Panama vs. Costa Rica - Where Should You Go Next?

“Panama vs. Costa Rica” is a difficult comparison. Both are tropical paradises that deserve to be on Wanderlusts’ international travel checklist. An honest advice we always give our readers - life is short, so why not both? 

But if you really have to choose, it’s okay! That’s what we are here today for, anyway - to give you a comprehensive comparison between the amazing Panama and Costa Rica.

Although they both share similarities that make them two of the most visited in Central America, each country has their own distinctive features that will suit different itineraries.

Be it a thrilling adventure in the jungle, a sunkissed holiday by the beach, or an immersive holiday with cultural delicacies, you can find anything in both. To help you make your decision, we also compare expected travelling expenses as well as safety.

Panama vs. Costa Rica At A Glance

Here’s a quick summary of Panama vs. Costa Rica for your convenience.

What They Share

H3. How They Differ

Panama vs. Costa Rica - The Similarities 

Costa Rica and Panama have amazing wildlife, rich culture and classic tropical climate. Photo by Simon Dannhauer - stock.adobe.com

Costa Rica and Panama are each other’s neighbours. They also share borders with the Caribbean Sea and North Pacific Ocean.

Like other Central American countries, you’d find that both of them share certain similarities in language, geography and culture in general. If you fall in love with Costa Rica, chances are your heart will grow fond of Panama as well.

They Are Bonded By A Language Tie

Spanish is the main language of the two countries because of the Spanish colonisation dating back to the 15th century. For travellers that speak the language, this will be an advantage as you no longer have to worry about struggling to ask for directions or befriend the locals.

Believe it or not, a language barrier can be the thing standing between a traveller and a wonderful travel experience; more often than we’d like to admit.

You’ll Find Tropical Warmth In Both

Both countries have a classic tropical climate - warm year-round with some hot and wet months. If you’re not familiar with the tropics, you may find the tropical air to be a bit sticky and sweaty because of the humidity.

Don’t let that take you away from the fact that it’s because of this tropical climate that Costa Rica and Panama have an abundant amount of fruits.

Some of them are exotic and can only be found in these regions only. So, if you’re in the mood to expand your palate, these are two of the destinations to put on your international travel checklist.

• Best Time To Visit Costa Rica: is during the dry season, which lasts between mid-December and April. It’s sunny and warm during this period. Avoid September and October because it rains heavily during these months. 

• Best Time To Visit Panama: is from December to April as it’s dry and warm during these months. May to November are rainy months, and it tends to rain a lot more towards the end of the year. However, the dry season in Panama still experiences sudden rainfall. 

Both Shine Brightly In Their Own Ways

Panama or Costa Rica, you won’t be disappointed with either. Photo by WildPhotography.com - stock.adobe.com

Also, because of the tropical climate, both Costa Rica and Panama have extremely vibrant nature. The beaches are just like how you see them in Hollywood movies - white soft sand, cerulean blue water, and beautiful palm trees swaying gently in the wind.

The jungles are lush and home to one of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Deep within their green interiors are thousands of species; some you know and some you’ve never seen before. For those who ache for wildlife adventures, Costa Rica and Panama have got you covered.

Their Culture Are More Closely Linked Than You Think

Though no two cultures are the same, Costa Rica and Panama do share some similarities as they are parts of the rich regional culture shared by Central American countries.

Their music is definitely one of the best, having inspired artists around the world for decades. Food is also similar in the sense that it is a fusion between African and Spanish cuisine.   

Panama vs. Costa Rica - The Differences

Although Panama and Costa Rica have similar landscapes of lush rainforests, white beaches and exotic wildlife, they can be essentially different. It’s not fair, or possible, to say which one is the best out of the two because both countries are perfect and charming in their own ways. 

In this article, we will compare them in terms of which travel activities are the better fit for each country. This way, you can see which country should be the one for your next trip.

And if one of them didn’t get picked, well, you know it has to be put on your next international travel checklist. Their lush green jungles, picturesque beaches and vibrant culture are just hard to let go of.

For Wildlife Lovers: Costa Rica

Wildlife scene is spectacular in Costa Rica and Panama. Photo by Fabiano - stock.adobe.com

The biodiversity of Costa Rica is unmatched. With over 500,000 species located in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country, this destination is definitely a wildlife lover’s dream come true.

From cuddly (please don’t cuddle them) and laid-back animals like the sloths to magnificent apex predators such as crocodiles, Costa Rica has them all. You will start to appreciate nature like you have never before. 

Start your trip with a visit to Corcovado National Park or Tortuguero National Park where you can visit the lush rainforests that many animals, including pumas, monkeys and ocelots, call home. 

The aquatic side of Costa Rica’s wildlife is also one for the book. Here you will find one of the world’s best refuges for sea turtles at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.

