Best South American Country to Visit?

I'm planning a big trip for my son and I in March and I've pretty much decided on Costa Rica. But does anyone know the best places to visit there? Or is there another country that's better, cheaper, and safer? This is a "play it by ear" trip. No reservations anywhere, just renting a jeep and going from there. So if anyone has any tips on destinations either in Costa Rica or anywhere else in South America, I would greatly appreciate it!

I spent a year in Central America, mostly around the bay islands of Honduras (roatan and utila). I loved it there and would recommend it to anyone..You can't go wrong with Costa Rica! It's beautiful and safe. If you don't speak Spanish, Belize is nice due to the fact that it is English speaking.. Guatemala is also a very beautiful country with friendly people and plenty to do! If I were you in would rent the jeep and talk to other locals and travelers on where to go.. If you have wheels, no need to stay just in one country!

Costa Rica is Central America. From Venezuela and Colombia on south is considered South America.

Spent a week in Buenos Aires, Argentina last year. Great cosmopolitan city, the Paris of South America.

Thanks for the geography lesson, JJ. I apologize to anyone I may have confused with my ignorance.

Costa Rica is Central America. From Venezuela and Colombia on south is considered South America. Originally Posted by JJ

I've waited to go to Buenos Aires ever since I saw Evita, lol, maybe next year.

Spent a week in Buenos Aires, Argentina last year. Great cosmopolitan city, the Paris of South America. Originally Posted by PDid

Great tips, thanks! You're absolutely right about not having to stay in one country.

I spent a year in Central America, mostly around the bay islands of Honduras (roatan and utila). I loved it there and would recommend it to anyone..You can't go wrong with Costa Rica! It's beautiful and safe. If you don't speak Spanish, Belize is nice due to the fact that it is English speaking.. Guatemala is also a very beautiful country with friendly people and plenty to do! If I were you in would rent the jeep and talk to other locals and travelers on where to go.. If you have wheels, no need to stay just in one country! Originally Posted by Oh9er

Equator is cool also. Very reasonable and they use the dollar as currency.

Here's a link to International Living - Costa Rica

http://internationalliving.com/countries/costa-rica/

Maybe it'll help you.

Thanks for the geography lesson, JJ. I apologize to anyone I may have confused with my ignorance. Originally Posted by Chrissy Cole

I apologize Chrissy, I didn't mean to come off as condescending.

Equator is cool also. Very reasonable and they use the dollar as currency. Originally Posted by greenhorn1960

Do you mean Ecuador???

I lived 9 months in Peru and it's great. From the great food (Probably as good as the mexican, if not better) to the places to visit, to the prices, to having Machu Picchu, You can't go wrong in Peru.

I just went back a year ago with the wife and daughter, to take them to Machu Picchu. You can do the Machu Picchu tour, which I recommend to do in about 4 days, and there's a lot more. We did parasailing, sandboarding, took a tour to check the only warm weather penguins (Humboldt's), and even took a tour to the Nazca Lines (Google them, worth the trip).

We stayed there for 10 days, and wanted more but wallet started complaining.

Peru is VERY safe, even for non-spanish speakers. Just be aware of your surroundings, and don't be naive. Same rules that you'd use for any big city like NY or LA.

Let me know if you want more info, and enjoy the trip wherever you decide to go!

Cheers!

Do you mean Ecuador??? Originally Posted by bigplayantx

If you decide Ecuador, remember they have the Galapagos Islands. I also lived there for a few months, and regretted a lot not going there.
They're expensive, but worth it, I believe.

Cheers!