Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with centralamerica

Looking for a Diamond (not Justin)

namewithhe1d — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:26:53 -0800

It's Diamond time people. Where in the Americas could you find the best deal on a certified Diamond? South America? Central America? Blue Nile? It's probably worth a flight to buy a diamond if it's thousands cheaper, no? Or do I just need to take matters into my own hands? I don't care if it's rough or set... I'm just looking for a high quality certified diamond for a you-know-what special occasion. Minimum 1 carat, in case you were wondering. Trying to get this ready by New Years... I'm under pressure now.

A woman on the run, smuggler pilots, and a blog -- does anyone remember this?

kowalski — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:12:34 -0800

Does anyone remember a blog c. 2001-2002 purportedly written by a European woman hiding out in the Caribbean/Central America from the well-positioned family she had run away (and stolen) from? What was her pseudonym? What was the name of the blog? Is there any trace of this story (and any resolution on the question of its veracity) left on the web? I've tried googling, tried searching here, but all the descriptors I can think of are far too common, and there are too many years of unrelated chaff covering it over. Now looking for someone with a better memory for key details than mine to unlock the global archive.

You should be having fun!

inatizzy — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:53:13 -0800

I'm in Costa Rica for the next 9 days and with no idea how to spend them. What can I do? I have been here already for a week, and have learned that I only need a small dose of nature, beaches, hiking, etc. to be happy. I have gotten my fill of that already. I am now looking for things that are more mentally stimulating for me. When I went to Spain on my own 1.5 years ago, I spent a lot of my time walking around a few cities, checking out the architecture, the landmarks, the museums, etc. I was also able to meet a few locals thru a hobby of mine (swing dancing), and spent a few evenings with them seeing Madrid and going out to the clubs.

But here in CR, there are less opportunities like that, it seems, and also I have been cautioned to not go out at night in most places, especially alone. I would like to find more things to do that are active or interesting or different... when I am back in san jose, for example, I may go to the symphony or the theater. I may also try to go volunteer for a few days on an organic farm, half in an attempt to just have something productive to do and to pass the time.

I feel so weird because I should be loving it here, right? Everyone is saying that it's so wonderful here, just relax and enjoy myself... but I am finding that I am bored and starting to go a little stir crazy.

I have been staying with a friend so far, not in a hostel, which may be contributing to the boredom since I havent been meeting many others. But I sitll don't really know what we could do together, even if I met other travelers, that wouldn't be along the lines of hiking or sitting on the beach.

But, oh wise mefis, can you help me adjust my view? What might you recommend I do to have a fun time over the next 1.5 weeks? Muchas gracias por tu ayuda. :)

Who services the south american cinema industry?

lazaruslong — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:38:52 -0800

Please help me build a roster of South and Central American Cinema Technical and Service companies. Bonus points for ones with bilingual sites / staff. I'm having a really hard time with the research to build a list of Central and South American Cinema Service companies.

Pretty much I'm looking for companies that sell / install cinema equipment like projectors and platters and speakers in Central and South America.

I speak and read a basic amount of Spanish, so either is fine, but ones that are bilingual in English as well are a great bonus.

Two people seek affordable hammock

billtron — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:58:11 -0800

Help my partner and me find a place to take a well-deserved vacation in mid-March. We have a budget of about $1500 including flights. We are looking for something near a beach where it's warm, within flying distance of New York City but preferable outside the US. Something more upscale than a straw hut in Dominica but less pre-determined than an all-inclusive resort in Antigua. Bonus points for ecotourism and cultural memorability.

Belize is cloudy... Where else should I go in Central America?

hummercash — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:27:45 -0800

I was going to Belize next week but the weather looks pretty crappy... other Central America vacation suggestions? So I was planning on flying to Belize next week to meet my mom and sister (they're currently in Guatemala) but after checking the weather for Placencia, it looks like we may want to rethink those plans...

Does anyone have any suggestions for 1 week vacation spots down there? We were going to do a 'resort' type place for 3 nights in Placencia, Belize and then go to a private island for 2 nights. I would rather lay on the beach and eat good food most of the time than hike 10 miles to Mayan ruins... although I wouldn't mind a day of cave tubing.

Everyone is over 21, all inclusive is not necessary, trying to keep lodging costs under $3000 for the 3 of us. Dates are 11/23-11/29.

