1

I think you need to understand the geography of Central America to find the type of location you have idealized in your mind. A great deal of the region is not and never was lush "super green" jungle. Massive deforestation over time and global climate change has, of course, exaggerated this trend. So much of the Pacific Coast is quite dry, especially in the dry (high)season. For example in much of Nicaragua and Guanacaste area of Costa Rica, El Salvador and north it would be more likely to see scrub and cactus near the beach then lush forest. There are pockets where the land is much wetter such as areas of the Nicoya Peninsula and about mid Central Pacific Costa Rica south to the Peninsula de Osa and into North Panama but then it transitions so large parts of Panama again return to the very hot and dry model. The climate on the Caribbean Coasts allows for perhaps the best chance of what you are looking for.

2

Navel gazing time?

For a limited budget I would suggest Big Corn Island...perhaps at Silver Sands or Mayflowers. Little Corn will have a few more foreigners, but Ensuenos might be what you are looking for there.

If you really want to get off the beaten path, make your way to Kahkabila and stay at Lakyatara. Kahkabila is a miskito-creole village that is well within your budget and I can just about promise that you won't see any other foreigners there. Not much beach but lots of shore. And they speak creole english... understandable if you listen carefully.

Oh, if you really, REALLY want to get off the beaten path, check out the Monkey Point Jungle Lodge! Amazing empty beaches, super friendly locals, real jungle but transport is a dilemma...right now the only scheduled boat leaves Bluefields on Friday mornings (en route to Punta Gorda) and passes back on Sunday.

All of these places are on the Caribbean coast, one of the few wild regions left in Nicaragua. You can read more about it on my blog (thanks for the shoutout, ESL): rightsideguide.com

Have a good trip!

3

Playa Cocles or Chequita Costa Rica on caribe side fits the bill.

4

I don't see how posting a mindless question constitutes helpful/useful travel advice, eddystonelightkeep. whats the matter, forget your facebook password?

5

The angle of the dangle is adversely proportional to the heat of the beat ... in sketch stich.

This might be the only post I have ever made that wasn't in reference to the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua.

6

I would sat you are looking for Big or Little Corn Island. There is a web site for the islands that is pretty up to date. Just domain corn island Nicaragua search and it will be there. Many places to stay on both islands in your price range. Picnic Center will have the best beach but usually little wind at that time of year, bring bug spray. Long beach is nice but there is nothing right on the beach in your price range. You may want to check out The Sunrise which is nice and clean with ocean views, right across the street from Cass Canada and just a short walk to Long Beach. This is the south side which is also a safer neighborhood then the Picnic Center area. It is safer to walk around here at night. IMO the south end and Sally peachie are the best places to stay. There is also a tower behind the Sunrise on the top of the mountain that you can climb and get a great island view. Sallie Peachie area has the best snorkeling. There is also Ikes place which is closer to town on the north end with a small strip on sand across the street.

On little corn I would stick to the places on the side of the island where Casa Iguana and Beach and Bungalow are. It's the windy side and there is a better beach and less bugs.

No matter where you go, you will have a good time. More tourists on Little Corn. better beaches on Big.

7

Cahuita-Costa Rica.....

8

Best do your hiking on the real easy trails misterbengay.
http://robbiesherrard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/25046227.HappyOldMan.jpg

9

http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/Assets/imposter.jpg