Are the beaches better on the Pacific or Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

The Pacific beaches in Costa Rica are some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With a much longer coastline than the Caribbean, the Pacific coast offers more of a variety of beautiful beaches. The Pacific coasts are the Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces.



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The Pacific beaches in Costa Rica are some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With a much longer coastline than the Caribbean, the Pacific coast offers more of a variety of beautiful beaches. The Pacific coasts are the Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces.

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The Papagayo Peninsula — on Costa Rica's Pacific coast — is the best place to stay in Costa Rica if you're looking for an upscale resort experience.

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Choosing between the two coasts is not easy. Both coasts are amazing and we especially like the Central and Southern Pacific Coast. The South Caribbean Coast is best for those looking for a bit of fun under the sun a bit off the beaten path. So, the answer really depends on various factors.

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Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica
  • Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Tenorio Volcano National Park.
  • Corcovado National Park.
  • Pacuare River Rafting.
  • Arenal Volcano.
  • Cahuita National Park.
  • Punta Uva Beach.


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Exploring the entire coast would make an excellent itinerary and take a good week or ideally two. If this is your first trip and you're wondering where to go in Costa Rica, the Caribbean coast would be a good intro to the lush ecosystem and wildlife Costa Rica is known for.

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With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea pounding the other side, Costa Rica's beaches are famous for having big waves and fast currents. These are perfect for surfing, but not so much for gentle, safe swimming.

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Be very cautious when you go into any body of water in the country as tides and rip currents can be strong. Also, as much of the country is considered the rainforest, the weather can change dramatically on very short notice.

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The Gulf of Papagayo has the most amount of white sand beaches in Costa Rica since the Gulf is made up of many little bays.

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Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast is also known as the Gold Coast thanks to a dry and warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle.

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The first step is to choose your main interest and select the places you'd like to visit. Costa Rica offers a variety of diverse locations, like: beaches and mountains, volcanoes and forests, rivers and hot springs, among many others. Second, choose the type of activities that will enhance the experience in Costa Rica.

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CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

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The safest places to stay in Costa Rica are:
  • Drake Bay – a good family destination.
  • Tamarindo – great for an all-encompassing beach experience.
  • Puerto Viejo – a romantic destination.
  • Liberia – near the wonderful Nicoya peninsula.
  • Jaco* – rich in expat communities (see notes)


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Tourism in Costa Rica causes problems with in the habitats of animals and plants living there. Because of tourism half of Costa Rica's monkey population is gone. And rain forests are growing smaller.

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What do we recommend? If you only want to relax, eat, sleep and drink, then you should go to an all inclusive resort. If you want to see and experience the real Costa Rica, you should not go to an all inclusive.

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The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. When the Kardashians wanted to film their reality show in Costa Rica, it was no accident that they chose The Springs. This sprawling hot-springs resort in Arenal, with prices north of $500 (£380) a night, is the crème de la crème of luxury lodging in Costa Rica.

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#1: No Parties, No Big Waves, Just Relaxing at Hermosa Beach in Guanacaste. Playa Hermosa Guanacaste is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Some people like to pack their itinerary with activities. If that isn't you, Playa Hermosa has the beach scene you're craving.

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