Costa Rica has been a popular tourist destination for US and Canadian citizens for years. However, now Panama is becoming more popular for travelers looking for that Latin Caribbean experience. So how do the two countries compare? Which one makes for the better vacation? Where should you book your next flight to?
Let's take a look!
Costa Rica travel guide
Since Cost Rica really got its tourism going strong much before Panama, let us start there. Having visited the country numerous times and taken many vacations in Costa Rica, I can tell you what I found on the west, east, and south sides as well as the capital of the country in San Jose. Overall, it is a gorgeous jungle and mountain-filled country that has westernized its culture hugely to adapt to the influx of American tourists.
However, this is only true in tourist-saturated areas. When it comes to home comforts with tropical styles, Costa Rica does very well for tourism. They know that they need to cater to the incoming travelers and have made many businesses and restaurants etc that cater solely to Americans, Canadians, and Europeans.
Thus it can be said that Costa Rica probably has more in the way of manufactured tourism when it comes to restaurants, activities, tours, etc for foreign visitors.
Costa Rica has a bigger tourism industry than Panama
One of the best things about Costa Rican vacations is the beachfront surfing spots. With heavy paradise-style beach vibes, here you will find some incredible waves to ride if that is something you enjoy. For a surfing vacation, I recommend the South Pacific waters of Dominical, or alternatively for a more relaxing vacation in a small town take a look at Puerto Viejo.
Panama travel guide
Panama recognizes the huge potential for tourism but rarely takes advantage of tourist and traveler opportunities. Even in the more heavy tourist areas like Casco Viejo, Taboga Island, Contadora, El Valle, Coronado, San Blas Islands, etc, the businesses cater to tourists but not specifically to those that come from outside the country. This does mean that you may not have quite such a westernized experience in these places but you will get a much more authentic vacation in a much more cultural setting with some of the safest travel in Central America.
The other side to this coin however is that though Costa Rica is much more pricey and expensive to stay in, Panama has a lot more wealth within the country. This has resulted in beautiful built-up gated communities, better roads, more infrastructure, many high-end all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and more.
It also means that Panama City is so modernized and wealthy that it has become somewhat similar to Miami from its visuals and is a very surprising site in a country that very much resembles Costa Rica in its landscape and towns. This makes a strong comparison to the more third-world appearance of Costa Rica's Capital.
Panama is Central Americas mini Miami
Should you visit Panama or Costa Rica for your vacation?
Your choice for the ultimate tropical destination in the Caribbean really depends on what kind of vacation you wish to enjoy. If you desire things to do and activities to keep you busy 24/7 then Costa Rica has a much stronger tourist economy that has been running for a lot longer. In this environment, you are more likely to meet other tourists and share your vacation with like-minded snowbirds though you will have to pay a lot more for it.
On the other hand, want to immerse yourself in the culture of the Caribbean and enjoy some peaceful relaxation on a Panama beach, in an all-inclusive resort, or in the luxury of Panama City at half the price using US dollars, then Panama may be the best vacation choice for you.
Personally, I have enjoyed my vacations in both countries. However, the high cost of living and the amount I had to pay on a daily basis in Costa Rica made me prefer Panama. It does not have as many tourist activities and things to do as Costa Rica, but what it lacks in range, it makes up by being cost-effective which in the long run allows you to do much more on your vacation and indulge in a much more luxurious lifestyle and vacation experience than you would elsewhere.
Sailing a yacht in San Blas, Panama
With more bang for your buck in Panama, you can do almost anything you want without breaking the bank like you would in Costa Rica.
If money is not an issue, however, then I would recommend visiting them both and letting me know what you think of each in the comments. May you have a great vacation in Panama or Costa Rica!
