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. It lies on the isthmus which connects North and South America. Getting up close to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal is on many visitors bucket lists and you can check out its turbulent history at the interactiveMiraflores Visitors Center. Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will find everything from soft adventure to extreme sports in both Costa Rica and Panama. 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 Central American country is home to over 200+ mammal species including famous big cats such as jaguars and pumas, as well as several species of monkeys, and other small to medium-sized mammals. And you dont have to leave Panama City to spot sloths and other wild things along the rainforest trails of theParque Natural Metropolitano. Panama has a beach to suit every mood. Apart from the tropics relatively sunny warmer days perfect for the seemingly eternal summer, and a bit of rain during the rainy season, Panama holds very little risk of being hit by tropical storms. Panama can be as wild as youd like. Costa Rica and Panama are the clearest examples of why Central America should not be undervalued. ? Not near a beach but close to the jungle and certainly plenty to do in terms of adrenaline tours - zip lining, white water kayaking and rafting. Two land-based platforms, the Miraflores Visitors Center and the Colon Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center are not to be missed on any tour. In both countries, the food is very unhealthy with lots of fried dishes and carbs. Learn more about the most famous landmarks in Costa Rica. 7-day Trip. Unlike Ecuador, which has only a Pacific coast, Costa Rica has the advantage of both Pacific and Caribbean beach resorts. Panama is great, but the tourism industry is not built up like Costa Rica's yet. With stunning volcano views, this luxury hotel features17 spring-fed thermal poolsand a wildlife sanctuary. In Panama, the San Blas Islands and all of their beaches, as well as Pollo Beach in Bastimentos, are the regions most beautiful beaches. But when you take a careful look through a more focused lens, you can see that local cultures, attitudes, customs, and ways of life can set them apart in a very obvious sense. 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. Scuba divers will find Costa Rica to be a perfect destination. From infrastructure and urban development, Panama seems to be the more developed thanks to the economic boom the country has been experiencing over the recent years. From endless summer days, great outdoors, wild adventures in a seemingly lost world, and the famous silver city of Panama City, and all its cosmopolitan charms, this Central American nation is up and coming, or rather, already there and going big. Costa Rica or Panama? Check. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, it may take longer and might be more costly than you anticipated. Our 100% local experts live, work and play right here in Costa Rica. Panama City is a vibrant, diverse, waterfront metropolis and Costa Rica simply doesnt have anything close to it. Panama's coffee estates are set around its three volcanoes, Volcn Baru, El Valle and La Yeguada, with soil enriched by volcanic ash and cooled by breezes that blow in from both the Caribbean and the Pacific coasts. Just be sure to remember the proper driving etiquette, bring a working GPS, necessary documents, and a well-conditioned vehicle. The winner: Costa Rica for the sheer variety of outdoor adventures on offer. They are also producers of high-quality organic coffee and chocolate. The Albrook Mall is a huge shopping center with an unbelievable number of shops. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. 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. Panamas patchwork of diverse landscapes offers a number of activities to enjoy. It boasts some of the most consistent surf all year, with little seasonal variation. 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. The Best Costa Rica Vacation Destinations for 2022 & 2023! While traveling in Costa Rica youll notice this and all the signs asking for not littering and to reducing pollution. Sip tropical cocktails while relaxing by one of natural hot-spring-fed lagoons and pools. Costa Rica has many great beaches, and some of them have been considered among the best in the world several times. This charming boutique hotel is a gem among small Costa Rican hotels. This small Central American country is a vacation destination that has it all. The Westin has more than 400 rooms, an adults-only section, six restaurants, and a stunning white-sand beach. Los Sueos is popular for itsworld-class marina. However, there are a few key differences that cant be ignored. More Details. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Costa Rica is more one dimensional. It has been a tourist destination for far longer than Panama. From San Jose to Panama City in 13 days, this laidback adventure will introduce you to some of the most beautiful spots in two Central American cultures, then give . Costa Ricas most problematic crimes involve grand theft auto, drug trafficking, property crimes, assault, armed robbery, and corruption which all scored concerningly high. We do NOT sell cookie-cutter trips. In Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa named Central Americas first World Surfing Reserve for its biodiversity and conservation ethos, also offers some world-class waves. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Best places to stay in dominican republic, Best places to stay in destin fl on the beach, Dubai Visa For Oman Resident Card Holders. Costa Rica is cheaper than Hawaii. Particularly if you are looking for all-inclusive resorts. 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. The lofty cloud forest reserves ofMonteverde are a hotbed of biodiversity, buzzing with birds, amphibians and reptiles, and the mini-Amazon ofParque Nacional Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast is a protected breeding ground for green sea turtles. Things like the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, and old Panama But you also have the paradisiac San Blas islands and the backpackers hub of Bocas del Toro and the cloud forests and hikes of Boquete. But Costa Rica and Nicaragua share both a Pacific and Atlantic coastline and so in this case beaches are created equal. Latest . Read our Privacy Policy. By car or bus, and by air, thanks to the several airlines that offer direct flights. Panama City is a modern city with everything you would expect to find in a developed, urbanized area. Having shared histories of being under Spanish colonial rule for an extensive period, a lot of cultural overtones can be observed in many of the Latin American countries. Panama is known for prices that wont break the bank, especially for tourists coming from the US, Canada, or Europe. There are solutions to suit everyones preferences and budget. The Arenal Volcano, which has become a tourist attraction, is one of the most popular volcanoes in the country. Ideally, I would fly to either destination. Look out for curious capuchin monkeys as you kayak around Gatn Lake or watch behemoth ships crossing thePanama Canal. In such a small country, you can easily find something exhilarating or adventurous to do no matter where you are. Laidback beach towns, yoga, surf, and barefoot luxury are quintessential of the Nicoya Peninsula experience. Which is why it makes sense if you're curious about vacationing in Costa Rica vs Panama. Costa Rica and Panama meet in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers 2022. On top of the normal beach activities, youll most likely do in a tropical trip, theres trekking, bird watching, cave exploring, and wall/rock climbing to do. Many discos, pubs, and upscale restaurants may be found in Panama City. Panama, through Panama City, has more cultural and heritage tourism and that vibrant urban and nightlife that is lacking in Costa Rica. 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. Apart from steady fame over the years, thanks to the Panama Canal, theres more to Panama than just a revolutionary manmade marvel. There is no contest on bio diversity. We stayed at a place with its own hot springs, which was nice. Both countries teem with endemic species and protected spaces, from mist-wreathed cloud forests to steamy rainforests and fish-filled marine parks. Europe Travel; Middle East; South America; US Travel; Home Tour Operators About Escorted Tours. There are very few really interesting man-made tourist attractions. Panama's pensionado visa is an attractive option for expats. You can slog to the summit ofVolcan Bar for a spectacular sunrise or take an adrenalin-fueled canopy tour, zipping at breakneck speed over its forested slopes. Additionally, you need to show another US$250 for your spouse and each dependent. Panama and Costa Rica's homicide rates are less than most Latin American countries and rival those of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. Animals found in the area include hammerhead sharks, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, hawksbill turtles, and a variety of coral types. Which is the best eco-friendly destination? The roads are generally better and the highways are much more developed. Just be sure to have all the documents needed on border checks, and confirm the condition of your vehicle. Costa Rica is the third most popular surfing destination, after Hawaii and Indonesia. They are absolutely picture-perfect, with almost blue-fluorescent water, soft sand, and snorkeling spots right from the beach. In fact, it has many things to do outdoors, with great variety and very enjoyable. and soon-to-be's who are gaining real-world knowledge on navigating Panama's real estate and lifestyle landscape. Yet, we need to mention Coiba island, which is famous for its virgin tropical forest and is sometimes referred to as the new Galapagos. Just