...San Juan del Sur, Tola/Popoyo, Casares, La Boquita, Pochomil, Playa San Diego, Playa Hermosa, Poneloya...all have surfable waves and good for boogies boarding and most of them also have good beaches to just play in the water.
PM me if you want more info. We are ex-Calgarians
and our email is [email protected]

A couple of years ago we traveled Central America and were absolutely blown away by the city of Antigua in Guatemala. It’s spectacular and affordable and there is so much to do. The sights are incredible. I’m going to tag you in my album from there. It’s so amazing that we said one day we will have to spend winters there

Would you please tag me also Shalini, it sounds like someplace that would be right up our alley!

Love to see it as well

La Manzanilla in Mex on the Pacific side.... Small town... Expat community.. Good restaurants...

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Can you plz refer where you stayed in Panama ?

Eva
We love Ecuador and right now we are in with two little kids. Beach house in Canadian gated community 1000$ for 3 wks. Very safe and beautiful country. Strongly recommend!

What’s it called ?

I am interested in some more info on where you are as we travel south for a few month every winter with our little ones and want to explore Ecuador. We are heading out tomorrow to go back to the Mayan in Mexico for our 4th winter....next year, it is time for a change

Mira PM me

Darryle Holt
Could you send me more information on place to stay.

Darryle Holt PM me.

What a good post can u send me info too!

Susanne PM me

F

Hawaii!

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Nicaragua!! Spent 5 years down there off and on. Very raw, real and beautiful

Stacey Wigley
Beautiful casa on Laguna Bacalar in southern Mexico. Beautiful, quiet, not touristy. https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/12485479?locale=en
AIRBNB.CA
Casa Esmeralda de Bacalar ~ 2 homes, Casa & Casita - Houses for Rent in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico

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sorry - off topic but wife has always wanted to visit Panama. Quick recommendations on where to start for first visit?

Panama City is quite interesting. The old part of the city is quite lovely. Gamboa Rainforest Resort is nice to visit. It’s only about 45 minutes from the city. There are activities there. We went on the aereal tramway which takes you above the forest canopy. We stay in Coronado which is about 90 minutes from PC. Long walkable beach and lots of restaurants. The building we stay at has lots of Canadian visitors. PM me if you want info.

Maggie fantastic much appreciated!

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Tatiana Levina

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we have done the same thing in Huatulco, Akumal and Zihuatanejo in Mexico. but a little more expensive-$3000 for a two bedroom condo. Zihua is my favourite but all 3 are fantastic.