Guatemala or Costa Rica? -

Central America proposes to beautiful destinations each one richer than the next. However, if you only have limited time on this continent, it you have to make a choice.

I had the chance to leave visit Guatemala and Costa Rica during a recent trip, so I decided to give you the benefit of my feedback in order to help you choose between these two destinations if you are still unsure.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: the climate?

The two countries have a relatively similar climate due to their geographic proximity. You will find a tropical climate with a dry season between the months of November / December and April then one wet season between May and October / November.

The temperatures vary on average between 15 ° C during the colder days and 40 ° C during the hottest days. Obviously, by going to the mountains or near volcanoes, the temperatures can drop a little more during the colder months.

En average, you will have temperatures very pleasant between 25 ° C and 30 ° C in both countries.

I am visited these countries during the months of February and March and the temperatures in Guatemala were relatively pleasant (around 25 ° C-28 ° C) throughout the country except in the Tikal region where it was very hot (around 40 ° C). Regarding Costa Rica, the temperature was a little higher because I spent more time at the beach with temperatures between 28 ° C and 36 ° C in the Nicoya peninsula.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: for safety?

On the one hand we have the Costa Rica, who is the only country in the world where there is no army. It is said of this country that it is a safe country where we find the happiest people in the world. Obviously this description can only push you to explore such a country.

However, like everywhere, all is not all rosy and don't think the crime rate in this country is zero. However, this is a Countries from Central America relatively developed in comparison to others and also relatively safe.

On the other side, we find the Guatemala, country which has been talked about a lot because of crime and drug cartels that we can find. Many people think that this country is still a very dangerous country, however, for having been there, I am not not really agree with this point of view.

Obviously, whether it is the Guatemala or Costa Rica, if you are traveling alone, I invite you not to not too much to go to the capitals. I even recommend avoiding Guatemala City if possible. As in all countries, and even more so in these regions, it is in the big cities that the attacks or settling of scores of the drug cartels are concentrated.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: to get around?

Le Guatemala and Costa Rica are relatively small countries where you can easily move when you want to discover these countries.

Several possibilities are available to you for getting around as well at Guatemala at Costa Rica.

It is quite possible to travel by bus or rent a car in these countries. However, thecar rental option is preferred in Costa Rica because the bus connections can take time. Generally, the tourists in Costa Rica rent a car for ease and to have total freedom when traveling. On the other hand, at Guatemala, generally travelers choose to travel by bus because the network is well developed and conversely renting a car can be difficult in this country given the state of the roads in some parts of the country.

For my part, I did the two countries by bus and it went very well. In my opinion, traveling by bus in Guatemala is the right solution, inexpensive and you can go to all the interesting places.

Getting around by bus in Costa Rica is not often obvious as the journeys can be long with many changes, but if you have the time and a tight budget it is definitely doable. If I could, to have more freedom, I think I would have rented a car in Costa Rica.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: what activities?

Whatever your final choice, in either of these destinations you will not be bored. There is so much to see and do in these countries that one could spend months in each of these countries. Obviously, it all depends on what you are looking for as activities to do.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: for history and culture?

As for the culture and history, Guatemala seems to be there perfect destination. Guatemala has a strong story whether by vestiges of colonization but above all because of its mayan culture very important and still present today in the different dialects of the country. You will find in the country of many Mayan sites including Tikal, Yaxha or even El Mirador and many others.

Between the different Mayan sites and the visit of the colonial city of Antigua, you will learn a lot of things in Guatemala.

Costa Rica, for its part, does not not benefit from such an interesting and impressive history and culture than Guatemala although there are still a lot of museums etc.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: for nature?

In this area, the two countries offer extraordinary possibilities.

Cependant, le Costa Rica is widely known for its biodiversity, wild animals and impressive nature that can be found there.

If you want to see as many tropical animals as possible in the wild in nature reserves, both day and night, the Costa Rica is the perfect destination.

Costa Rica offers magnificent virgin forests, volcanoes, and Pacific or Caribbean coasts magnificent and impressive.