If I can't find anything on such short notice I'm not opposed to just going and figuring it out on the fly...

Thanks!

Eating pupusas in El Salvador

saucysault — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:12:38 -0800

Living or visiting El Salvador? I am having a hard time finding information about what visiting or living in El Salvador is like with school-age children. Most of the information I am finding seems to be geared at wealthy retirees or single executives that have relocation companies assisting them. My search is limited because of my lack of spanish comprehension. Any personal experiences or pointers towards resources would be appreciated.

Recommendations for booking central/south america?

dpx.mfx — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:22:24 -0800

Trip for 2 to central/south America. I'm lost. I'd like to plan a trip for 2 to central or south america (considering: Peru, Costa Rica, Belize). I'd like to book a trip online, but I'm overwhelmed by the number of sites and trying to figure out if they are legit or not. Have you booked a trip online that was a reasonable deal, with reasonable accommodations? I don't need five star, but I don't want to be somewhere sketchy. Really looking for information on the website more than specific recommendations (but I'll take those too).

If it matters: budget is around $2500 (not including air), not interested in cruises, 5-7 days.

Vacation in november/december

boyinmiami — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:17:30 -0800

Help us with our yearly guy's vacation! Trying to plan a wild and crazy trip to somewhere in central/south America and need your help in making this the best trip yet. Details inside :) Trying to plan a trip around November/December. We are super flexible in where we want to go, and have come up with this scale of most important to least important when trying to gauge where we will be going! Before I present the scale, here is a bit more about us!

There will be 5-6 of us on the trip
All of us are between 27-30
Trip should be around 5-7 days
Anywhere in South/Central America is fair game
We will be leaving from Miami/Fort Lauderdale area
All of us are single
Though budget is not a major concern we would like to stay under 3k for the 7 days

1. Best Bang for the buck (places where the dollar will go the furthest.)
2. Beaches
3. Partying/Nightlife
4. Girls (normal and errrr.... working ones)
5. Other Adventure things to do i.e tours, rafting, zip lining, and more tamer ones such as golf, fishing etc
6. Partying/Nightlife
7. Any other must things we have to try!

Thank you in advance :)

What should I pack for a trip to Honduras?

toomuchkatherine — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:48:30 -0800

I'm going to spend a week in Copán Ruinas, Honduras. What should I pack? I'll be there for the first week in August. How hot/cold is it going to be? Will I need to keep modesty in mind? What am I going to want in terms of OTC medicines, bug spray/sunscreen (I'm pretty fair), etc? Should I get money changed before I go? Anything else I'm not thinking of?

Central America chili-off

harhailla.harhaluuossa — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:31:36 -0800

So Taksi Putra has challenged me to a 'chili-off' in Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize) this summer. What should we eat and where? Higher on the Scoville the better. Anything east of Baja is fair game. If it sounds tasty and is super-hot, we'll hunt it down. Specific restaurants / neighborhoods to go to?
Recipes welcome too.
Also: what drinks do we pair the food with? Alcohol suggestions?

We're not looking only for Central American food; simply the hottest.

Note: We're pretty resilient to capsacin and super-mobile - suggest away!

What's that Smell Filter: Why can't most third world countries' septic systems handle toilet paper?

bobdylanforever — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:45:18 -0800

I was recently in Guatemala and I know that there and in most of Central America and many other third world countries you can't flush toilet paper because their septic systems can't handle it. What's the difference between our (More Developed Countries) septic systems and theirs (Less Developed Countries) that ours can handle it? Is it a matter of water flow, sanitation processes, etc?

peru vs unknown destination in central america?

nerdcore — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:15:04 -0800

travelfilter: Peru vs. elsewhere: best places to go/things to do in central/south america? A friend of mine is going to be in Peru in early July, I'd like to meet up with her and have two options:

Either go to Peru and see the sights (minus Macchu Picchu and the Amazon because she's already going to have been) or meet up with her in an entirely different location of my/our choice.

So where should I go? Anyone have suggestions on thing do see in Peru (my friend has already suggested the Nazca lines) or alternatively any suggestions on great places to go in Central America?

My budget's not going to be enormous I'd like to spend <$1400 total for travel + expenses for a 9 day trip. Also, we're both a lot more into cultural tourism and checking out the history of the places we're in than partying.

