What is a great place to visit in Central America for dirt cheap?

Question

I want to take my wife on a vacation that will be quite the experience. With that said, I am not looking at staying in a fancy hotel in the middle of "tourist town" surrounded by American franchises. I could stay home and see that. I have looked into Belize, spending one week in the jungle, one on the cayes, and one near the city (checking out Mayan ruins). I have found websites with hotels (in the loosest sense of the word) for cheap, as well as cheap airfare.

Since looking on Yahoo! Answers, some say that Belize is actually quite expensive. Is there somewhere else I should be looking for a cheap tropical experience? Perhaps more south, or even the northern end of South America?

Let me add a little information that will help. I have to be on "vacation" for about a month. Technically, I just can't enter the United States otherwise I lose tax exempt status. So I am looking for a cheap place to stay for a month until I can go back to the US.

For 30 days, not including airfare, I want to stay under US$ 4000. I figure I should easily be able to pick up hotel costs for under US$1500. That leaves $2500 for food, travel, events, sightseeing, etc. Keep in mind that I want to split this vacation up into three areas: jungle, mainland, cayes.

Answer 1

Honestly, any Central American country could treat you like a King for that kind of money for a month, but be careful as to where your location is, for pure safety concerns (that is, if you are concerned about safety)

Here's my personal breakdown, country by country, based on the fact that you probably don't speak much Spanish. I have relatives from almost every Spanish speaking country, and I've been to many, so here's what I think.

COSTA RICA -- The tourist industry is booming here but you've mentioned you don't want to go somewhere so touristy. I would definitely recommend Escazu or some other little town; don't worry about your money, it will definitely last. Costa Rica is one of the safer countries but be aware of your surroundings, use common sense and don't flash any cameras or cash around.

NICARAGUA -- I would have to say, amid minor safety concern, this is also a good option. Grananda is a great colonial city on Lake Nicaragua; you may like it there. However, it wouldn't be in my top choices.

PANAMÁ -- This is where I would go. Have a great, relaxing vacation at Bocas del Toro or enjoy Panama City if you want the vibrant feel. For what you're looking for, the true "awesome vacation experience," go to Boquete, Panama. It's a small little town with a river running through it near David, Panama, and it cannot be missed.

EL SALVADOR -- Not recommended, that's all I can say.

HONDURAS -- I love Honduras, great place, EXTREMELY CHEAP, but keep in mind that 1) it is (after Haiti) the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and 2) not speaking a word of Spanish will not help you. It is increasingly dangerous in areas, home invasions are common, and plenty of Americans haven't fared well there. That's not to say you won't enjoy Honduras, just be safe. I would not go to Roatan because there was a string of horrible home invasions there a few years ago; La Ceiba is nice, but a bigger city. Trujillo is probably a good bet, not much to do though.

BELIZE -- Definitely good for English speakers; tourist quality varies throughout the country, but this is probably one of your best bets for that experience you're looking for. Plenty of tourist companies.

As far as airfare goes, it is relatively cheap to go to Costa Rica, while places like Panama and Nicaragua might run you a few hundred bucks, depending on where you're flying out of.

Be safe, though, don't let anyone fool you. There are plenty of tourist scams.

Take care! Have fun on your trip!

Answer 2

Without a doubt you have to go to Honduras. With the amount of available funds you have you can do anything and everything there. Diving in the Bay Islands (Roatan, Utila, Guanaja), visit the Mayan Ruins (Copán), hiking through the rain forrest (La Mosquitia).

You can find all sorts of accomodations, from a $5 a night hotel room to a beautiful beachside villa at about $150, I think you´d hace a great time.

You can fly in directly to Roatan, San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa, that´s the advantage of Honduras, which is the only CA country with three international airports.

Check it out al letsgohonduras.com

Happy travels

Answer 3

That's plenty $$ for 1 month in a lot of places. Costa Rica has plenty of jungle & rain forest. Islands no, but Panama has Bocas Del Toro, a chain of Islands on the Carrib side, but it's a bit pricey. Both countries are cheap, food, beer, lodging can all be found at very reasonable prices. Check out "Dolphin Quest" in southern Cosat Rica. Eco lodge on the Golfo Dulce offering scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, jungle hiking, fishing and more. Accomadations are rustic and meals are included. Golfito and Puerto Jimenez are the two closest towns, both about 25 mins away by boat.

Enjoy your vacation wherever you go.

Answer 4

Jungle, jungle! Costa Rica is the best place you can stay and I'm telling u this not because I live in here or because I'm a tourism agency owner, no,no,no. Costa Rica have all you will wish to visit, beaches, Volcanos, Rainforest, Island (Tortuguero), hot springs water, waterfalls, rivers, amazing animals, etc.
I'll like to help you but I need to know if you will like to be near the beach or the rainforest. I'll find the best hotel, location and best of all the $$$. Believe me I can get a hotel room for as little as $50 per room.
Let me know if u r interest.

Answer 5

Hey i'm here for the first time. I came across this question and I find the replies really useful. I'm hoping to give something back and assist others too.

Answer 6

That's an interesting question!

Answer 7

My boss just came back from a 3 week vacation in el salvador he was their mainly for surf and to have fun he said its very nice and he felt at home he said the capital is nice and you will find people of different ethnicitys living and visiting the country he told me he saw many caucasian, asian, european, african american, puerto rican, jamaican, argentinian, cuban etc and most of them speak english he said, he mentioned goin into a bar/ restaurant and he said the waiter seemed to know he was american though he speaks spanish he said the waiter spoke perfect english. Prices he said his roundtrip was about $900 he bought it ahead of time i think 2 weeks he stayed in the king hotel he said it was very elegant alot like the hotels youd pay hundreds for here he said he payed $65 and he was pleased with their service and accomodations, food he said very cheap and taxi's are only $2 to $5 he said you can go pretty far with $2 he said $5 can almost take you out of town! he said the beaches are amazing he is a surfer, he mentioned the people were very friendly.

Answer 8

montezuma, costa rica... its a small town with beaches, rivers, waterfalls and the people are great. there is a lot to do there and is too confortable as prices and the great time.

"Montezuma Costa Rica is a long-time favourite for travelers in Costa Rica. The picturesque little town is famed for its bohemian flair and the stunning beauty of the surrounding nature."
"Hotels in Montezuma offer accommodation for every taste and budget. In high season however, Dec - March the little town fills up and it is advisable to make advanced reservations."

Answer 9

Nicaragua is nice, the most friendly people, you have rain forests, volcanoes that you can go and see the crater (masaya), the best hotel is called Montelimar, is located at the beach (pacific coast), old cities and nice malls for the ladies. also everything is cheap, a soda will cost you less than a dollar...food is good....i visit nicaragua in april, it's very nice

Answer 10

I am getting ready to leave fro Costa Rica!! You could probably ask some people about it. I am paying about $700 all inclusive for 8 days. It is a suggestion.