So, we’re thinking to leave the country for Christmas/New Year’s this year. (Don’t worry–we’ll be home for Thanksgiving AND Jaime’s birthday!)
And, we’re thinking Ecuador/Galapagos/Peru/Macchu Picchu. Or Costa Rica? Oaxaca and Guatemala?
We’ll have somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 weeks to travel.
I’m very fortunate to have so many friends/family who are so well traveled…any ideas or suggestions for us?
December and early January are perfect times to visit Costa Rica. The rainy season is over and the winds have started (Brisas de la Navidad). Days are sunny. Potential problem: Hotels are filled because ticos (Costa Ricans) go on vacation during the holidays and make reservations a year in advance. The government even shuts down until mid-January! But if it’s the only time you can come here, DO IT! You’ll love it.
Macchu Pichu and a few days at an ecolodge in the jungle (near Puerto Montt) is a great trip. I did it over Christmas a few years ago, but if you want to hike the trail this is not a good time of year. It is often closed due to the rain. If you go, and want to climb something, climb Huana Pichu and see the temple of the moon at the far endo of the Machu Pichu site.
If you want more of a city adventure, Rio has the biggest New Years Party I have even seen (it is second only to Carnival in Brazil.) The city is also spectacular — amazing beaches blocks from mountains, worlds larges urban forest, stunningly beautiful. If you go to Rio, be sure to take the Favela tour with Amendoim (you can find contact info in the LP). I’d also recommend taking a side trip to Iguassu falls / Foz di Iguzu.
of course i’m biased toward brasil, but i still have to second the rio motion. the new year in rio is breathtaking….people wear all white and flock to the beach to throw flowers into the water as an offering to iemanja, the goddess of the sea. but if you’re not into crowds, this definitely ain’t the place for you.
in which case, a smaller town might be better, and oaxaca, muuuch smaller than rio, is also charming. i’ve never been there over new year’s, tho, so not sure what that’s like.
i think because you’re thinking of going to catholic countries around xmas, you’ll find cool cultural stuff in any place you go…as far as physical beauty, tho, the galapagos and costa rica are supposed to be fantastic (only spent a couple of days in costa rica, so can’t speak to that).