Which side is better in Costa Rica?

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 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.

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 is better in Costa Rica Pacific or Caribbean?

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.

Which part of Costa Rica is the best to stay?

CARIBBEAN SIDE OF COSTA RICA WORTH VISITING? Cahuita

What should I avoid 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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the prettiest beach in Costa Rica?

Which ocean is better Atlantic or Pacific?

Looking at the entire oceans, however, the Pacific Ocean is by far the warmest overall ocean because it has about four times the intense sun-heated surface area in the tropics compared with the Atlantic Ocean.

How safe is the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.

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.

Why the West Coast is better?

The West Coast features the nicest weather in the country. Summers are not too hot and it also rains less than states on the East coast. In California, the weather is usually warm all year round and winters do not get uncomfortably cold besides snow is uncommon in most parts of the state.

How long does it take to drive from one side of Costa Rica to the other?

The travel time can vary significantly between destinations, but a general rule of thumb is 30 mph (50 km/hour). Thus, if the distance between destinations is 125 miles (200 km), you should plan on it taking about four hours to get from one place to another.

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.

When should you not go to Costa Rica?

But if you have just a week or two to get away, there are certain times of year you'll want to avoid. The rainiest months in general are September and October. During this time, you could have several days in a row with prolonged periods of rain, which can make it difficult to get out and explore.

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.

What part of Costa Rica rains the most?

In the South Pacific – one of the rainiest places in Costa Rica – the dry season lasts just three months (January to March), and average annual rainfall is 5 meters (16.5 feet).

What part of Costa Rica is the safest?

Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo and Drake Bay are the safest areas in Costa Rica. You'll hardly find any crime here apart from the typical pickpocketing.

Where do celebrities stay in Costa Rica?

The preferred spots for celebrities are: Papagayo Gulf in Guanacaste, Santa Teresa and Mal País in the South Pacific, Mel Gibson's estate is located in Playa Barrigona, Guanacaste, some have been spotted in the area of La Fortuna de San Carlos, the remote and secluded Osa Península is a perfect area, and others in ...

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.

Where is the best place to go in Costa Rica?

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.