costa rica vs panama vacation

Whilst its tempting to bypass the urban jungle and head straight for Costa Ricas wildlife-rich forests, if you have time in San Jos spend it exploring a few of its stunning neighborhoods. Non-guests can join the twice-daily coffee tours. The Costa Ballena on the South Pacific Coast is lush and remains pristine with numerous luxury accommodations. It's only 2 hours from Miami and air travel from North America is often quite reasonable. Vacations in Jamaica are generally more affordable than in Costa Rica. When youre traveling through the deep green forests, you may expect to witness a diverse range of animal and plant species. Year after year, we collect feedback from our customers. Costa Rica and Panama best represents why Central America shouldnt be criminally underrated. Eating can be economical as well, and meals can be eaten for anywhere from $8-$15 a meal. They are also producers of high-quality organic coffee and chocolate. So, why is Costa Rica slightly better? In hindsight, Panama has generally similar yet lower prices than Costa Rica. Lovely walks in the jungle by waterfalls too. If you need a restaurant reservation, an inside tip or would like to modify your trip, just call us. There are very few really interesting man-made tourist attractions. "M" means multiple times. Costa Rica and Panama meet in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers 2022. Located inManuel Antonio, this hotel is one of the bestCosta Rica beachfront resorts. Costa Rica and Panama are surprisingly quite alike when it comes down to visitors visiting these countries, so when planning a vacation I would highly consider the two of them. Daily life expenses are also said to be cheaper in Panama than in Costa Rica, largely due to global tariff-free importation via the Panama canal. ThePanama Canal Museum sits in a preserved colonial mansion in Casco Viejo. The average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 0.8 months in Costa Rica compared to 0.7 months in Panama. So, in that friendly spirit of competition, let's see how these two countries stack up. There are tons of self-guided hikes and nature things to do. Laidback beach towns, yoga, surf, and barefoot luxury are quintessential of the Nicoya Peninsula experience. Whether you want to snorkel with rainbow-colored fish, ride the waves or just lounge on icing sugar-soft sand, you'll find breathtaking beaches stretching along two coastlines in both Panama and Costa Rica. For guests arriving through San Jose, we offer a VIP meet & greet service. Particularly if we think of animal watching. Costa Rica is still the ultimate eco-tourism destination, with plenty of things to do in the outdoors, abundant wildlife, and amazing beaches and national parks spread all over the country. In Costa Rica, you'll need a working . Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will find everything from soft adventure to extreme sports in both Costa Rica and Panama. Costa Rica's income tax is between 10-15%, depending on the worker's residence scheme. And Panama, on the other hand, is big on business and commerce, with a side of outdoor adventures, best-of-both-worlds beaches, and marvelous manmade feats, the country is best for the really curious and eager tourists. With over 200 volcanic formations scattered around the country, you may expect to discover some intriguing hiking routes nearby. Welcome to your ultimate Costa Rica travel guide Costa Rica: where rainforests mingle with steaming volcanoes, where beaches are golden or black and offer surf and sunsets, where sloths and toucans are just a small slice of the exotic wildlife on offer. Depending on the factors along the road, on average you can drive from Panama up to Costa Rica for more than 12 hours. When it comes to the local food and drinks, both Panama and Costa Rica disappoint a bit. The border between Panama and Costa Rica however, is quite safe. Yet, it also has lots of outdoor activities, wildlife viewing opportunities, beaches, volcanoes It has less quantity, but the quality is similar. Certain purchases like essential goods can seem to cost the same in both countries. Costa Rica or Panama? 