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. Some are crowded (in Manuel Antonio for example), others are good, but not as good. Both countries have a rich cultural history, expressed through arts and crafts, music, and cuisine. Costa Rica was never a part of Panama, at least not in history. So, we will give this one a tie. In 2015 it was considered the biggest shopping center in the Americas and the 14th in the world. In fact, the food is very very similar in both countries and they share lots of dishes. Money-wise, both Panama and Costa Rica are more expensive than the surrounding countries and in some cases, even more expensive than travelling in Europe. Read our Privacy Policy. Panama, with close ties to the U.S. throughout the 20th century, maintains a high percentage of English speakers, particularly in cosmopolitan Panama City. See More Ecotourism Costa Rica is considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. It all depends on how you look at it, because while both places appear to be similar on the surface, their variances are what make them unique and, in many ways, beautiful. Both countries. As they say: Pura Vida! It offers complimentary water sports on two beaches, separate sections for adults, and a kid-friendly pool. 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 Peaceful Soul of Central America. The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the worlds top five advanced scuba diving locations. Are you looking for the best vacation to Costa Rica? On dry land, bird watchers flock to the cloud forest trails around Boquete to search for the elusive resplendent quetzal. The uniqueness and fame of the Galapagos pulls tourists to Quito and thence to the high Andean and Amazon basin eco systems. These Central American darlings definitely prove that underrated destinations can have the best of history, culture, natural beauty, and manmade wonders. Low taxes are the case in both Costa Rica and Panama, but Panama has zero income tax. With stunning volcano views, this luxury hotel features17 spring-fed thermal poolsand a wildlife sanctuary. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Costa Rica through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose. 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. When youre ready to book, we send reservations and payments to every single hotel and tour provider for you. 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. Even though there are many tourist projects, the area might be inexpensive if you know what youre doing. 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. And they may be the priciest countries inCentral America but they have the infrastructure to match. There are options for everyones taste and pocket So, Panama easily wins this one. Make your trip to Panama bueno, bonito y barato (good, nice and cheap) with our top tips for budget-conscious travelers. If you need a restaurant reservation, an inside tip or would like to modify your trip, just call us. It's fairly remote and not for everyone as it takes a bit more planning to visit. In the highlands of Santa F, soak up the spray of towering waterfalls. The winner: Costa Rica for the sheer variety of outdoor adventures on offer. However, thanks to their fair share of similarities as both are Latin American countries, it is expected to see a number of similarities. Costa Rica has some very good blue marlin action trolling (far offshore the better) but inshore it's mostly a live bait fishery (troll-hookup . Whether you are seeking peace and tranquility or thrilling outdoor challenges, you'll find it here with . It boasts some of the most consistent surf all year, with little seasonal variation. Have a look here at the most famous landmarks in Panama. Costa Rica is unquestionably one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Central America and the entire tropical world. On the plus side, both countries have excellent fresh fruit and smoothies. . The countrys home to the original canopy tour and there are plenty of zip lines thatll give you a monkeys eye view, sending you speeding and screaming over the forest or around Arenal Volcano. However, apart from Panama City, both countries have few options. Avoid Mistakes small mistakes in logistics, lodging or transportation can really mess up a great vacation. Theres always something exciting happening in cosmopolitan Panama City. 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. The Albrook Mall is a huge shopping center with an unbelievable number of shops. COSTA RICA vs PANAMA! 6% vs 8.1% 1.2 more hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants? Find the right adventure for you through Costa Rica and Panama. Panama Vs Costa Rica: Retirement. Check. This is a very difficult call and I think we will have to give it a tie. Both Costa Rica and Panama fair moderately when it comes to the level of crime. Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. Apioneerof Costa Rican eco resorts, Si Como No features stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, and friendly service. From May to December, there are also more frequent waves coming from the northwest. 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. Heres are season-by-season, month-by-month guide to when to visit. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. By road, either by rental car or bus, and by air, via the many airlines that offer direct flights. 