Should I go to Peru or Central America?

I'll be going with my wife. We have 12 days and a buget of $3000-4000. We are about 30 yrs old and active people. If you think Central America, then what countries in particuar?

Peru is an absolutely beautiful country. Machu Picchu is one of its largest tourist attractions and does not fail to amaze. Peru has tons of things to do and explore. Since i don't and have never lived in Peru (for longer than 1 week) i can only recommend the country in which i live, and the one i travel to most often. Central America is made up of 7 countries, all with much things in common but each is diverse in its own way.

It depends on what you are looking for. In Central America i can highly recommend Nicaragua and Honduras. For an active couple i know you will both love Nicaragua. It is rated the safest country in Central America (google it). Here, there is much to do, and since we don't really have too many "hotels in the rainforest" and such, it is a very "off the beaten path" country. Here i can recommend skiing down the youngest (and still active) Cerro Negro Volcano is the Department of Leon. The view at the top is amazing, you climb up on of the rocky sides and ski down the smooth side. The equipment for tourist only costs $8 each; this includes a suit and the board. We also have the largest rainforest North of the Amazon in Brazil so if you both can hike and camp in the Bosawas Rainforest. If you like hiking on smaller levels, i can recommend the Chocoyero Natural Reserve just 30min. from the capital city of Managua (where i reside), the Estanzuela Natural Reserve in the Department of Esteli and the area around the San Juan River. Climbing volcanoes is also a possibility at the Mombacho volcano and both volcanoes on Ometepe Island. Ometepe is the largest volcanic island in a sweetwater lake in the World, That sweetwater lake (Lake Nicaragua) is the 2nd largest in Latin America and is home to the Islets of Granada. The islets (365 in total) is home to a large community of fishers and the wealthy Nicaraguans. I was just there last week, a boat ride (for an hour) around 50+ islets (for a maximum of 20 people) is only $20. The port (where the big boats depart from) is only about 10min. from the city of Granada, which is the oldest colonial city in the American Mainland. The center of Granada, is where you can find beautiful colonial style buildings and buy some of the best "chancho con yuca" (pork with cassava [which is sort of like potato]). Another old colonial city is Leon, which you can visit after the Cerro negro Volcano surfing trip.

Beaches are the best, but in particular i can recommend Montelimar beach (in the Department of Managua) and San Juan del Sur [SJDS] (in the Department of Rivas). SJDS is about an hour from Costa Rica, so you can do all of that and head down to CR or Start from SJDS and head up North to Honduras.

Honduras is beautiful, and the Roatan Islands are amazing. Snorkeling and other water activities similar to it are perfect there. FYI Todd, danger is everywhere and poverty does not always equal violence, i.e. Nicaragua, Laos, Cambodia, ect.

Peru and use www.ytbtravel.com/fkarengi to help you save money it is awesome i use it all the time

Peru is 100% better than Nicaragua. Ive been to both and Nicaragua is dangerous. The Country is poor. I love South America but think that there are more beautiful places with more to see and do (Macchu Picchu for example in Peru) than there are in Nicaragua.

I have not been to Peru, but want to go. Peru can be dangerous too. With your time and budget, sounds like a real serious consideration.

I like everything the young lady wrote of her homeland. If I had your time and budget, I would start at Copper Canyon in Mexico.......take the train.......then I'd catch a flight down to Antigua, enjoy the beach and party a bit. You will find agents offering Lake Atitlan there, I would go there next. There are many services (Atitlan) that will get you anywhere you want to go I think.......I'd take the bus to Guat City and fly to Roatan Honduras and enjoy everything sun and fun. With your time and budget, I think you would KNOW you were on vacation and not go home exhausted or broke. You will have seen and experienced much. It might also open your eyes to travel in Latin & South America. I'd then keep working my way south on vacations in the future. You can't go wrong with any choice you make........ ALWAYS remember, you are NOT in 1st world countries and cultures. Mind your manners, be polite, don't take or wear anything that attracts and say's "I'm loaded".......which of course we should always do in any strange place we go in any country!! As a matter of fact.......I'd start with large, empty backpacks and translator device........your going to find everything you will want and need along the way........BARGIN..........You are going to have a GREAT vacation which ever way you choose.....Have Fun!

If you like nature Costa Rica is the place we loved it check it out in the internet ...good luck on your get away