What side of Costa Rica is better?

Most travelers visiting Costa Rica think the Pacific side of the country is the better coast to visit. The remote Osa Peninsula, the monkey-filled area of Manuel Antonio, the surfing near Santa Theres, and the touristy Nicoya coast make it the superior choice.

Which side of Costa Rica has best beaches?

Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches are located in northwest Costa Rica (Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula) and the southern Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita). In both regions you'll find light sand, warm tropical water, and — when conditions are right — great surfing.

Which side of Costa Rica is better Atlantic or Pacific?

If you go by what the locals say, the Caribbean coast wins. Well-traveled Costa Ricans love to visit the area south of Limon with its most famous beach towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo. It is less crowded, not as expensive, and known for a great food scene.

What is the nicest part of Costa Rica?

Is the east or west side of Costa Rica better?

Although, the Pacific Coast has the greatest diversity in beaches. The Northern Coast is the dryest- with beaches backed by dry forest and cacti. As you move south, the beaches get lusher and wilder – with more wildlife. There are so many different beaches to discover in Costa Rica.

CARIBBEAN SIDE OF COSTA RICA WORTH VISITING? Cahuita

Which side of Costa Rica is warmer?

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.

What region of Costa Rica should I visit?

San Jose & Central Valley

The Central Valley is the most culturally exciting area in Costa Rica, with countless museums, art galleries, theaters as well as colonial structures spread evenly across the cities it covers (Alajuela, Heredia, San José and Cartago).

What should I avoid in Costa Rica?

Where should you not stay in Costa Rica?

Where should I stay my first time in Costa Rica?

The best areas to stay in Costa Rica for both first time and returning visitors are the neighborhoods of San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo Beach.

Should I stay on the Pacific or Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

One of the main reasons why you should visit the Pacific coast of Costa Rica versus the Caribbean can be summed up in two words: more choices. There are more beach towns, more hotels, more activities, more national parks, more snorkeling spots and more surfing spots on the Pacific than the Caribbean.

Is San Jose or Liberia Costa Rica better?

Liberia is closer to some of the best surfing beaches in the country but flights can be more expensive. San Jose is closer to nature activities and the hustle and bustle of the capital city with generally cheaper flights, but has more expensive local transportation.

Can you swim in the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica?

4. Safest Beaches in Costa Rica: Where Can You Swim? 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.

What is the prettiest beach in Costa Rica?

Where is the clearest water in Costa Rica?

Unless a big hurricane swell moves in, Manzanillo to almost Punta Mona on the south Caribbean coast will offer the clearest waters in Costa Rica for the next few months. For the rest of the year, the clear is to be found offshore in the Pacific.

Should I go to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica may not be as well-known as the Pacific side, but it's an outdoor adventure that should not be overlooked if you seek an exotic location packed full of nature, wildlife, and white sandy beaches.

When should I avoid Costa Rica?

Avoid the peak rainy season, September and October, unless you're visiting the Caribbean coast. Avoid the weeks around Christmas, New Years, and Easter, especially if you're on a budget or don't like crowds.

Do and don'ts Costa Rica?

Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico?

The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. As per its safety ranking, Costa Rica is Level One whereas Mexico is Level Two.

What is considered rude in Costa Rica?

Taboos/Unacceptable Behavior

Topics such as pre-marital sex, abortion, and gay marriage are generally avoided. Costa Ricans are very polite, so be sure not to put your feet on furniture; always say please and thank you, and try not raise your voice in anger, at least in public.

Are there drug cartels in Costa Rica?

Colombian and Mexican drug cartels, which have been using Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador as drug-trafficking transit points, have added Costa Rica, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Costa Rica?

Shorts and skimpy clothing are common at the beach, but as soon as you head into the mountains you'll want long pants. This isn't just about temperature. In places like San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and largest city, locals almost never wear shorts in public.

Where should I stay in Costa Rica beach and jungle?

Tamarindo: This is the Costa Rica you've come to explore. It's set right next to some amazing beaches and is super close to an amazing jungle-lined national park. It's not only the perfect spot for nature lovers but there's plenty of great nightlife too.

Is Costa Rica expensive?

Costa Rica can be expensive. At least, it can feel expensive to Westerners who expect to be able to have the same buying power as in places like India or Thailand. Costa Rica is ranked as the most expensive country in Central America and the sixth most expensive in North America and the Caribbean (2015).

Is San Jose Costa Rica worth visiting?

San Jose is most famous for being the entryway into Costa Rica. The country's largest airport is here, and so the vast majority of travelers to CR come in and out of there. In addition, San Jose has some wonderful museums (especially the gold museum) and perhaps the best nightlife in the country.