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. You can easily find fast-food restaurants in both countries. On this, Costa Rica is easily a better country. Costa Rica is not only rich in nature and biodiversity, but it also showcases its beaches and the culture that surrounds them, thanks to its location and topography. You can take a half-day or one whole day of transit excursion from Panama City to see the entire length of this wonderful river. Make the most of your time in Costa Rica with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. How does Panama compare to Costa Rica? Save Time dont waste your valuable time attempting to learn what has taken us decades to master. Guests are bound to see sloths, playful monkeys, lizards, and exotic birds right on the grounds. Costa Rica or Panama? The countrys gorgeous weather is hard to beat with its dry season that can climb up to the 30s C, or 90s F, providing ideal conditions for a wide range of activities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, river tours, forest treks, and a whole lot more. As per traveling within Costa Rica and Panama, Panama has more developed infrastructures than Costa Rica. This marvelous canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Caribbean Sea, and it spans over 50 miles (80 km) through some of Panamas most beautiful scenery. There is just too much information out there, often conflicting our out of date. It also boasts the beautiful El Yunque rainforest. Vacations to Costa Rica Made Simple. In Costa Rica, the biggest attractions are the Manuel Antonio, the Monteverde Cloud forests, Arenal Volcano, and the whole Cahuita area. Its beautiful beaches will enchant you while you relax and challenge you while you surf. $4490 (For a couple) $2337 (For a couple) Known for. Costa Rica is the third most popular surfing destination, after Hawaii and Indonesia. Even just by a small margin, you can easily see the disparity of costs between Costa Rica and Panama. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens. Glossy showrooms, high-rise condos and luxury shopping malls illuminate Panama Citys banking district the epicenter of prodigious real estate. Panamas 14 national parks are just one telltale of it all. San Jos is the biggest town but doesnt come close to the level of development of Panama City. Then we match you witha hand-picked selectionof hotels, tours & transportation. First, Costa Rica has many more . See More Cruises Costa Rica in English, means rich coast. It also helps that Costa Rica is a tourist destination for a longer period than Panama and it also has a more developed tourism sector. The Panamanians are similar and also easy to connect to. A journey on the Panama Canal Railway, which runs alongside the canal through lush rainforest, is another thrilling way to observe this manmade marvel. Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for. 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. This skinny isthmus linking Central and South America is a nature lover's paradise. Costa Ricas beaches, on the other hand, are more developed than Panamas. Certain purchases like essential goods can seem to cost the same in both countries. Youll find many beaches to swim, surf and snorkel. Following what we were saying, Costa Rica has to win this topic. From the minute you step off the plane, our friendly, bilingual drivers and guides will make you feel safe and welcome. Well help you plan ahead for the most efficient, relaxing and worry-free trip of your life. The winner: Costa Rica its a world leader in conservation. This makes fora seamless, worry-free experience. We stayed at a place with its own hot springs, which was nice. Beach? Its just unbelievable for such a small country. Which has better nightlife? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Europe Travel; Middle East; South America; US Travel; Home Tour Operators About Escorted Tours. Any swell from the Pacific is picked up by Costa Ricas Pacific coast. Boquete in the Chiriqu Highlands is the hub for hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, rappelling and rock climbing. The winner: Panama for its buzzy capital and world-famous waterway. Wildlife? To catch a wave, head to laid-backSanta Catalina on the Pacific Coast or check out the volcanic-sand beach of Playa Venao on the bucolicPennsula de Azuero. The Osa Peninsula is the biologically diverse place in Costa Rica as it's home to Corcovado National Park. Panama City is a major hub with lots of flights almost everywhere. We have had the opportunity to live in Costa Rica for 9 months and in Panama for 6 months. Yet, most of Costa Rica is still pristine and with few tourists. This Papagayo bay resort features 150 finely appointed guest rooms. No army (abolished in 1949!) This is a pro or a con, depending on how "touristy" you like your vacations to be. May 11, 2017. They are both internationally known as great travel destinations, but is one better than the other? Costa Rica and Panama are both fascinating and worthwhile travel destinations. Costa Rica and Panama are the clearest examples of why Central America should not be undervalued. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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. Sure, you may find cheaper options, but for this adventure, go with THE BEST. If youre the thrill-seeking sort, or simply an adventurous tourist, Costa Rica and its natural beauty will likely captivate you. . Thus, you can easily see that it has more tourists than Panama. Why choose us for your trip-of-a-lifetime? Which is more touristy? The charming guest rooms have rustic, wooden accents and comfortable modern amenities. Ecuador is more attractive for those interested in eco-tourism. 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. Now, you may be surprised to know that Costa Rica is actually one of the most stable Latin American countries. 2022 Lonely Planet. 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. Being a hybrid of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the country is poised to provide everyone a top-notch beach life. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. ? Pura Vida pervades their culture, which places high importance on and protects the lands most valuable resource: nature. 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. Traveldrafts.com 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. For Sale. To follow the bean-to-cup coffee process first-hand, check-in at the lovely Finca Rosa Blanca in Barva, a carbon-neutral, organic coffee farm and art-filled boutique hotel. The Costa Ballena on the South Pacific Coast is lush and remains pristine with numerous luxury accommodations. Take it from a slew of YouTubers who have visited and lived in Costa Rica. For Costa Rica, its top contenders for great nightlife are Jaco, and the capital of San Jose, while Panama only has the capital of Panama City. The country is blessed with some spectacular strips of sand, a staggering 140 of which have Blue Flag status (an internationally recognized sustainability certification). But Costa Rica scores higher than Panama in the crime index with a ten-point difference. If youre going by land, you can brave the long road between borders and cities, by taking a bus, or by driving yourself. Pura Vida, or pure life, is the motto of this evergreen island, which remains true to its celebration of the beauty of a life spent in harmony with nature. Panama City ID: 5387C Type: House Town: Lagunas 5 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 2292 Sq ft 2017 11 Acres 4.4 Hectares. Their coastlines give them access to the Caribbean and Pacific tides. Panama and Costa Rica both have similar advantages when it comes to beaches. Lounge and frolic around picturesque beaches, or go under the fabled blue sea by scuba diving and swimming with the local marine life, or snorkel around rainbow reefs. Learn more about the most famous landmarks in Costa Rica. The Best Costa Rica Vacation Destinations for 2022 & 2023! The French attempted to build the canal first, but disease and accidents killed an estimated 22,000 men before the project was abandoned and handed over to the United States in 1914. Puerto Rico is home to hilly provinces, caves, and gorgeous waterfalls. Instead, we take the time to get to know your unique travel personality. And while they both have many great hotels and resorts to choose from, its hard not to recommend comparing Nicaragua vs Costa Rica vs Panama side by side before settling on one. These Central American darlings demonstrated that underappreciated locations can provide the finest of history, culture, natural beauty, and man-made marvels. In terms of cultural tourism, Costa Rica has little to offer and its mostly located in central San Jose, where very few people travel to. Our 100% local experts live, work and play right here in Costa Rica. This Papagayo bay resort features 150 finely appointed guest rooms. Costa Rica All inclusive Vacations Packages: top Hotels & Resorts 1-800-606-1860 Excellent 9.7 Customized Costa Rica Vacations, since 1999. Just like its neighbor, Costa Rica, Panama also aims to protect its varied ecosystems. It consists of endless seas and beaches that make it an excellent place for a vacation. Panama, on the other hand, also has nice national parks, beaches, and mountains, but it has a more interesting capital city with attractions that arent available in Costa Rica. To determine which is which, you must first choose what you desire from a travel place. I am often asked about the differences between Panama and Costa Rica and I always defer, knowing the answer depends entirely on individual taste. 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. Costa Rica is a country with diverse topography, ranging from beautiful tropical beaches to lush jungles to thriving cities. Theres so much to do in Costa Rica (including the rainforest and a stunning coastline); however, Panama is gaining ground on its vacation destination appeal. Get under the surface of Costa Rica and Panama; see it all from jungles, to beaches, to local villages. We email you a detailed trip plan filled with info, pictures, and videos. Costa Rica is a wildlife wonderland with 30 national parks (and counting), not to mention dozens of wildlife refuges and reserves, with protected areas covering more than 30% of its landmass. Panama or Costa Rica? Lets face it, you have heard of Panama because of the manmade marvel that is the Panama Canal. 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. Check out air carriers such as Avianca, Air Panama, and Copa Airlines. This helps you navigate immigration & customs. 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. There's so much to do in Costa Rica (including the rainforest and a stunning coastline); however, Panama is gaining ground on it's vacation destination appeal. 