Costa Rica or Panama? Where should I vacation?
- Laion Cross
- Jul 29
- 12 min read
Comparing the major points of interest in both Costa Rica and Panama, you'll find that they offer many of the same activities and attractions. If you have a two-week vacation, you can be assured that you'll have plenty to do in either country.
According to most of the information online, you'll find that you have more areas to do outdoor activities in...Costa Rica. Ok ok...lot's more. I just took a look at Trip Advisor (Viator) and noticed that there were 207 pages of outdoor tour activities. To do all of that you'll need years of vacation...not weeks.
Costa Rica early on in the 90s really got to work to make the tourism industry an integral part of its economy. As a result there are more parks and more resorts and also... more tourists.
So, much of the difference is the level of tourism development. Costa Rica has honed its tourism sector but is perceived as more crowded. Services in Costa Rica are considered more favorable. On the other hand, general infrastructure in Panama is considered more efficient. Prices in Panama are also considered as better.
The 'tourist' experience of Costa Rica vs Panama
There is a balance to strike in looking for your next vacation. If you've narrowed your search down to Costa Rica and Panama...you'll want to get into some warm weather and get into the ocean most probably. You'll also want to experience the mountains in the form of hiking, waterfalls and coffee. Activities are the primary reason that you'll move around to the different parts of either country. If you've traveled this far...you'll want to seek out top-tier attractions.
All of these experiences along the journey of your exotic adventure need to be at least somewhat accessible. No one wants a 'tourist trap'...but you need a certain amount of infrastructure and options to move around and have fun. You'll want to experience a different part of the world from which you just left. It should be authentic. If you're looking at Panama and Costa Rica, it's a tough decision-making process. Let's get started.
For authenticity, you can't go wrong with Panama. You won't get ignored...but you also won't get bum rushed either. Tourists in Costa Rica often feel the experience of getting 'fleeced'. If you think the prices are artificially high because it's a tourist spot...you're probably right. Panama tourism hasn't reached that level of 'sophistication'.
Costa Rica and Panama are both beautiful. If you were to take the two countries and list every benefit and every drawback, you'd find a strong correlation. That seems logical because we're looking at neighboring countries with a lot in common. If you're trying to decide in which to vacation, however, you'll normally look at the differences more closely.
Capital Cities: Panama City & San Jose
One of the biggest differences is the capital cities. Panama City has a wide variety of modern buildings, attractions and facilities. The most popular part of the city to stay, however, is the colonial part of town called Casco Viejo (Old Town). This area is rich in nightlife, history and architecture.
The Panama Canal is also an international wonder that is often on the 'must see' list. Walking around the city for shopping, cafes, restaurants and bars is usually a good time in Panama. On the other hand, in Costa Rica, you'll be scrambling to get out of San Jose. Not the best first impression if it's your point of entry.
Let's list some of the most important destinations in both Costa Rica and Panama for tourism and outdoor activities. I'll list the 'big' ones, but much is a matter of personal taste on what you're going to want to get out and see/do.
Best Activities and Top Destinations in Costa Rica vs Panama
Making Your Map in Panama
When you're ready to start plotting your itinerary, you'll probably only get to put three or four push pins on your 'must see' map. Most trips allow time enough for 2-4 different excursion destinations. Usually about two or three nights per area. If you have a 10-day vacation that gives you maybe three destinations other than the capital city or other point of entry.
Panama City - Pacific – Mountain - Caribbean
Given all of these options you'll have to start narrowing down your choices. Luckily there are several major attractions that overlap for a couple of areas. In Panama especially, you can find some of the best snorkeling, diving, fishing, surfing and bird watching all in the area of Santa Catalina/Coiba National Park.
Boquete & Cerro Punto, which are next to each other have the best coffee, waterfalls, hiking and the highest point in the country. Bocas del Toro looks like the best Atlantic beach option. There is a wide array of snorkeling and surfing options in Bocas as well with plenty of nightlife for some good Caribbean vibes.
I can connect those dots on the map by flying into the Santa Catalina area at the Lago Bay Airstrip. From there, Coiba National Park is a day trip. We'll let the kids take surf lessons in Santa Catalina to get an extra energy out before our mountain time. After a private shuttle over to Boquete, we'll take a hike along the Lost Waterfall trail.
We'll also take our world-class coffee tour and take in some cool mountain air. Afterwards, we'll continue with a private shuttle to Bocas del Toro to enjoy the best of the Caribbean that Panama has to offer. We'll fly back to the city and check out the Panama Canal on the tail end of our Panama vacation.
