I can only tell you about Costa Rica. They call it the rose of the Isthmus because it is the most prosperous and safe place in Central America. One of the main industries there is tourism, but they also produce a lot of crops, make semi-conductors and produce medical equipment. They are heavily in to ecotourism. There are many beautiful Jungles and beaches. San Jose is the main city, it is not too beautiful but you can have a good time on the weekend and maybe hit a museum. The allure of Costa Rica is its forests, beaches, volcanoes, coffee plantations, surfing and incredible biological diversity.

I live in Costa Rica and I can tell you this is a great country: you'll love that.

It is the most secure in Latin America.

If you need some tips about hotels or transportation, I know a good web site:

http://www.costaricatravelandvacations.c...

Have a good trip!

Costa Rica is by far the SAFEST of the three countries. You can go to the U.S. State Dept's website and get great information about the safety of the countries, as well as things such as required shots, water saftety, etc. I STRONGLY recommend you do that before making your decision!!

Look this page, tours in guatemala www.adrenalinatours.com or info@adrenalinatours.com for information about US

My college offers very affordable, very awesome service trips every spring break. This year, I think I want to do one of the trips that volunteers with animals. There are three locations that volunteer service at a zoo/animal preserve/rescue/rehab center for animals. They are:

Costa Rica

Nicaragua and

Guatemala

I am trying to decide what I would be most interested in. I think I am leaning towards the trip to Nicaragua as it sounds more like a zoo. But all places sound beautiful. What can you tell me about any of these areas and the local population and industry? First hand experience would be helpful to hear from.