I am beginning to plan some time in this part of the world. I have 4-6-8 weeks over of time over May and June to explore. I'm after a balance of lush beach relaxation and country hopping adventure: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala are all on the mind... I'm also curious about destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Being that Obner is a worldly bunch, I wonder if any of you have experience in this region, recommendations on places to go, strategies on how to do it, and resources for how to navigate it all. I am a pretty green traveler, and would like to be fairly liquid in my itinerary, or lack thereof, but comfortable in my surroundings, if possible. Your input is valued!

I just got back from 11 days in Costa Rica. I used a company called Costa Rica Expeditions. They will develop an itinerary based on your needs and specifications and will be as involved or uninvolved as you want them to be with regard to providing transportation, guides, etc. We were very happy with their service.

We spent time in the Arenal region, Monte Verde and Manuel Antonio---all three locations were beautiful. I'll definitely be going back.

i've never been, but i hear nothing but incredible things about roatan. it's on my list.

Obner Beachy used to live in Belize. There is some really good coffee made in Central America

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/central-america

Bourdain in Panama

Carry some sort of insect repellant and good hiking shoes with good socks that wick moisture away from your feet (lots o' jungle down there)

That's all I got.

Did you run into my ex having his mid-life crisis? Last I heard he was ziplining down there.

or maybe Jason Taylor as he was mulling over his decision to leave miami for the J-E-T-S?

sad day, today.

I would just say be careful of where you go, what with the drug lords, extremist groups, extreme poverty, and some of the highest rates of kidnapping in the world. I'm sure most of it is safe, but I've had friends who have gone of there who have been robbed at knife point in day light. Not to say that couldn't happen else where but...

Whenever people mention taking a Central America trip, they never mention El Salvador... im a little offended

I'll be near Arenal in June.

a good friend just got hospitalized in broad daylight in montreal while pushing his daughter in her stroller, so i'm trying to be careful everywhere i go.

sanchez, i'll do some research on el salvador. any specific tips?

lrr, arenal looks excellent. you never know, i may also be there in june.

I did a home stay in Costa Rica several years ago, and am planning another trip in June. I want to retire there- love it. Used San Jose as a base, and did day trips out of there.

cool, i'd be interested in any specifically awesome day trips you took from san jose, if you get a chance.

I met with their recruiter, but I really didn't find MS13's sales-pitch persuasive enough.

ah, central america...the middle east of the western hemisphere

beware of guatamalan gang members

dude in the middle backs got armpit tattoos