Panama Itinerary:
Panama City to Santa Catalina 50 minutes (charter flight to Lago Bay Airstrip)
Santa Catalina to Boquete 5 hours (shuttle)
Boquete to Bocas del Toro 3 hours (shuttle)
Bocas del Toro back to Panama City 1 hour (fly)
Making Your Map in Costa Rica
San José City – Pacific - Mountain
For Costa Rica, we'll fly out of San Jose to Manuel Antonio. The national park there looks like the perfect destination for it's beaches. The wildlife at Manuel Antonio is exceptional. The kids can take their surf lesson there as well. We'll take a shuttle down to Drake Bay for the snorkeling experience.
For marine life it doesn't look the same as Coiba National Park in Panama but it's touted as the second best area for an underwater adventure in Costa Rica. Afterwards, we'll fly to the mountains to Fortuna to hike in the Arenal Volcano Park and see the incredible Fortuna Waterfall. We can also take a coffee tour before getting back to San Jose.
With Costa Rica, I've tried several different ways to put my hopes of a Caribbean experience together with the other activities from the list above.
There is really not much way to put together a realistic itinerary with both great snorkeling and both oceans given our time frame. At the bottom of the article I'll post an itinerary that does include Puerta Viejo for surfing and beaches, but I think that for most groups you'll need to pick one or the other if your vacation time doesn't exceed ten days.
Costa Rica Itinerary:
San Jose to Manuel Antonio 35 minutes (fly)
Manuel Antonio to Drake Bay 4 hours
Drake Bay to Fortuna 50 minutes (charter flight to Fortuna Airstrip)
Fortuna to San Jose 4 hours
Travel Costs Costa Rica vs Panama
Looking at general prices in Costa Rica and Panama and analyzing each stop on our list, a suggested medium budget is expected to cost:
Costa Rica: ~$150 per person per day for food and accommodation.
Panama: ~$100 per person per day for food and accommodation.
Total Estimated Costs 8-day experience:
🇨🇷 Costa Rica (8 nights): $1,615 per traveler – approx. 9.5 hours total transfer time.
🇵🇦 Panama (8 nights): $1,370 per traveler – approx. 9.75 hours total transfer time.
Panama vs Costa Rica – Price Differences for Families and Luxury Trips
Price is only one variable and hopefully isn't the most important when you're talking about your vacation that you've been dreaming about. Keep in mind, however, that this is a medium level budget and you can definitely spend a lot more.
You can consider this exercise as a 'base line' and in either country you can certainly add a good amount of luxury. Going up a luxury level in Panama would be about medium tier in Costa Rica. If you have a large family or group the price differences would, of course, be amplified.
A group of five for example you could expect:
Panama $6,850
Costa Rica $9,075.
✅ Price wise, Panama Wins easily.
Overall Travel Experience and Quality
Starting with the two capitals, Panama City is the clear winner. San Jose is usually just a point of entry. If you visit Costa Rica it's very probable that you'll want to get out of San Jose on the same day that you land. In Panama City, you'll need two nights to explore Casco Viejo and visit the canal.
Coiba National Park vs Manuel Antonio National Park
Both parks are exceptional. Manuel Antonio is more developed and is easier to spot sloths and monkeys. The walking trails are better. The ease to get to the park is also a winner. At Coiba, however, you'll see marine wildlife that is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. The beaches are both great and the level of service at Manuel Antonio. Coiba combines with surfing lessons at Santa Catalina which is the best in Panama. Manuel Antonio also has surf lessons.
✅ National Park Experience – Tie (both offer unique highlights, too different for a clear winner)
🏄 Bonus Tip: If you choose Coiba, you can combine your visit with surf lessons in Santa Catalina, one of the top surfing spots in Panama. Manuel Antonio also offers surfing, but Santa Catalina is renowned for consistent waves and fewer crowds.
OVERALL MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE: Boquete, Panama vs Fortuna Costa Rica
For coffee, Boquete has the best in the world. That may be a subjective statement, but if you comine it with the cost on the international market...it's a fact. The Lost Waterfall trail is also a great hike. Fortuna Waterfall wins with its sheer size. Aernal Volcano Park has jungle that is more lush with more wildlife to see. The services in Boquete are exceptional for Panama. The town of Fortuna still takes first place for mountain comfort.
✅ Fortuna wins in the mountains
SNORKEL/DIVE: Isla Cano (Drake Bay) vs Coiba National Park
This category is for the snorkel and dive experience. For marine life, adventure and overall beauty, Coiba National Park is the clear winner. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Coiba is the largest island in Central America and it has been left 100% undeveloped. Historically as a penal colony and later as a national park. Isla Cano has an excellent tour but is not on the same level.
✅ Coiba winner
Bocas del Toro vs Drake Bay
Can't put apples to apples together here because we had to sacrifice the Atlantic on the Costa Rica side. Beaches are better at Bocas. Bocas as an archipelago is more dynamic. Going island hopping really lends the flavor of the Caribbean. Even putting Puerto Viejo next to Bocas wouldn't make the difference. Surfing at Puerto Viejo would be comparable. If you went up the coast to Calhuita in Costa Rica, you'll also find comparable Caribbean snorkeling.
