Where should I go in Central America?

So my mom and I are thinking about going to Central America next Christmas. Neither of us speak a word of Spanish or have thousands of dollars to spend, but we both want to see a lot of birds and local culture and blow wads of money on handicrafts. We're also both flaming liberals (she's a lurker who occasionally posts as Fawkes). We also don't want to get lost, mugged, kidnapped, or killed by shady paramilitary outfits funded by American tax dollars. Which country or region should we go to?

:D

:P

(I personally would LOVE to go to Peru. 17% of the world's bird species? Yes indeed.)

Besides, the concept of Central America is a tedious one at that.

I did have a friend who ran an orphanage in Guatemala and she told me some scary stories about the government there. (who were installed by the US)

:D

:eyes:

Okay, I haven't really. :D

I am related to half the country and it has many wonderful things to see. Of course, it is not in Central America.

I hear it's fantastic if you're up to it physically and psychologically.

Maybe less to do there than in Luxembourg, though.
:P

:P

The dining there is excellent. Certainly better than chicken fried steak and the like.

I don't have experience with the other places but have gone to Costa Rica and loved it. I've known people who have gone to Belize who also loved it.

There are absolutely loads of things to do there. It is easy to fly into Cancun and then leave that area, which is too metrotouristy for my taste. You can go to Merida--a wonderful colonial city, Chichen Itza--truly awe-inspiring ruins, Tulum--the most beautiful beach and ruins combo imaginable, Coban--great jungle/ruins. There are a million and one other things to see and do, depending on your interests. You can also take the bus (a long ride) to San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas for loads of craft items. The Yucatan is not craft-central, if you know what I mean. Going to San Cristobal from the Yucatan is probably a lot safer than through Oaxaca under current conditions. And it is absolutely a great place for going to smaller market towns. Chiapas is probably my true favorite among the areas of Mexico that I have visited.

for the good times. :D