Youll find all manner of accommodations in Costa Rica, from luxury, full-service resorts to rustic coastal lodges, rainforest treehouses, private vacation rentals and everything in between. Fortunately, you dont need to visit a national park to see some of Costa Ricas most famous residents here: You probably wont have any trouble spotting different varieties of monkeys out and about wherever you are as well as humpback whales as they migrate through the Pacific all year round. Once you make your choice, if you decide on the Pacific Coast, browse our rentals to find the perfect place to stay in Costa Rica! We typically tend to visit the Pacific coast more than the Caribbean because there is more to see (and its better for fishing and that is how Thomas makes all travel decisions in life). The Northern Coast is the dryest- with beaches backed by dry forest and cacti. In addition, there are two airports in the area, one in Liberia and another in Quepos, which offer options for those who prefer to fly. We love to hear your opinions! C. Delimitations already effected in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean (paras. Since the climate is different and can be cloudy most of the time, its hot but a very comfortable hot whereas the Pacific can get unbearably hot. You can see tons of wildlife here within a condensed space. Youll find mostly remote ecolodges down there, and youll need to fly to reach them. The thing we love about the Caribbean is that it has such a unique vibe that you wont find in the rest of Costa Rica. It is a lot more developed in terms of tourism infrastructure. And dont forget to visit the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. Watch the sunset. Just ask at your hotel in Tortuguero on the day before and they can set it up for you. Of course, the Pacific has more choices of boutique hotels, restaurants, and also national parks. This is about a 4 hour drive from Liberia International Airport and 4-5 hour drive or drive/ferry from San Jose International Airport. Both international Airports (San Jose and Liberia) are great options for visiting the Pacific Coast. Pacific vs Caribbean 17 years ago Save OK - so I am completely new to Costa Rica but have decided to make it our vacation destination next year. Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Bocas del Toro is a collection of small islands that feel like literal paradise with bright turquoise waters. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. However, this is also the most popular time to visit Costa Rica. Most people do not visit the Caribbean coast. The Pacific coasts are the Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces. To help you make the choice, answer these questions. This is arguably one of the great advantages of visiting Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula is the most remote destination and the last remaining untouched tropical rainforest in the country. But no matter where you go, you'll enjoy warm tropical water and fabulous . You can experience a Costa Rica only found in that corner of the country! Seeing a sloth is very high on the list or course. Welcome to the wild side. Pacific vs. Caribbean Side of Costa Rica. Travel Tips and Tricks from Costa Rica Experts We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Pacific Side vs The Caribbean - Two Weeks in Costa Rica Where would be best? Also, there are several places in the middle of the country which we suggest exploring as well (La Fortuna & Monteverde). Differences Between the Caribbean & Pacific Coast of Costa Rica - MytanFeet Jaco and Manuel Antonio are arguably the most touristic and developed beach ares on the Pacific coast. Pacifico Retail Village Playa Del Coco 50308 Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Condominium Sunset Heights Playa Flamingo 50406 Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Once you get to Liberia you will take a right and head down the coast. The area is lined with palm trees and is an excellent place to spot monkeys and green macaws. Get a quote below! Many Europeans arent keen on all-inclusive resorts or staying at fancy hotels either. In Tortuguero, most people only stay 1-3 nights because it is a very small area. Pacific vs Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica - Original Travel The Caribbean side of the island and wanted to know what is the best place for us to visit during our 5 night stay (possibly 6 nights). But the Southern Caribbean coast arguably has more charm and no restaurant franchises or all-inclusive hotel brands have arrived in this part of the country. That being said, you can still find bargains if you look a little further inland, and many of the small towns are populated with people from all over the world, making them a unique melting pot of languages and culture. The cultural influences on Costa Ricas Pacific and Caribbean coasts are quite different from one another, enhancing the social structure of this beautiful country and enriching the travel experiences of visitors. It is possible to do a day hike here or spend a night or two inside the park. Caribbean Coast vs Pacific Coast: A Look at Two Typical Costa Rican Beach Towns. The water is always the perfect temperature. Home A great differentiator