✅ Bocas del Toro winner
Surfing in Panama vs Costa Rica – Where to Catch the Best Waves
Surfing is one of the top reasons many travelers head to Central America. Both Panama and Costa Rica have great spots to ride the waves, but the experience you get can be very different.
Panama – Fewer Crowds, Consistent Waves
Santa Catalina: Known as Panama’s surf capital. A world-class point break, long rides, consistent swell all year. Popular among experienced surfers but still offering beginner lessons.
Bocas del Toro: Caribbean waves with reef breaks and a laid-back island vibe. Great for mixing surf sessions with snorkeling and nightlife.
Bonus: From Santa Catalina, you can combine surf lessons with a boat trip to Coiba National Park – a unique surf + nature experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Costa Rica – Famous Spots but Busier Lineups
Tamarindo: One of the most popular surf towns in Costa Rica, perfect for beginners but often packed with tourists.
Santa Teresa & Puerto Viejo: Legendary waves, stunning beaches, but high season brings crowds both in the water and on the sand.
Surf schools everywhere, but prices are generally higher than in Panama.
✅ Surf Experience Winner: Panama – If you’re looking for fewer crowds, cheaper lessons, and some of the best breaks in Central America, Panama stands out. Costa Rica has great surf, but you’ll often compete for waves.
Food & Culinary Experiences – Panama vs Costa Rica
Food is a big part of the travel experience, and both Panama and Costa Rica offer rich flavors influenced by local traditions, the sea, and tropical produce. But the culinary journey in each country feels a bit different.
Panama – Seafood and Cultural Fusion
Fresh seafood everywhere: From ceviche in Panama City’s fish market to grilled snapper on Pacific beaches, seafood is a highlight.
Caribbean influence: In Bocas del Toro, expect coconut rice, plantains, and spiced fish with a strong Afro-Caribbean touch.
Fusion cuisine: Panama City offers upscale restaurants mixing Latin, Asian, and international flavors thanks to its cultural diversity.
Coffee & chocolate: Boquete is famous for some of the world’s most expensive coffee and artisanal chocolate tours.
Costa Rica – Simpler, Fresh and Local
Traditional “casados”: A hearty plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and meat or fish – the staple of local cuisine.
Fruits and smoothies: Fresh tropical fruits are available everywhere, often cheaper than in Panama.
Eco-conscious dining: Costa Rica leads in sustainable farming and organic food experiences.
Coffee paradise: The Central Valley and Naranjo region produce world-class beans, with many farm-to-cup tours.
✅ Winner: Tie – Panama offers more diversity and bold flavors with seafood and cultural fusion, while Costa Rica shines for its simplicity, freshness, and farm-to-table experiences. If you’re a foodie looking for high-end restaurants and variety, Panama wins. If you want traditional comfort food and organic ingredients, Costa Rica delivers.
Costa Rica vs Panama: Which is the Best Vacation Destination?
In all, Panama is the preferred itinerary in this article.
Admittedly the option is subjective. Given the different variables presented, however, there is a strong objective argument for favoring Panama.
If you want to have top-tier experiences without the price tag of Costa Rica, Panama is a clear winner.
Logistics also play more in favor of the Panama itinerary. Beginning your adventure in a safe, interesting and comfortable environment like Panama City also makes a big difference. Both countries have much to offer, but for a vacation where you'd like to make a decision between Panama and Costa Rica, I'd choose Panama.
✅ Quality wise: Panama is the preferred winner.
Alternative Itinerary: Adding a Two-Ocean Experience in Costa Rica
To try and square up a 'two-ocean' experience, let's make another example itinerary and put the Atlantic side on your Costa Rica option.
Itinerary with Puerto Viejo for your Caribbean Experience in Costa Rica chart
San Jose to Tamarindo 50 minutes (fly)
Tamarindo to Fortuna 5-6 hours (shuttle)
Fortuna to Puerto Viejo 6 hours $65 (shuttle)
Puerto Viejo back to San Jose 5 hours (shuttle)
Back to Prices:
Looking at general prices in Costa Rica and analyzing each stop on our list, a suggested medium budget in Costa Rica is expected to cost $175 per person per day for food, and accommodation. Let's plug in our transport costs:
Total Estimated Costs 'two-ocean' 8-day experience:
🇨🇷 Costa Rica: $1,615 per traveler
⏱️ Total transfer time: ~17+ hours (flights + shuttles)
🇵🇦 Panama: $1,170 per traveler
⏱️ Total transfer time: ~10 hours (flights + shuttles)
If you'd like to take a closer look at the logistical route in Panama you can check out The LOOP.
Costa Rica vs Panama – Final Verdict
Connecting the dots on a family vacation can take quite a lot of research. Hopefully this article has been helpful. Best of luck on the plan and even better luck along the journey!
Saludos from Lago Bay!
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