Tropics on the cheap?

greta simone — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:00:45 -0800

Where can I go with the stipulations and budget that I have? I will be available to travel from Dec. 9 to Dec. 22 and/or Dec. 28 to Jan 6. I would like to go somewhere warm, as winter now has a firm grasp on home. I have some parameters I have to work within:

1. I can only take a Delta flight that costs under $450 (I have vouchers) or not much over. I know the airline sucks, but that's all I have to work with.
2. I can maybe spend $800-$1000 total for the whole trip (excluding flight).
3. I would like to go for a the longest break possible within one of my two time frames.
4. I have no problems staying in a hostel or homestay situation, but it MUST be safe, as I will be a young female traveling alone.
5. I would like beach and sand and beauty and calm, with culture as well. No frat-tastic party cruise stop-over towns, please.
6. I would need to fly out of RDU, CLT, or ATL.
7. I prefer to be out of the lower 48 states. No Florida please.

I am not asking you to be my travel agent. I'm having trouble searching for flexible dates AS WELL AS flexible locations while not being able to be flexible with my airline. I have looked at Kayak Buzz which was not helpful, as I cannot search for these things under one airline. I have also looked at STA (student travel), which was not helpful. I perused Delta's website, but I have to search dates and locations.

Is there a better place or way to search for these things? Do I need a travel agent? Do you have any specific suggestions? General ones?

Please do not suggest using a different airline. I would not be going if it weren't for the fact that I have vouchers in the first place.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

Rain, rain, stay out of guatemala??

Kololo — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:31:54 -0800

I need/want to go on an interesting & adventurous vacation at the end of august, and I'd gotten myself all excited about the possiblity of backpacking around Guatemala for two weeks. But.... it appears that its the rainy season. I have two questions:

1) How serious is this here rainy season? I can easily deal with an hour of rain every afternoon, but would probably be pretty unhappy with rain that lasts half the day. Have any of you travelled in Guatemala (or its neighbouring countries) during the rainy season? How was it? Would you do it again?

2) Are there any alternate suggestions for an interesting backpacker-type vacation at the end of August? I want to avoid hurricanes, flights over $700-ish (flying from toronto), all-inclusive resorts, and boredom. Spending a day or three on a beach is appealing, spending the whole vacation on the beach is not. I'm also not so into the whole multi-day-hike focused trip, although a bit of physical adventure/exploring could be good.

Oh, and i'm a well-travelled 30 year old Canadian woman, who has travelled solo fairly extensively, and has plenty o' common sense.

Suggestions? (Or, re: guatemala - reassurances?)

destination wedding etiquette

changeling — Thu, 31 May 2007 10:39:53 -0800

We want to hold a destination wedding in Central America. How do we go about this without hurting feelings? How do we go about this at all? After five years of dating, he proposed at last:)

We're big travelers, and we're dead set on holding a destination wedding in Central America -- either Ambergris Caye, Belize, or Roatan, Honduras -- since we both feel white sand beaches and lobster barbecues trump centerpieces and cash bars any day.

However, destination wedding etiquette is obviously different from regular wedding etiquette. I've read we're only responsible to pay for the ceremony, the reception, and maybe a couple activities like snorkeling, while airfare and accommodations are up to the guests. Is this true? What about the wedding party (if we have one)? What about close family? What is standard?

We're aware far fewer people will be able to go, so we’re allowing plenty of time for people to save. (How much time is sufficient?) But what about friends who want to come but can’t afford it? We’ll probably throw a casual reception back home, but we know it’s not the same. What do we do about his 90-year-old conservative grandma? How do I deal with other conservative, even slightly xenophobic family members?

When it comes to the planning, should I just call an on-island resort and trust them to coordinate everything? I’m not a resort traveler myself, but I don’t know any alternatives. Plus, it would be nice for the conservatives.

I’d also like to hear about any destination weddings you’ve been to, or been through (especially in Central America). Thank you!

What to do in Honduras?

jk252b — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:22:41 -0800

HondurasFilter: What to do in Honduras during July? My girlfriend and I are thinking of going to Honduras for 10 - 14 days this July. The idea would be to fly into and spend some time in Tegucigalpa. We would then bus it up to San Pedro Sula where a Honduran colleague of mine will hook us up with an old friend of his to stay with, and, after a few days we'd head to La Ceiba and on to the Bay Islands. We'd then flight out of San Pedro Sula.

