Safety: LatAm, relatively safe. Stay away from cities.

Rentals: AirBnB works. We have family. Stayed there.

Visas: US Citizen, visa free. Good for 90 days. Don't know about your spouse. Is there a treaty? If not, need to apply.

Pack light. Cash is king. Good for bribes.

alter_native

Don't buy an SUV, live in South/Central America for 3 years instead.

expatriotic

Very broad request. Thoughts... 

Safety: LatAm, relatively safe. Stay away from cities. 
Rentals: AirBnB works. We have family. Stayed there. 
Visas: US Citizen, visa free. Good for 90 days. Don't know about your spouse. Is there a treaty? If not, need to apply. 

Pack light. Cash is king. Good for bribes. 