I'm leaning on this route for my 1 month Latin America trip, any suggestions?

Question

Southern Mexico (Yucatan) - Guatemala - Costa Rica (Caribbean side) - Panama - Ecuador or Venezuela:

Any suggestions on where to go, what to avoid, any visas/paperwork I need to clear up for these countries, if land travel is efficient??? My interest is not so much outdoorsy activities but rather to be enlightened by culture, people, places, etc...

THANKS!!!

Answer 1

It is true that every country in South America has a lot to offer. I have traveled to almost all of the countries in south america, but if I had to choose one to visit over and over again, I would definitely say Brazil. Why? Brazil is considered a continent country, because of it's size, and since it stretches through a large area of the globe, you get a lot of variety in climate, landscape, activities and other aspects as well. If you are looking for a cheap trip that will leave you with great memories, I would suggest the north coast of Brazil. Renting a car is fairly cheap, and you can drive to up to 8 different states (each one having unique experiences to offer) in less than 3 hours between each state. Lots of hotels have ridiculously good deals, and almost all of them have breakfast included (the best breakfast I have ever had was in Recife, Brazil). This area is full of historical places as well as beautifull beaches.

If you are looking for busy city life and beautiful landscape, go to Rio de Janeiro. It's a beautiful city full of life that combines the modern technology of today's worlds with the exquisite beauty of Brazilian beaches, and even better, the welcoming willingness to help of the Brazilian people.

If you are looking for some quiet time to spend with someone, or simply ponder and enjoy nature, go to the south of Brazil. The colder weather and European style cities have tons to offer.

If language is a problem, you don't need to worry. All Brazilians are required to take english in school, and even though many don't speak great English, they know enough to help you and there will always be someone close by who speaks it very well.

You will need to get a visa to go to brazil, but it's very easy to get it. Brazil is 100% oper to turism. Vacination wise, you will need to get a Yellow Feaver shot, the brazilian government requires it.

Land travel is very efficient in Brazil, specially if you  start off ina place like Sao Paulo (in the south) and just drive north (if you want a warmer climate) or south (if you want colder climate) along the coast. The roads, specially south, are very safe and in good conditions.

Hope this was helpfull!

Answer 2

It seems like you're skipping some countries... like columbia.

If I may say, it looks like an ambitiously long route for a 1-month trip

Answer 3

Hey I´m from Guatemala, so great choice, if you´re interested in culture you´ll love Guatemala and if you like history I think you´ll like Petén, Quiriguá, Zaculeu (places where mayans used to live); if you like outdoors activities you´ll love Semuc chamey, lago de atitlán, monterrrico.

Answer 4

If you go to Venezuela you should go to La gran Sabana, Canaima or Los roques. You will love it. The first 2 are amazing jungle and the last one amazing beaches.

Answer 5

You route is very ambitious for a one month trip. Traveling from Panama overland to anywhere in South America would take the entire month, since you'd have to cross the Darien Gap.

Answer 6

dont miss Tulum in Mexico.  Guanajuato and Taxco of mexico are very nice as well.

Answer 7

Why not Honduras ? short trip from Guatemala you Could learn a lot by traveling to the city of Copan Ruinas where the remnants of the ancient mayan empire are, they have a great mayan museum  

www.letsgohonduras.com

Answer 8

Colombia and Argentina are my main suggestions. Colombia has great places to go such as Bogota and Cartagena, while Argentina has cities such as Bariloche and Buenos Aires. Bogota is a great city with the best restaurants that you will find in South America. Cartagena is a city with a nice history and architecture. Buenos Aires is a great city with a great culture and style. Bariloche is the best place with snow that you will find in South America. Finally, if you are looking for a modern and pretty city go to Bogota and Buenos Aires, if you want adventure go to Bariloche or Cartagena  but I would recommend you Bariloche.

If you are a US citizen there wont be problems to you to get the visa for both of the countries. Finally for your safety try always to stay in a good hotel and ask for popular places and transportation.