would like some input on what you think would be a more worthwhile trip since I would only have 3 days. The country is all about discovery and braving great feats. Depending on the factors along the road, on average you can drive from Panama up to Costa Rica for more than 12 hours. More than 400 bird species have been spotted alongPipeline Road in Soberana National Park, located in the Canal Zone. Which country in Central America should you travel to next? Everywhere you travel, youll notice how distinct each location is from the next. Youll find many beaches to swim, surf and snorkel. When it comes to being a friend of the environment, Costa Rica is the star. When it comes to travel facilities, things are a bit more complicated. There are a variety of dining options in three restaurants. Their version of lemonade, known as agua de sapo, is made with ginger and brown sugar and is a refreshing cool drink enjoyed on the beach, while the craft beer movement has also had a significant impact on the country. This world-class Belizian attraction is well-loved by scuba divers and snorkelers. . This Papagayo bay resort features 150 finely appointed guest rooms. Volcn Bar National Park, La Amistad International Park, Soberana National Park, and Isla Coiba National Park are among the countrys most popular national parks. Round #2 - Connectivity Winner: Panama by a Landslide Low taxes are the case in both Costa Rica and Panama, but Panama has zero income tax. Its perfectly natural to have, rice, beans, plantains, yucca, etc., all in the same dish. Located inManuel Antonio, this hotel is one of the bestCosta Rica beachfront resorts. You have the Panama Canal, one of the most impressive engineering achievements in the world, the ruins of Old Panama, and the Casco Antiguo. Nevertheless, its very unfair to say that either Costa Rica or Panama are crowded when we think about some of the tourist destinations in Europe, US, and South East Asia Between, Costa Rica and Panama, Panama is generally less visited. Yet, it also has lots of outdoor activities, wildlife viewing opportunities, beaches, volcanoes It has less quantity, but the quality is similar. Panama is somewhat similar, it has almost all the above-mentioned things to do, but in less quantity. After all, what matters are the simplest things. Panama and Costa Rica, being both independent nations in their own right, have certain differences in their local cultures, attitudes, customs, and way of life. Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. Check. The most popular month to go is February, which has the most number of tour departures. The waters of the Central Pacific offerworld-classCosta Rica fishingyear-round. When it comes to the local food and drinks, both Panama and Costa Rica disappoint a bit. The Costa Rican are famous for their relaxed way of being and an approach to life where finding happiness is important. An essential purchase like a liter of milk costs around 1 to 2 USD in both Panama and Costa Rica, as well as half a liter of water. The thing is Costa Rica is probably the best country in the world on this! When comparing Costa Rica vs Panama, did this guide help you. Even the food is very expensive in Costa Rica. And as you do that, expect to see the gifts of nature that have added to Panamas overall value. We compare both countries to guide your vacation. Check out air carriers such as Avianca, Air Panama, and Copa Airlines. To determine which is which, you must first choose what you desire from a travel place. These 11 institutions are worthwhile primers for any Panama trip. 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. Dont get us wrong, in both countries, youll find tourists spread around everywhere, and in big tourist destinations, like Casco Antiguo and Bocas town (in Panama) or Manuel Antonio and Monteverde (in Costa Rica) youll have to share it with other people. It offers complimentary water sports on two beaches, separate sections for adults, and a kid-friendly pool. Search for: Recent Posts. Heres are season-by-season, month-by-month guide to when to visit. Well make sure you avoid the rookie errors that can ruin a great escape. Between July and October, humpback whales visit the Golfo de Chiriqu to give birth around the underwater utopia of Isla de Coiba off the Pacific coast. The winner: Costa Rica its a world leader in conservation. If youre from the US especially, you could notice that the price can come cheap. Costa Rica is a country with diverse topography, ranging from beautiful tropical beaches to lush jungles to thriving cities. Panama hasnt shied away from flexing its muscles since taking power in 1999. This list features the most sought-after lodging that we offer in five popular destinations. Its a simple place to get around and meet people. The country is blessed with some spectacular strips of sand, a staggering 140 of which have Blue Flag status (an internationally recognized sustainability certification). 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