Although I have this itinerary worked out, I'm wondering what MeFites who've traveled to Honduras would specifically recommend we check out while in or around Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and the Islands. Or what we can see to break up the trips between those places.

Specifically we're interested in two things: 1) cultural/religious festivals, markets, or other places where lots of people interact with each other, and 2) beautiful natural ares (Lago de Yojoa is a good option, i know).

Going to see about a canal

letitrain — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:02:49 -0800

What is the driving distance from the southern California border to the Panama Canal? I need driving distance, not as the crow flies. From my crummy map, it looks like around 3500 miles one way, but I'm hoping to get a more accurate estimate. General Mexico and Central American driving and travel tips are appreciated, too. Thanks!

What can I do south of the border?

borkingchikapa — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:28:54 -0800

What is the English teaching situation like in Latin America right now? I'm looking for something to do for July and about half of August, and I have a TEFL certificate and some experience. Other suggestions for spending worthwhile time down there welcome. Sidenote: I don't speak Spanish, but learning would be a big incentive for going. I taught in Vietnam for about two months last year, and I don't have anything to do this summer so I'd like to go somewhere in Latin America and try it out again. I'm in college so I don't have a BA yet, but I can't imagine that's a huge issue in developing countries (it certiainly wasn't in SE Asia).

Additionally, I'd be open to volunteering/working for an NGO or something. I know about idealist.org, where else can I look?

The main issue is money - Central/South America would be the cheapest destination, so I think I'm limited to that.

An ingenious game of chance in which the deluded player thinks he’s beating the house.

lalochezia — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 18:25:28 -0800

Travel[+Insurance]Filter. I have medical (50% cost) + Emergency Repatriation coverage for a 10 week trip to Central America. Should I have anything else? If so, where can I get such a custom policy? Any last minute advice on destinations as well? I’m off to Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua to learn Spanish and see mayan sites, mountains and dive off coast [wohoo!]. I may go on to Costa Rica and Panama or head back into Belize or Mexico.

My question is this: Should I get more insurance?

I have $150k repatriation insurance through my employer. My US health insurance pays 50% of out-of-network costs for any procedure, no matter where it’s conducted.

I’m traveling with <$750 of gear total (bag, camera, clothes, books etc) and will be staying fairly low rent in cities, jungles etc. I have my shots and meds ready. My travel plans are v. flexible, so I don't know dates or when I'll buy my tickets during the 10 week period.

As a bonus: any suggestions on places to go or last minute advice for that part of the world?

Where can I have a weeklong adventure in Latin America?

bryak — Mon, 29 May 2006 11:39:18 -0800

Two friends and I are looking for a crazy adventure story-of-a-lifetime vacation in Central or South America for roughly a week, and I am completely stumped. Help? I hate these "where should i go?" posts, but I am literally stumped.

One of my friends is totally insistent on a non-trendy, unpredictable, write a book about it vacation.

She suggested building houses in Nicaragua, which I'm not against, but I work 14 hour days, 7 days a week working reconstruction in a war zone... that's not quite the vacation I had in mind. I am not against a rewarding experience, so don't hold those back, I just had no suggestions at all to counter her idea. I'm all about saving the world too, but, like, not for free.

Central and South America are because of travel time constraints. Time is the only real consideration here; cost is more or less irrelevant.

Please pitch ANY ideas because I don't exactly have a library to go browse lonely planet books and the impersonal internet searches I have done have let me down.

ALSO: I speak Spanish, they don't, if that helps.

Como se dice "Tropical Father-Son Reunion" en español?

mdonley — Fri, 26 May 2006 08:22:30 -0800

"La Riviera Maya" (er, coastal Quintana Roo, Mexico) or Costa Rica for a Totally Awesome Father-Son Bonding Experience in March/April/May 2007? Most important factors:

- It's the first time we'll be together in more than a year. Maximum fun required.

- Ten days to two weeks, leaving from southern California (so flying from any airport in the region, or Tijuana, is doable). We're splitting the cost, so cheaper (around $50-75 a night would be ideal) and cheerful (simple pleasures: hot showers, happy employees, screens on the windows, semi-to-very delicious food nearby) accomodation is better.