00:00 Intro 01:27 Wildlife 02:30 Panama canal 04:42 Annual rainfall 03:59 Currencies. An interesting fact: Central America is one of the most extremely biodiverse and naturally gifted places on earth, and Panama has a great bounty of its earthly beauty. Learn more about the most famous landmarks in Costa Rica. Costa Rica or Panama? The dormant cone volcano is directly above the town of La Fortuna, allowing hiking trips along the original lava flow trails. Pura Vida, for sure. While you are in the country, our customer service team ison-call throughout your stay. Panama, through Panama City, has more cultural and heritage tourism and that vibrant urban and nightlife that is lacking in Costa Rica. Columbus sailed to the eastern shores of Costa Rica during his final voyage in 1502 and reported vast quantities of gold jewelry worn by natives. Low taxes are the case in both Costa Rica and Panama, but Panama has zero income tax. Both Costa Rica and Panama have pros and cons for retirees. Have a look at: Both countries have more than their share of tourist attractions, with plenty of things to do and see spread all over them. Pure Life, as it is translated, is a heartfelt Costa Rican cultural philosophy that characterizes how people live on a daily basis. Recent accolades include Travel + Leisures Top 100 Hotels in the World. Costa Ricas territory is so small that it only spans 0.03 percent of the Earths surface, but it is nonetheless one of the worlds top 20 biodiversity-rich countries. The Panama Canal, one of the worlds most magnificent technical feats, the ruins of Old Panama, and the Casco Antiguo are all worth visiting. In both countries, the food is very unhealthy with lots of fried dishes and carbs. The Pacuare River, located nearly 124km (77 miles) from the capital of San Jos, is a renowned white water rafting spot, with rapids ranging from Class II to Class V. Back on dry land, take a three-day round-trip hike up the country's highest peak Cerro Chirrip. Both of these are easily accessible and offer plenty of unique experiences, but there is a lot to choose from. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. Boquete in the Chiriqu Highlands is the hub for hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, rappelling and rock climbing. Apioneerof Costa Rican eco resorts, Si Como No features stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, and friendly service. Costa Rica is more one dimensional. It's much easier to find wildlife in Costa Rica than in Panama. They are absolutely picture-perfect, with almost blue-fluorescent water, soft sand, and snorkeling spots right from the beach. Pura Vida pervades their culture, which places high importance on and protects the lands most valuable resource: nature. Panama or Costa Rica? If you prefer flying, you can book flights from Panama City to San Jose via Avianca, Copa Airlines, and Air Panama. They are both internationally known as great travel destinations, but is one better than the other? The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Either way, you shouldnt have problems finding flights to any of the countries, yet we feel that Panama is slightly better on this one. However, if nature is the only thing you are looking for, then you are probably better going to Costa Rica. Facts about Costa Rica With such a short distance, thanks to them being neighbors, the average flight time should take around an hour or so. No wonder the Ticos motto is pura vida (pure life). When it comes to being a friend of the environment, Costa Rica is the star. With a size of 51,100 km2 (19,700 sq mi), it is one of the smaller . Additionally, you need to show another US$250 for your spouse and each dependent. Almost all locations are within a few hours of one another, allowing you to hop around as often as you desire. Advantage: Costa Rica Because of its long-standing status as a top Latin American destination, Costa Rica is serviced by a whopping 13 large airlines. Panamas tourism is definitely increasing and you can see that when traveling around but unless you expect the country to be deserted you wont have any problems with it. This is a pro or a con, depending on how "touristy" you like your vacations to be. Panama is the isthmus that seemingly connects North and South America, bordered by Colombia to the south, and Costa Rica to the north. Locatedin the heart of Manuel Antonio, the property blends seamlessly into the jungle. The "rich coast" has earned its name and sits on the cutting edge of so many trends: surfing, farm-to-table restaurants, and sustainable tourism. The winner: Panama, thanks to its idyllic islands, but those in search of a beach break will be spoilt for choice in either country. In Panama, obtaining a residency visa, importing household goods, and buying property is a much easier process than in Costa Rica, which usually has much stiffer fees and taxes associated with . Costa Rica and Panama are located in Central America, bridging the Americas. Costa Rica is home to rich, indulgent coffees and their coffee beans are world renowned as some of the best! Yet, we need to mention Coiba island, which is famous for its virgin tropical forest and is sometimes referred to as the new Galapagos. With great outdoors and nature, comes a great deal of wonders to revel upon, and things to do. Panama can