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. In Costa Rica, finding wildlife is considerably easier than in 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. There are two main ways to travel between Panama and Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a border with Nicaragua in the North which is 313 kilometers long and a border with Panama to the South which is 348 kilometers long. intro: Arenal Volcano is not only one of Costa Rica's most beautiful vacation destinations, but also numero uno for adventure and hot springs! Between June and December, thousands of olive ridley sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches of Isla Caas. In conclusion, Panama has much more to offer in terms of culture and heritage which is a nice contrast to all the nature and wild you get to explore in the rest of the country. Jamaica or Costa Rica: vibe & people Jamaica vibe (3) The Ticos are extremely friendly and love to talk with foreigners. When considering Cancun vs Costa Rica for your next vacation, the first thing to think about is what attractions and activities you are most interested in. . Start off by enjoying the architectural splendor of historic Barrio Amn or head to Barrio Escalante, the citys gastro hub with its Saturday morning farmers market and an outdoor food court created from repurposed shipping containers. Well, if you have rich rainforests, mangroves, beaches, mountains, and cloud forests, covering most of your territory, youd make sure to protect it. Pack smarter: Costa Rica is focused on ecotourism and the biodiversity of its innards, in addition to the conventional elements of a tropical beach vacation. But Costa Rica and Nicaragua share both a Pacific and Atlantic coastline and so in this case beaches are created equal. When it comes to elements affecting public safety, Panama rates higher than Costa Rica on the Safety Scale, according to recent data. And as for watersport enthusiasts, expect to have some fun here as well. Both Panama and Costa Rica are more expensive to travel around than their neighbors in Central and Latin America. Enjoy the view of the Arenal Volcano from your private balcony while lying in a comfy hammock. We need a country with easily accessible and excellent healthcare, plus one to which our Canadian pensions are easily portable. That doesnt get any better. The country is all about discovery and braving great feats. Maximize Your Experience we want you to squeeze every minute and dollar of value from your vacation time. These cookies do not store any personal information. This sheltered bay is home to some of the finest luxury sport fishing boats and yachts. As you lay out each of their attractions and allures, you cant help but want to see both, and you know its a smart idea since the juxtaposition of parallels and contrasts between Costa Rica and Panama is worth the roundtrip (or onward) ticket. Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. Panama lies just outside the infamous Atlantic Hurrican Belt, leaving plenty of opportunities for holidaymakers and travelers to enjoy the countrys promise of eternal summer. Here's our guide to getting around. In Costa Rica, you have an incredible variety of things to do in the wild. The Ticos are incredibly hospitable and like conversing with visitors. If marketing experts could draw up an ideal destination, Costa Rica might be it. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can take a bus from Costa Rica to Panama, and vice versa. WE PLAN so YOU RELAX & enjoy the journey. No other travel agency can match our commitment to guest happiness.We have2 decades of happy customersto prove it! "M" means multiple times. 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. Particularly if we think of animal watching. The well-kept attractiveness of Panamas beaches, owing to fewer visitors than Costa Ricas, may be an advantage. The most popular month to go is February, which has the most number of tour departures. Panama is somewhat similar, it has almost all the above-mentioned things to do, but in less quantity. 3) Costa Rica is far more bureaucratic. Considering that Panama and Costa Rica are neighbors, their weather and climate are almost similar. Their respective overall vibe has to be the most obvious difference. Arenas del Mar sets the standard for smallManuel Antonio resorts. We will answer your questions and make the planning process enjoyable. Jamaica often has some of the best-priced travel packages, including higher-end all-inclusive resorts like Secrete, Couples, and Iberostar. Costa Rica vs Panama: which Central American country is right for you? Panamas patchwork of diverse landscapes offers a number of activities to enjoy. Ocean, sky, or palmspainted with the brightest blues and greens. Costa Rica is more one dimensional. The Arenal Volcano, which has become a tourist attraction, is one of the most popular volcanoes in the country. To notice the beauty in something, you need the correct kind of eyes. The whole financial arrangement with the country using US dollars makes it cost-effective for a lot of its tourist demographic. Two land-based platforms, the Miraflores Visitors Center and the Colon Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center are not to be missed on any tour.

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