For its part, the Guatemala is also very beautiful, we find in particular the lake Atitlan which is described as the most beautiful lake in the world surrounded by numerous volcanoes (there are 37 in Guatemala of which 3 are active). There are also corners of paradise in the country's jungle (Semuc Champey) and many other natural and beautiful places.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: for sports activities?

You will probably find your happiness whether in Guatemala or Costa Rica at this level. However, it all depends on the sports activities that you like.

For hikes, two destinations are equal. Indeed, in Guatemala you can hike on volcanoes and in particular the Acatenango volcano, Pacaya or even do the Indian Nose at Lake Atitlan.

In Costa Rica, you will have the possibility of hiking around volcanoes or in nature reserves such as Monteverde, Tenorio, Arenal for example and many others.

Le Costa Rica is the perfect destination for activities such as canyoning, rafting or zip lines.

On the side of water sports, diving is more interesting at Costa Rica than in Guatemala, but it is even more interesting in Belize.

For the surf, you can enjoy it on the Pacific coast of both countries but the Costa Rica is a world famous spot for its beautiful waves, and in particular in the Nicoya peninsula.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: for the beach?

On that side, there is no procrastinating, the Guatemala is not a destination particularly known for its paradisiacal beaches. Although thewe find some, you will rather find what you are looking for in Costa Rica at this level.

Indeed, whether on the Pacific coast or the Caribbean coast, the Costa Rica beaches are all more beautiful than the others. If this is the main criterion for your choice, I advise you to go to Costa Rica.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: with the family?

Here, know that no matter the destination, both are largely doable as a family with children or even a baby.

I have met families in each of the destinations.

So here the choice is made according to the type of trip you are looking for for you and your family.

In Costa Rica, what can be interesting is the nature aspect with the many animals that one can meet which can arouse the interest of the little ones.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: the tourist influx?

At this level, I was able to observe a clear difference between these two countries. Indeed, the Costa Rica is theone of the most popular destinations for a few years. No matter what season you go there, you will come across many tourists. It is therefore a very touristy country.

On the other side, the Guatemala is still a country little known and not very touristy which therefore still retains all its authenticity and all its traditions to which the locals are attached.

If you are looking for a little quiet away from all tourists I advise you to go to Guatemala.

In both countries you will be extremely well received without any problem. The people of these two countries are just lovely.

Guatemala or Costa Rica: according to the budget?

Here again, it is necessary to underline the clear difference between these two Central American countries.

Indeed, you surely know, the Costa Rica is nicknamed "Little Switzerland", it is the Switzerland of Central America because it is the most expensive country in Central America.

Indeed, I was able to observe that traveling to Costa Rica is almost like traveling to Europe. To give you an example, a night in a hostel can easily cost $ 15 / person. Activities and admissions to the various parks and reserves are also important (around $ 15 / $ 20 admissions…).

In contrast, the Guatemala is a country relatively affordable, indeed, you will easily find a night in a youth hostel for less than $ 10 / person. Eating local will get you by for less than $ 5 / meal.

If your budget is rather tight, I recommend that you go to Guatemala which is a much cheaper country than Costa Rica.

Conclusion: Guatemala or Costa Rica?

Whether Guatemala or Costa Rica, there are advantages and disadvantages for both countries.

To summarize, I recommend it to you Guatemala if the following are important to you:

History and culture
Hikes and volcanoes
The diversity between nature and various activities
The ease of getting around by bus
A country still not very touristy, traditional and authentic
A cheap destination

On the other side, I recommend Costa Rica if you are looking for:

Lots of nature, biodiversity and seeing many animals
Enjoy the country's paradisiacal beaches
Practice different sports / activities such as surfing, canyoning, rafting, zip lining ...
Very convenient to rent a car
Very touristy country
A rather expensive destination

2 Replies to “Guatemala or Costa Rica?”

roy said:

11/05/2022 à 19:08

thank you for your blog, it inspires me wishing to visit guatemala and/or costa rica…. best wishes ! mickaela

1. Margaux said:
  
  02/06/2022 à 15:51
  
  Thank you
  These are 2 beautiful destinations! You will love !

Guatemala or Costa Rica?