be as wild as youd like. Our experts will listen to your needs and match you with the right trip plan, lodging options, tours, transport and excursions. We stand behind the quality of every single itinerary that we design & deliver. Thanks to its multitude of microclimates, Costa Rica has not one but eight high-altitude regions, particularly in the Central Valley and Guanacaste, that produce coffee, each with its own distinct flavor. The winner: Costa Rica its a world leader in conservation. Both Panama and Costa Rica are more expensive to travel around than their neighbors in Central and Latin America. The uniqueness and fame of the Galapagos pulls tourists to Quito and thence to the high Andean and Amazon basin eco systems. With many connecting suites, 2, 3 or ultra luxury 5-bedroom villa options, its a family favorite. If you get to the summit before the mist falls, you'll have views over the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the same time. We compare Costa Rica and Panama to help guide your next vacation or to help you for when. The best common thing about Costa Rica and Panama, and most of Latin America has to be their absolutely gorgeous beaches all over. Costa Rica has miles of amazing beaches for you to choose from. Costa Rica and Panama are both fascinating and worthwhile travel destinations. The winner: Costa Rica for the sheer variety of outdoor adventures on offer. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on earth on top of its conservation efforts, and ecotourism, there is no doubt that Costa Rica takes the bag as having the best wildlife. Theres always something exciting happening in cosmopolitan Panama City. We will answer your questions and make the planning process enjoyable. Since we began operations in 2004 we've helped over 10,000 people plan their vacations to paradise and it would be an honor to help you as well. In Costa Rica, almost all the big attractions are national parks, nature hikes, and other outdoor activities. You have the Panama Canal, one of the most impressive engineering achievements in the world, the ruins of Old Panama, and the Casco Antiguo. 50 Things you need to know before traveling to Portugal. One of the biggest questions people have is which country should you visit on your vacation. Between them, Costa Rica is even more expensive than Panama, particularly if you look at tours, shuttles, and Tourism services. Over 30% of the country is covered by protected and conserved national parks, providing enough space for the countrys flora and fauna to thrive and grow. Why? One of the many routes you can take to get across is the Pan-American Highway, one of the most common ways to travel from North America to Central America that ends in Panama at the Darien Gap. Which is more touristy? Ocean, sky, or palmspainted with the brightest blues and greens. It also boasts the beautiful El Yunque rainforest. In Costa Rica, finding wildlife is considerably easier than in Panama. Costa Rica has little to offer in the way of cultural tourism, and most of it is concentrated in central San Jose, where few tourists visit. 3) Pura Vida - Don't worry, be happy. Any swell from the Pacific is picked up by Costa Ricas Pacific coast. There are a few entry points, and travelers going from Costa Rica into Panama need to remember that there is a tax for leaving the country. Hardcore hikers can strap on their boots and trek coast-to-coast from Panam Viejo toPortobelo or through the primordial forest of Darin with Jungle Treks. You can qualify for this retirement visa by proving a guaranteed income. In Costa Rica, we arrived in San Jose, and immediately took a bus ride to Arenal/La Fortuna. Its a nature lovers heaven, with easy access to a variety of activities within a short distance of the coast. In the Guna Yala, you can live out your pirate fantasies or relax on a remote beach in the Peninsula de Azuero. This is a very new trend - and is quite converse to Costa Rica's paradisaical reputation - but experts are starting to target the causes. See my site Policies Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. With all of its greenery and thick, lush forests, its no surprise that the country is littered with volcanoes, with all of the volcanic ingredients feeding or even giving birth to the forests surrounding. There are a variety of dining options in three restaurants. Which is the best eco-friendly destination? Costa Rican and Panama literally border each other with Panama located just southeast of Costa Rica. Also thanks to its bicoastal setting, sandwiched by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Panama is also home to a vastly diverse array of marine life. Panama and Costa Rica may seem more or less the same when it comes to