between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica is the tourist infrastructure and development. Of course during the rainy season it can pour for days, but you know what youre signing up for. Both regions are home to lush rainforests, national parks, and wildlife refuges that harbor a staggering variety of flora and fauna that can be spotted through nature walks, jungle treks, boat tours along the coasts rivers, and other countless outdoor activities. After those two things, there isnt too much else. Hike at Manuel Antonio National Park. The months of August and September are extremely popular for Europeans on the Caribbean side, particularly Tortuguero. The SouthCaribbean Coastis best for those looking for a bit of fun under the sun a bit off the beaten path. Visitors to the park can walk along the beach and through lush tropical vegetation on its coastal path. There is just so much to do on the Pacific that it is difficult to narrow it down! Follow a blue morpho butterfly into the tangled jungle, hide out a rainstorm under a palm tree on the beach, get your hair wrapped by an Argentinean hippie, shake your booty to some Reggaeton, and learn to hula hoop or throw fire. Costa Rica is a super popular surf destination. Probably the main difference between the two coasts is that on the Pacific coast, there are more national parks, wildlife refuges, protected areas, and forest reserves than on the Caribbean coast. A tropical climate with consistently high humidity and warm temperatures prevails on both sides. There isnt any real bad place to see the sunset on the Pacific. Located in Uvita, this National Park is well known for its extraordinary sandbank formation that resembles a whales tail at low tide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Best "home base" in Costa Rica? Caribbean vs. Pacific? In terms of infrastructure, the Caribbean coast is much less developed overall. September through December can be really wet and cloudy, but you just never know. For instance, regional differences exist in climate, geography, local wildlife, and exotic beauty. Guanacaste National Park - A scenic 84,000 acre national park with jungle and inactive volcanoes. Between July and November, it is possible to see big momma sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. Thanks for your comment. Required fields are marked *. Birdwatching is amazing in the Caribbean since you can see birds such as Keel-billed toucans, Great Green Macaws and unique hummingbirds. Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. The Pacific side is divided up into several sections: North Guanacaste, South Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific, South Pacific and the Osa Peninsula. On the Pacific side, there are simply more choices. Try to go when it is a new moon for the darkest waters and best experience. Both the Pacific and Caribbean sides have beautiful beaches. Visit both coasts on your next trip to Costa Rica. All Rights Reserved, Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement | Best Price Guarantee. Rates at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo start at $599 or 17,000 . Which Coast to Visit - Costa Rica - Costa Rica Airports Which Should You Fly To? Is it Santa Teresa, Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo ? Costa Rica: Pacific vs Caribbean Coast - The Goddess Garden I also included the Liberia and San Jose Airports so you can see where they are in relation to the airport. The South Pacific coast is a lot more humid which keeps the jungle green all year long like the Caribbean coast. Well look at their top attractions and offer suggestions to help you choose which to visit. Which is the best beach town in Costa Rica? Costa Rica Pacific Side OR Caribbean Side A distinctive view of Costa Ricas coastal rainforest can be found in this protected area. Additionally, Guanacaste has more sunny days. Places to Visit on the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast The top places on the Caribbean Coast are: Tortuguero, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo. I suggest visiting the Cahuita National Park. Puerto Viejo is a vibrant beach town with a laid-back Caribbean vibe, renowned for its mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, surfing, and surrounding jungle paths to explore. You might see the rare Green McCaw and of course monkeys and Sea Turtles if you head a bit further north towards Tortuguero. We created a complete guide to the weather throughout the country by month. To Puerto Jimenez, the main town in the Osa Peninsula, it is about an 8 hour drive or 1 hour plane ride from San Jose. Costa Rica: Pacific vs. Caribbean - Which Coast Is For You? I grew up near Boston. Surfing and snorkeling are two other popular activities in the South Caribbean but it is not as consistent as the Pacific and have fewer spots. Just south of Puerto Viejo are a bunch of very nice beaches. Pacific or Caribbean: Which Costa Rican Coast Is Right for You? Costa Rica is a diverse country, and there really is something for every type of traveler. The South Caribbean beaches of Cahuita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo are surrounded by the last living coral reef in Costa Rica.
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