If you are going to go to a resort, you may find things just as good but cheaper than Nicaragua. Nicaragua is an underdeveloped country in comparison to Costa Rica but Granada is an interesting colonial city and the lake and its islands are interesting. For biodiversity and nature Costa Rica gets the nod, and it is also a lot easier to get around in if you are travelling on your own than it is in Nicaragua. People are great in both countries. Costa Ricans may be slightly more reserved.

Costa Rica is better than Nicaragua

Costa Rica would be a great option as it is safe, has many nice resorts and wonderful places to visit.

You can enjoy beautiful beaches, many activities and excursions with decent nightlife.

Drake bay is one of the regions in Costa Rica which is immersed in nature,

it great thing is it can reached from San jose by Nature Air flights from San Jose Costa Rica.

Please refer http://www.natureair.com/drake-bay-fligh... for flight availability to Drake Bay.

In Costa Rica you will definitely have a true Costa Rican, rain forest / jungle experience.

Following are some activities/tours

see wildlife

various guided tours

jungle adventures

Dolphin tours

Canopy tours

night tours

Pristine beaches

Warm tropical waters

snorkeling and scuba tours to Cano Island

kayaking

There are various lodges in Drake bay, also it is near Corcovado national park and ca?o island. There are lodges in this area where you can experience true Costa Rican, rain forest / jungle experience, while also staying in a beautiful place.

La Paloma lodge is a nice place with delicious healthy meals, guided tours, beautiful accommodations with open air bathrooms, verandas with spectacular ocean views. Refer http://www.lapalomalodge.com for the package details.

You can also refer www.costaricabeauty.com for details about other places/hotels/transportation.

Do some research on panama before you decide

Looking for a vacation to central America. Initially we were looking at only Costa Rica, but have heard a lot of positive things about Nicaragua. We had never considered it, anyone have an opinion between the 2. It would be me and my wife, My parents who are in their 60s and 3 kids ages 6 to 13. Want to stay in nice places, decent meals and fun for all.