costs, but Panama can be 10 to 20% cheaper than Costa Rica. Panama City is Central Americas most cosmopolitan capital with no shortage of things to do, from the landmark BioMuseo showcasing the countrys biodiversity to the compact Museo de la Mola exploring the indigenous Gunas one-of-a-kind textile art. Hyatts luxury lifestyle brand, Andaz, opened doors of its unique resort just a few years ago. Family Couples Packages Hotels Places to Visit About More Contact All-Inclusive Vacations to Costa Rica Costa Rica All-inclusive Vacations We are a local travel agency with 20 years experience. My husband and I are starting to consider seriously retiring in either of Costa Rica or Panama in the next couple of years. If you do want to splurge on costs, you can also find opulent pleasures around the capital of Panama City, which is the most costly place in the entire country. A journey on the Panama Canal Railway, which runs alongside the canal through lush rainforest, is another thrilling way to observe this manmade marvel. Pura Vida, as they say. We have had the opportunity to live in Costa Rica for 9 months and in Panama for 6 months. Unlike Ecuador, which has only a Pacific coast, Costa Rica has the advantage of both Pacific and Caribbean beach resorts. The amazing thing about Costa Rican beaches is that almost all of them are rather nice, and several of them are simply stunning. We poll them to find out what experiences they truly loved. And despite sharing borders and certain geographic features with countries like Mexico, their culture is a bit more laid-back. Cost of a. Immerse yourself in thePura Vidaluxury that you wont findelsewhere. Panama is somewhat similar, it has almost all the above-mentioned things to do, but in less quantity. And they may be the priciest countries inCentral America but they have the infrastructure to match. On this map, you can see the location of Costa Rica on a world map. So, Panama wins this one, despite not being a cheap destination. This sea hole goes 500 feet (152.4 meters) deep. Want to try white water rafting, canyoneering, diving with whale sharks, or take on serious surf breaks, then Costa Ricas the place. Sure, you may find cheaper options, but for this adventure, go with THE BEST. Cloud forests, tropical beaches with warm turquoise water and soft sand, national parks with beautiful trails, wonderful mountains Both countries have them all, and in both countries, they are spread all over. It's much easier to find wildlife in Costa Rica than in Panama. The state-of-the-art Jade Museum, with five floors filled with age-old jade artifacts and more, is worth a look, as is the glittering collection at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The Panamanians are similar and also easy to connect to. Panama City is a vibrant, diverse, waterfront metropolis and Costa Rica simply doesnt have anything close to it. Costa Rica has invested heavily in tourism and particularly in eco-friendly tourism. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Here are the top 14 things to do. These Central American darlings demonstrated that underappreciated locations can provide the finest of history, culture, natural beauty, and man-made marvels. The canal today is more than just some pioneering structure, but is now a world-class tourist attraction that has drawn many ordinary curious tourists, the occasional engineering fanatic, and maritime enthusiasts. In the highlands of Santa F, soak up the spray of towering waterfalls. Take it from a slew of YouTubers who have visited and lived in Costa Rica. Puerto Rico is home to hilly provinces, caves, and gorgeous waterfalls. Dont let your belongings unattended, dont forget to lock your car, be wary of places with lots of people and bus stops that kind of thing. They offer laid-back luxury with fantastic, personal service. You can take a bus to Costa Rica from Panama with bus operators such as Expreso Panama, Tica Bus, Panachif, Autotransportes MEPE, Terminales Panama David, and many more. Not to mention, theyre neighbors imagine the ground you can cover. When it comes to local culture and heritage that you can delve into and explore, Costa Rica and Panama are interesting but not extraordinary. There is more to do and it will cost you less. No army (abolished in 1949!) With each surf area, youll get a unique experience. San Jos is the biggest town but doesnt come close to the level of development of Panama City. This makes travel life much easier in Panama than in Costa Rica. Overshadowed by the giants of the Caribbean, and quite possibly its northern neighbor, Costa Rica, Panamas smaller tourism demand may have given it quite a leeway to be a wallet-friendly destination. Costa Rica is thus one of the worlds most environmentally