Costa Rica vs Panama: Where Should I Travel?

Costa Rica sits between Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Continental Divide acts as the backbone of the Americas and diverts river systems to the east or west. When visiting Costa Rica’s central region, you may have views to the Caribbean or Pacific waters on a clear day.

Panama borders Costa Rica to the north and Colombia to the south. The country acts as a land bridge connecting the continents of North and South America. It is home to the world’s only capital city with a rainforest within the metropolitan borders and is the only country in the world where you can watch the sunrise over the Pacific and set over the Atlantic from the same spot.

Costa Rica and Panama share many similarities, including a history of declaring independence from Spain within one month of each other. Both countries are known for their beautiful coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

The diversity of cloud forests, marine parks, and protected landscapes within the borders of national parks also add to their commonalities, providing spaces where visitors can witness impressive wildlife in its natural habitat.

The differences between Costa Rica and Panama for travelers can come down to the number of activities and expectations.

Costa Rica, in general, has a greater number of established activities for tourists on land and sea for a more adventurous experience. The country is also known for its conservation efforts.

Panama is known more for its vibrant and cultural capital city, engineering marvel the Panama Canal, and more secluded beaches.

When comparing Costa Rica and Panama’s beaches, it’s important to note that both countries have gorgeous, inviting beaches.

Those in Costa Rica often have more activities for visitors to enjoy. Excursions can include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or surfing. Sunset cruises and turtle viewing are also popular beach activities in Costa Rica.

The beaches in Panama are as beautiful as Costa Rica’s, but often considered more secluded. The remoteness of Panama’s beaches does not allow them the same infrastructure for a wide range of activities like those of Costa Rica. However, typical activities on Panama beaches include surfing, snorkeling, and dinner cruises.

The top things to do in Costa Rica include trekking the trails in search of wildlife, whitewater rafting, surfing, and cooking classes to learn local dishes. The sheer number of active adventures to enjoy, such as ziplining or rappelling, in addition to the microclimates you can explore, immediately set the country apart from neighboring Panama.

The top things to do in Panama start with visiting the Panama Canal, which is unlike anywhere else in the world. Combined with discovering the colonial and indigenous histories of the country, as well as viewing the wildlife or relaxing on the world-class beaches, Panama has plenty to set itself apart from Costa Rica.

When it comes to eco-friendliness, few countries in the world match Costa Rica. The government and its citizens take conservation efforts seriously, including having committed to zero emissions by 2050.

Beyond the national commitment to eco-friendly practices to help protect and preserve the country’s unique natural resources, businesses also focus on sustainability. Eco lodges in the rainforest, wildlife walks that teach about the importance of nature, and other eco-tourism drives demonstrate the extensive opportunities for such practices.

Panama does not have as strong a focus on sustainable practices and eco-friendly tourism. However, with the country’s cultural heritage, wildlife viewing opportunities, popular beaches, and outdoor activities, local and national initiatives help protect the environment, which attracts more visitors in search of famous natural resources and treasures.

When thinking about traveling to Costa Rica or Panama, how to reach the country can be the first consideration in your decision.

Panama is more accessible for most travelers, with easy connections between most major US cities and Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport. It is not only the main travel hub for Panama, but also the largest airport in Central America.

Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria International Airport is very accessible and offers the largest connectivity to other areas of the country. Direct flights and decent connections offer accessibility to many major US cities, but there are fewer direct flights when compared to Panama’s main airport.

When thinking about your Costa Rica vs Panama vacation, Costa Rica is considered safer than Panama.

Costa Rica is often considered the safest country in Central America, consistently boasting one of the lowest crime rates in the region. Panama City and other largely populated urban centers have higher crime rates, but are not necessarily more dangerous, as much of the reported instances are designated to specific neighborhoods.

While Costa Rica is recognized as a safe place to travel, both countries have worked to create safe environments for travelers. With a focus on expanding tourist infrastructure, safety measures, and easier access to desired, emergency, or necessary services, Costa Rica and Panama continue taking significant measures to ensure the safety of tourists.

• Wildlife exploration on land and sea
• Active and thrilling excursions
• Diverse beach activities
• Simple dishes representing local cuisine
• A relaxed, pura vida philosophy
• Eco-friendly or sustainable practices

• Exploring cities
• Afro-Caribbean dishes representing regional cuisine
• Secluded beaches
• Cultural, historical, and nautical experiences
• More consistent seasonal weather patterns
• The Panama Canal

Whether excited to see the scarlet macaws in Costa Rica or eager to explore Panama’s fantastic archipelagos, interested in meeting with indigenous communities or looking to compare the best regional coffees, you can find exciting new adventures in Costa Rica or Panama tailored to your interests.

You can find more information for planning your trip with inspiration from our Costa Rica tours and our diverse Panama vacations. For ideas on what to see, do, and more, you can explore our Costa Rica travel guide and Panama travel guide.