Which side of Costa Rica is the nicest?

You can have a great time on either side of Costa Rica but here are some reasons why you should visit one over the other. Two of the main reasons why you should visit the Pacific side of Costa Rica over the Caribbean are that there are more choices and a closer proximity to the international airport and attractions.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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)


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

If you're wondering “Is Costa Rica expensive?”, the answer is yes and no. Compared to other Central American countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Costa Rica is generally more on the expensive side. It's pretty well-developed and has a thriving tourism industry, so things do cost more.

MORE DETAILS

Although some places in Mexico are getting more expensive (Cancun and Tulum), generally speaking, it is much easier to travel Mexico on a budget. Is Mexico or Costa Rica safer? Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability.

MORE DETAILS

All of the popular and safe expatriate locations in Costa Rica, such as Heredia, Atenas, Arenal, Tamarindo and even some parts of the capital city San Jose are home to many American expats. One way to make friends is by simply being social and visiting US-owned establishments like bars or restaurants, or shops.

MORE DETAILS

Any talk of the best beaches in Costa Rica inevitably involves Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. With 4 white sand beaches inside the famous national park and 1 outside, you will be left in awe of its beauty. It's clear why Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica!

MORE DETAILS

On the Caribbean coast, the Puerto Viejo area has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica! One of those is Playa Cocles in the Southern Caribbean Coast, 4 kilometers from Puerto Viejo.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, near the border with Nicaragua, is popular for those seeking a beach lifestyle and warm climate. This region receives the least rainfall and has more sunny days than anywhere else in the country.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

MORE DETAILS

The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is during the green season or rainy season, May to November. As the largest influx of tourists visit Costa Rica during the dry season (December through April), that is the most expensive time to visit. Read more about Costa Rica weather to know what to expect.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica is cheaper than Hawaii. There is more to do and it will cost you less. You can spring for more luxurious accommodations once in a while in Costa Rica and you won't break the bank, but a standard hotel in Hawaii will already be pretty expensive.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica Luxury Vacation Packages Costa Rica is renowned for its upscale, private resorts and stellar service, so it only makes sense to take the trip of a lifetime in this breathtakingly gorgeous country. Let us do the work for you.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another.

MORE DETAILS

  • Violent crime, including carjackings and 'express kidnappings', is increasingly common in Costa Rica. Criminals often target tourist areas, resorts, transport hubs and public transport. ...
  • Petty crime is common. ...
  • Credit card fraud is a risk. ...
  • Nationwide strikes and roadblocks have occurred.


MORE DETAILS