- I am a really, really independent traveler and Dad's never been abroad beyond going fishing with work buddies in Baja California once a year (where I think he never actually stayed overnight on land). Dad just got his first passport in November; I've been to four continents. We've never traveled together before on our own and are (I'm guessing) *very different* travelers.

- Dad is between 250 and 300 pounds and can't really do a whole lot of long walks, but he's down for a challenge anytime. We've got a great dude-to-dude relationship and I'd say we both recognize which of us is better at a particular thing and let that person handle it.

- I'll be organizing most of the trip online, from my current base in Indonesia, so web-friendliness in all aspects of the vacation is key.

We'd like to do some sportfishing, see some volcanoes and colonial architecture, eat lots of cheap seafood, meet some wildlife in a jungle, and retire to an acceptably welcoming spot at night. If we go to Mexico, we'd like to see some ruins. We don't really do beaches or sitting by pools, but it'd be nice to dip our toes in while sipping the local cerveza.

Now, Dad has said that he wants "all-inclusive," which I blanche at the sight of, but neither of us has ever done this - I'm guessing it's his general lack of experience traveling that's making him lean toward this. Thoughts? Any locally-run, small-scale outfits that offer similar amenities and will make him feel happy and relaxed without making me feel like I'm in a 200-acre-30-story Gringo Disneyland?

As for what we bring to the table: I'd rank our Spanish as a healthy 7 to 8 out of 10. We like to reserve things online, we're happy taking little egg-beater planes and (functioning) buses around, we pack light, and we'll have a GSM cell phone. We can rent a car, but I'd prefer not to as it relieves us of the stress of responsibility.

I've seen many of the other threads on both areas, checked out the NYT "Costa Rica" and "Mexico" sections, tooled around the Lonely Planet Thorntree, and "seached inside the book!" on Amazon and both places seem really good for what we want. Your personal recommendations will make the difference! Go, Green, go! Thanks!

Help my family break out of the traveling box.

borkingchikapa — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 13:58:25 -0800

My dad is turning 50 in May, and my mom wants to surprise him by taking the family on a cruise. I've always been of the opinion that the entire idea of a cruise is lame, boring, and for old people who can't do anything else. I'm trying to come up with better places to go for a week on $4000 (for four people), but I've only ever traveled by myself. I hate being babysat while traveling. The last big vacation we went on was an all inclusive resort Antigua and I thought it was really, really lame. In short, here are my problems with cruises -

a) They give you very little opportunity to get any sort of "cultural experience"
b) You basically have everything handed to you, leaving little motivation to explore local cuisine and such.
c) You're on a boat most of the time, and the things they offer aren't really any different from the things you might be able to get at home.
d) They cost a lot more money than doing similar things on your own.

My dad isn't well traveled outside of the US (he's been almost everywhere within it, though), but he's always talking about going on a round the world trip. While I'm sure he'd enjoy a cruise, I really want to show him what sorts of things are out there for people who take the extra step outside of their hotel rooms. I also want to plant the seed of independent travel in my 14 year old brother's malleable teenage head.

The problem is, the sort of third world guesthouse surfing I've done isn't suitable for a family vacation. My mom and 14 year old brother wouldn't really be up for motorcycle trips through the countryside and such, so wherever we went would have to be accomodating to their idea of fun (sitting on a beach).

I've never been to Central/South America, but I hear it's beautiful and cheap if you find the right places. I'm thinking Costa Rica specifically - it's not poor enough to totally disgust my mom and brother, but I'm sure there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path things my father and I could do.

So for around $4000, where could the four of us go for a week and ensure that everyone has fun?

Good books to read before wandering about Central and South America

airguitar — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 10:56:34 -0800

Good books to read before wandering about Central and South America for a few months? Culture and history and politics. The relationships between neighbor countries and neighboring people. Current affairs in the context of a greater story.

Belize

muckster — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 08:40:28 -0800

Belize {mi} We're headed down to Belize for ten days. We've booked flights to Belize City and four nights at Shirley's on Caye Caulker. That's the snorkel, dive, chill, and read part of the trip.

The question is, how should we spend the rest of our time? We're thinking inland excursions, wildlife and ruins. Kayaking sounds marvelous. We're fairly independent travellers, and we don't mind splurging a little if it's worth it. Thank you kindly for your recommendations.