If you want something with a bit of edge, take a diving trip in Isla del Cano where you can get a chance to swim with Whitetip Reef sharks and the Eagle rays.

Though not as jaw dropping as Costa Rica when it comes to the animal kingdom, Panama is a perfect destination for those who vibe with smaller animals, like birds. With over nearly 500 species of birds, Panama is a famous hub for birdwatchers around the world.

You can trail along Boquete to catch sight of the striking red and green resplendent quetzals. Or take a boat trip to Bocas Del Toro to see the red-billed tropicbirds. If you’re lucky, you can encounter the harpy eagles, which are a national bird and one of the largest eagles on Earth.   

For Beach Lovers: Costa Rica And Panama

Costa Rica and Panama beaches are tropical paradises. Photo by Curioso.Photography - stock.adobe.com

It’s obvious that no beaches can top tropical ones. There’s something about the tropics that make beaches more fun and exciting than other climates.

Perhaps, it’s the sun that makes sunbathing easier and the sky brighter. Perhaps, it’s the humidity that makes jumping into the water more rewarding.

With long coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, some of the best tropical beaches in Central America belong to both Costa Rica and Panama.

Beaches in Panama are for those who love swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a good drink while watching the sunset. It’s a truly romantic coastal experience and absolutely picture-perfect. Throw in a bit of cultural experience, too.

If you want to encounter some wildlife, pay a visit to the lovely beach town Bocas Del Toro, where birds are plenty and so are starfish.

Rent a boat or small aircraft to visit Guna Yala, where you experience the indigenous way of living. It’s going to be just you, the Guna people and beautiful unspoiled beaches. The more upbeat beaches of Panama can be found in Coronado. You can enjoy the sea, go shopping and party. 

In Costa Rica, beaches are for active outdoor activities, one of which is surfing. Waves in Costa Rica are more consistent and bigger than the Panama’s. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Tamarindo Beach is the perfect choice. If you want to try snorkelling and kayaking, try the Costa Ballena. 

For Adventure Travel Lovers: Costa Rica

Both Costa Rica and Panama have great adventures. Photo by STOCKEROcr - stock.adobe.com

Though both countries have stunning wildlife, with an amazing number of national parks, Costa Rica is a must-visit for adventure travellers. That’s not to mention the 5 active volcanoes that make for an adrenaline-pumping trip.

What better ways to experience the beauty of a rainforest than flying through it? No, we’re not talking about taking a plane, but zip-lining! If gliding from a rope from one end of the jungle to the other doesn’t scream excitement, we don’t even know what else does.

You can enjoy this activity at the Arenal Volcano and the Jaco Rainforest if flying through thick dense forest with birds as your companions is your cup of tea. There’s also a ziplining tour you can find at Guanacaste where you will be ziplining with the view of Costa Rica’s magnificent coastline. Besides ziplining, you can go on classic adventures like volcano trekking, rafting and hiking.

But that doesn’t mean Panama is not good for an adventure. In Panama, wildlife is on the calmer side compared to Costa Rica, adventures can lean more towards sightseeing. You can hike in the Chiriqui Highlands or Darien, or you can go snorkelling (their beaches rival Costa Rica). 

For Culture Lovers: Panama

Panama and Costa Rica are full of cultural gems. Photo by GilbertoH - stock.adobe.com

Even though they are neighbours, the culture of Panama and Costa Rica can be very different in terms of cultural activities.

With a rich indigenous background, Costa Rica is a perfect place to learn about the native tribes.

In Costa Rica, the list of traditional celebrations honouring the culture of these tribes are abundant; one example of which is La Fiesta de Los Diablitos of the Brunca tribe. You can also enjoy larger festivals such as the Festival de la Luz and Las Fiesta de Zapote.

However, being a melting pot of both European and Latin American cultures, Panama’s cultural activities are much more diverse. If you travel north, you will see the influence of Africa on the land in the music, arts, cuisine and traditions.

You can experience these delicacies in de la Pollera Conga festival. If you venture down to Bocas Del Toro, you can find the Palo de Mayo ceremony which originates from Europeans.

Along with that are the myriad of cultural gems hidden within the streets of Panama where you can enjoy food, music and dancing with the locals.

Religion is also tied in with cultural activities of Panama with each town having its own Patron Saint. You can enjoy these Patron Saint celebrations year-round.

For Man-Made Attractions Lovers: Panama

Costa Rica is for a truly natural getaway, while Panama amazes with man-made attractions. Photo by robnaw - stock.adobe.com

The majority of vacations to Costa Rica revolve around nature because it’s one of the best in the world. If you fancy a truly natural getaway, Costa Rica is the better choice.

