DH and I are looking to go somewhere for 5-7 days in mid-December. We moved to S. Florida a few months ago and can fly from FLL, PBI, or MIA easily. I'd prefer a non-stop flight. Cartagena interests me, but I wasn't sure if 5-7 days was too long. We've never done a cruise, so that's being considered as well. We'd really like to see Central and South America while we're living here.
We lived in Asia for the past three years and traveled quite a bit while there. We aren't really looking to do big hikes or anything too crazy, but like to have a few days of sightseeing, and a few days of relaxing. Any suggestions? Where would you go??
Earlier this month I took a trip to Granada, Nicaragua. It was a quick 4 night/3 day trip and I definitely could've been there for 5-7 days. Granada is a lovely colonial city and there are volcanoes, islands, wildlife, and historical/cultural sites. We didn't spend any time on the beach but you could definitely do a combo city/beach trip with Granada and San Juan del Sur (I've read good things about it).
I was also in Panama earlier in the year. I spent a week just outside Panama City. The city itself would only require maybe 3 days but I know there are other things to see and do in other parts of the country. On our non-activity days we just sat by the pool at our small lodge. It was very relaxing.
Between the two places I would pick Nicaragua but I enjoyed my time in both places.
I also love Mexico but it's a vast country and I've only been to Mexico City and Cuernavaca. I'd like to return to those same places and explore other areas of the country one of these days. It's been ten years since I visited so I'm not an authority. I know there are other Mexico-lovers on here. They'll fill you in. scout8
I've heard great things about Nicaragua. I'm heading to Costa Rica next month. I've been to Panama and had a great time exploring Panama City and the archipelago Bocas Del Toro.
Post by sunshinedaydreams on Oct 27, 2015 17:00:38 GMT -5
If you can do 7 days, I'd pick Panama.
Spend a couple of days in Panama City to see the Canal, walk around Casco Viejo and eat some amazing food.
Do 2-3 days in Playon Chico (Kuna Yala) staying in one of the native "resorts" and going to deserted islands to snorkel and hang out every day.
You can also do 2-3 days in Boquete. We stayed in a coffee estate there and it was a great mix of relaxing in a hammock overlooking a Volcano, drinking coffee and reading, and some light hiking into the jungle to see waterfalls and such.
IMO, Bocas was way overrated. If I had to choose between Bocas and Kuna Yala, I'd pick KL any day. It's not luxury at all, but it's authentic and awesome!
Spend a couple of days in Panama City to see the Canal, walk around Casco Viejo and eat some amazing food.
Do 2-3 days in Playon Chico (Kuna Yala) staying in one of the native "resorts" and going to deserted islands to snorkel and hang out every day.
You can also do 2-3 days in Boquete. We stayed in a coffee estate there and it was a great mix of relaxing in a hammock overlooking a Volcano, drinking coffee and reading, and some light hiking into the jungle to see waterfalls and such.
IMO, Bocas was way overrated. If I had to choose between Bocas and Kuna Yala, I'd pick KL any day. It's not luxury at all, but it's authentic and awesome!
This sounds like something I need to look into. DH has quite a bit of vacation time, and I'm not working at the moment so we can realistically swing 7+ days if necessary. Thanks for the info!