conscious countries. If are looking for a beautiful, tropical country, youll be pleased with either one. There are options for everyones taste and pocket So, Panama easily wins this one. The Echandi-Fernandez Treaty, signed in 1941, established the current border. Much as I enjoy visiting Panama, I think the heat is brutal, unless you're in a higher elevation locale like Boquete or Valle de Anton where many foreigners have settled. Check out air carriers such as Avianca, Air Panama, and Copa Airlines. See these and otherArenal volcano resorts. You can see highly urbanized areas and public facilities across Panama City, and other competitive major cities in the country. Its not that Panama doesnt have outdoor activities. Enjoy the view of the Arenal Volcano from your private balcony while lying in a comfy hammock. Return the howl to the animals that share the canopy. Costa Rica has an apparently higher GDP of 61.45 compared to Panamas 52.94. The Westin has more than 400 rooms, an adults-only section, six restaurants, and a stunning white-sand beach. This property is great for a romantic getaway too. To notice the beauty in something, you need the correct kind of eyes. Even though there are many tourist projects, the area might be inexpensive if you know what youre doing. Glossy showrooms, high-rise condos and luxury shopping malls illuminate Panama Citys banking district the epicenter of prodigious real estate. Nevertheless, Costa Rica wins this one by a landslide. COSTA RICA vs PANAMA! Panama and Costa Rica may seem more or less the same when it comes to costs, but Panama can be 10 to 20% cheaper than Costa Rica. We stayed at Hostal Refugio del Rio and really enjoyed it This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Its conveniently located just over 1 hour from the San Jos International Airport. In Panama, the San Blas Islands and all of their beaches, as well as Pollo Beach in Bastimentos, are the regions most beautiful beaches. This Papagayo bay resort features 150 finely appointed guest rooms. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose. We help keep you and your loved ones safe, make informed, smart decisions and in the end, to have confidence that you are making the right choices. You can actually drive from Costa Rica to Panama easily as they just border each other. This sheltered bay is home to some of the finest luxury sport fishing boats and yachts. But Costa Rica scores higher than Panama in the crime index with a ten-point difference. Panama is way above the average in terms of things to do in the wild. The best beans are grown around Boquete, including Geisha, one of the worlds finest coffees thanks to its singular taste. Regardless if you're new or an expert, you can expect to enjoy the Great Blue Hole. The Guanacaste region is well known for come ofCosta Ricas best beaches, year-round sunshine, and a stunning tropical dry forest. Howler monkeys and hummingbirds lure you along jungle hikes. Your Costa Rica travel agent will adjust your custom package until you are 100% satisfied. Read on to find out the top 3 reasons why Costa Rica won the battle for it as my favorite Central American country. Round #2 - Connectivity Winner: Panama by a Landslide This resort features a good balance of what customers expect: a great beach, good on-site dining and outstanding service. From May to December, there are also more frequent waves coming from the northwest. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will find everything from soft adventure to extreme sports in both Costa Rica and Panama. However, Costa Rica may come only second to Panama, it is considered to be the most developed of the Central American countries, with a relatively high GDP per capita and the greatest indices for life expectancy at birth, infant mortality rate, and adult literacy rate among the Central American countries. You can explore around the ruins of several Spanish forts speckled across various shores in the Caribbean coasts, or trek, hike, and boat deep into the lush forests and indigenous territories of the country. The Best Costa Rica Vacation Destinations for 2022 & 2023! We compare both countries to guide your vacation. Being a hybrid of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the country is poised to provide everyone a top-notch beach life. Ideally, I would fly to either destination. You can take a bus from Costa Rica to Panama, and vice versa. The most recent addition to the are the luxurious Nayara Tented Camps, which just recently opened for the 2020 season. Dive with schools of hammerhead sharks and those gentle giants, whale sharks atIsla del Coco located in the southern part of the country, near Pennsula de Osa.

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