Panama, on the other hand, is the perfect blend between nature and man-made. In the big cities of Panama, you can find museums and exhibitions showcasing the history of the country.

At tourist hubs, you can go shopping in plazas or cafe hoppings. Some cafes are located in historical buildings, like the Cafe Coca Cola. You can enjoy your freshly brewed coffee while witnessing the impact of multiculturalism on Pamanian architecture.

Once in Panama, you absolutely cannot miss the Panama Canal - one of the most important engineering achievements in the history of mankind.

From the canal, you can visit the Miraflores Locks where you will be able to enjoy the vibrant city life of Panama. There you can also find museums and other attractions about the Panama Canal.

Another thing to add to your international travel checklist is Casco Viejo. This Pamanian neighbourhood can show you why Panama is the perfect choice for lovers of man-made attractions.

You can find there not only modern bars and coffee shops but also historic sites like the Catedral Metropolitana and Arco Chato church ruins. All of them are located near the National Theatre where you can buy tickets for a show.

Other Categories

Besides the differences in landscapes, cultures and travel activities, cost and safety are also important. These two can be crucial deciding factors to help you pick your next best country to visit. 

Cost

Can you guess which one is cheaper? Credit: Sara_saraskopova

Costa Rica is one of the most well-known destinations of many international travel checklists. It also prides itself on being one of the best touristic countries in the world.

As you can expect, travel in Costa can be a bit pricey (about 10%-20%) compared to Panama. With the country’s great efforts in conserving wildlife habitat, accommodations can also be relatively more expensive than in Panama.

With that being said, both countries still offer many affordable options. If you’re travelling on a more modest budget, spend a bit more time sorting through the options.

A tip to keep in mind is to find accommodations away from touristy spots. Buses and other public transport in Costa Rica and Panama are pretty safe and affordable, so don’t worry too much about getting around.

Safety

Central America is often labelled as dangerous. Well, it is true that crime rates are significantly higher in this region, but the majority of serious crimes tend to happen far away from touristy spots. If you stick to the well-travelled routes, you should be okay.

Both Costa Rica and Panama are believed to be much safer than other Central American countries. However, petty thefts like pickpocketing are considered the norm in any tourist destination. It’s better to take precautionary measures before travelling there.

The US travel advisory rates both Panama and Costa Rica as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution”. 

Some Packing Tips For Your Next Panama Or Costa Rica Trip

Panama and Costa Rica are blessed with top-notch natural landscapes. This means that the best travel activities can be found outdoors. Hence, you need to pack for an outdoorsy journey. Here are some packing tips for your Panama/Costa Rica holiday.

Keep It Tropic-Friendly

Keep things tropic-friendly to maximise your experience.

Costa Rica and Panama are tropical countries, so expect yourself to get humid and sweaty very easily, especially after spending the day exploring the rainforest or the beach. It’s essentially that you bring breathable clothing, such as cotton shirts and shorts.

If little buggy friends of the rainforest are your concern but you don’t want to bring thick long pants, invest in some high quality, durable leggings and of course, insect repellent. Some high areas can be a bit cooler at night, so you might want to bring a light jacket as well.

You’ll also need a good adventure backpack that is made for an outdoorsy adventure. Something that is accessible, easy to pack and has multiple pockets to store your stuff. Our recommendation is the ADV-32L Backpack.

They are perfect for any type of adventure. The main compartment can be loaded from the top or the front. 

Keep It Dry And Lightweight

Dry and lightweight are the key to packing for Costa Rica and Panama.

If you’re travelling during the rainy seasons or to the beaches, waterproof backpacks are a must. The last thing you want to happen is discovering all your clothes are soaked. Depending on your type of accommodations, dryers might not be available. Therefore, it’s best to equip yourself with some good water resistant bags.

Also, with great outdoor activities, you’re expected to be on your feet most of the time in Costa Rica and Panama, so it’s best to not carry too much stuff on your back. Keep your luggage lightweight by bringing only the essentials and packing them in lightweight, hassle-free backpacks.

Our recommendation is CabinZero Waterproof Backpacks. We also recommend bringing extra rain covers for your non-waterproof bags as well.   

Panama vs. Costa Rica - Our Verdict

Both Panama and Costa Rica have extraordinary wildlife scene and beaches that can suit all kinds of international travel checklists, but Costa Rica is a better choice for a nature lover as it can offer animal spotting as well as outdoor activities.

If you’re looking to incorporate both nature and man-made marvels, then Panama is your answer. The wonderful mix of cultures of Panama also makes for a memorable trip.

Now that you’re all set for your Costa Rica or Panama trip, don’t forget to share with us which is your country of choice. We can’t wait to hear the amazing travel stories you’ll have in Costa Rica and Panama.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh