South America or Central America

Should I visit South America (Bolivia & Peru) or Central America
(Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, & Mexico) from mid-May to mid-June and
why? Any thoughts are appreciated.

changito_loco@m wrote:

>Should I visit South America (Bolivia & Peru) or Central America
>(Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, & Mexico) from mid-May to mid-June and
>why? Any thoughts are appreciated.


It depends on what you want to do there. People usually go places to
see or do something. So what do you want to see and do?

I love ancient ruins, hiking, learning about cultures, and trying new
foods. I want to go on a trip that has good weather: not too cold, not
too much rain, and generally blue skies.

<changito_loco@m> wrote in message
news:1106800102.002574.192050@c13g2000cwb. o...
> I love ancient ruins, hiking, learning about cultures, and trying new
> foods. I want to go on a trip that has good weather: not too cold, not
> too much rain, and generally blue skies.

Well, we don't expect much do we? Just perfection. I'm worried now that
I'll make a recommendation and you'll be disapointed by a passing
thunderstorm or perhaps a hair in your tortilla soup. Why don't you just
stay home and watch the Travel Channel, then everything will be just fine.

changito_loco@m wrote:

>I love ancient ruins, hiking, learning about cultures, and trying new
>foods. I want to go on a trip that has good weather: not too cold, not
>too much rain, and generally blue skies.

OK, then I would agree with the other poster that Mexico/Central
America would probably be a better choice for you. (The areas that
would be of most interest in South America are at high elevations in
Peru, and it gets cold up there. Ditto on the Altiplano in Bolivia).
You will not get cold touring the Mayan sites in the Yucatan ;-).

You didn't say where you will be coming from, but if you are coming
from the north there are many worthy ancient sites in central Mexico.
A visit to the Archaeological Museum in Mexico City would add a great
deal to your understanding of the ancient cultures throughout the
region. Plus, Teotihuacan is nearby and very definitely worth a visit.

Other interesting sites on the way to the Yucatan would be Oaxaca
(Monte Alban), La Venta (Olmec site), and Palenque. Once on the
Yucatan Peninsula, the Mayan ruins can be found everywhere from the
Merida area (Uxmal, Chichen Itza) south into Guatemala (Tikal) and
beyond. There are many more -- some still being excavated.

Of course there is lots more to see and do in these areas other than
visit the archaeological sites. Guatemala is especially interesting in
the Antigua - Chichicastenango area. Good camping, too, with views of
active volcanoes. Weather is altitude-dependent in this region. The
highlands are very pleasant, and the coastal regions hot and humid in
the May-June period and you can expect rain.


Caveat

Didn't anyone ever teach you any manners?

changito_loco@m wrote:

>.. I am torn between that trip and one that covers much of Peru and
>part of Bolivia, hitting the major sites in each...

Nice to have that kind of choice. Peru is great, but more challenging
in many ways. The Inca Trail is heavily in demand and, of course, is a
multi-day backpack. A guided tour may do a slightly shorter trip and
haul gear for you. Expect cold weather, rain, and maybe mudslides.

If you opt for the Peru tour, be sure to reserve a day to explore
Ollantaytambo. It is a really interesting place filled with amazing
Inca water and stone works. You can camp near the river just outside
town. Machu Picchu is well-touristed, as is the whole Cuzco area.

We liked Peru and Bolivia a lot, did the archaeological spots, but
spent most of our months there just wandering around places where
tourists usually don't go. Your going with a tour group would be a
different kind of exposure to these countries, but fascinating.

>...I don't want the constant dreariness I experienced in London last
>March.

Nothing quite matches the filthy weather that is often found in the
British Isles (although London is very interesting). Last summer we
opted for warmer climes and toured central and southern Europe :-).
But sometimes it's worth some cold weather to see really spectacular
places. Life is a series of trade-offs.


Caveat