travel tips for Mexico and central america

[digger_R]

I'm trying to decide between Mex & Central america or alternatively India leaving next week.
I can get a cheap flight into Cancun but as I intend to head towards Panama I'll need a flight either come back to the Uk or go to Vancouver from there (it's long story).
So I was wondering if any o the wise ph have done a central america trip - I have approx 4/5 months and cash to get by while I'm there, any travel routes from Cancun south would be appreciated, esp if you have any specific tips as to where to go, things to do etc. I'd like to get some diving in somewhere along the way too and maybe learn to surf (depending on cost for the 2nd one)

I'll be staying in hostels (mostly) and will prob be reasonably frugal with my spending (i haven't found that a barrier to having a good time yet)!

[Mr Darcy]

You can get to Cozumel from Cancun fairly easily on public transport I think (if you really are fugal). There the diving is out of this world. You could also head to belieze from here quite easily and from Belieze head into Honduras. Can't help you with the rest but I am sure that the nice people on the thorntree lonley planet site will be able to give you more info than you can shakle a stick at.