Our reservations agents get this question a lot: Which side of the country has the best beaches?
As well as questions like: Which is the best beach town in Costa Rica? Is it Santa Teresa, Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo? Where can you see more wildlife? Seeing a sloth is very high on the list or course.
Choosing between the two coasts is not easy. Both coasts are amazing and we especially like the Central and Southern Pacific Coast. The South Caribbean Coast is best for those looking for a bit of fun under the sun a bit off the beaten path. So, the answer really depends on various factors. Budget, climate expectations, time of the year, and interests.
The only five-star luxury hotel in the area.
If you go by what the locals say, the Caribbean coast wins. Well-traveled Costa Ricans love to visit the area south of Limon with its most famous beach towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo. It is less crowded, not as expensive, and known for its great food scene.
Of course, the Pacific has more choices of boutique hotels, restaurants, and also national parks. It is a lot more developed in terms of tourism infrastructure. But the Southern Caribbean coast arguably has more charm and no restaurant franchises or all-inclusive hotel brands have arrived in this part of the country.
Caribbean Beaches
Caribbean Beaches in Costa Rica are seldom crowded.
The Osa Peninsula is the clear winner in terms of wildlife in Costa Rica. But the Caribbean Coast comes in as a close second. You are almost guaranteed to see a sloth – or many. You might see the rare Green McCaw and of course monkeys and Sea Turtles if you head a bit further north towards Tortuguero. And the snorkeling on the reef of Cahuita National Park is among the best in the country.
The Food Scene
If you are a foodie… the Caribbean Coast is a great choice.
Lots of fruit and fresh vegetables. Seafood and chicken dishes. Spices like coconut, ginger, curry, allspice, cinnamon and chili peppers are present in the local’s favorite dishes.
The Weather
The weather is a complex topic.
And the weather is a complex topic. We recommend not worrying too much… The rainy season is kind of ‘reversed’ on the two Coasts of Costa Rica. When it is the wettest on the Pacific Coast from late August to early November, it is “summer” on the Caribbean Coast. And January is one of the wettest months on the Caribbean coast, which is a dry season month on the Pacific Coast.
But with today’s more and more unpredictable climate, expect sun, rain and everything in between every day on both coasts. The good news is that it is always nice and warm and when it rains, it usually does not rain all day – just a few hours.
Our Recommendation?
Visit both coasts on your next trip to Costa Rica.
Where else can you watch the sunrise on the Caribbean Coast and have breakfast, take a 40-minute flight and then have lunch and cocktails overlooking the Pacific Ocean? And don’t forget to visit the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. Ask us how we can make this happen for you at [email protected]. The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels has properties on both coasts, in the mountains and even in Panama and Nicaragua.
But with today’s more and more unpredictable climate, expect sun, rain and everything in between every day on both coasts. The good news is that it is always nice and warm and when it rains, it usually does not rain all day – just a few hours.
Ready to Escape?
Step away from the noise and experience Luxury Rewilded.
Visit Cayuga Collection to learn more and book your escape, or email [email protected] with any questions.
36 Responses
I would like to rent an apartment in this area I can only spend about 1200 to 1300 a month on rent and I would like to be there at least six months fully furnished apartment
Dear Robert. Thanks for your comment. We don’t rent apartments so won’t be able to help you on this front. But if you would like to stay with us at the Hotel Aguas Claras, drop us a note. [email protected].
Hi. I am attending a wedding in La Fortuna 3/8. Will stay in that area from 3/5 to 3/9. Would like to relax in a beach area for four/five days. Which airport for arrival and departure would be best. Where best to stay if solo senior traveler thank you.
Thank you for your interest in staying with us. We have reached out to you directly to help you organize your vacation.
I want to go with my son and his wife. First time and we like to be active outdoors. Not big night life people but do love music and dance just don’t drink much. They are in there 30 thank you Renetta Shearer
We might have just the right place for you. Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo. Our reservations team has reached out to you with an e-mail.
My husband and I would like to vacation in December. We love, beautiful beaches, and great weather a little adventure good food, good drinks and possibly a little nightlife and beautiful accommodations. Can you help us?
Thanks for reading our blog. Our team has reached out to you to help organized your vacation to Costa Rica. Pura vida.
Have been to Tamarindo several times, great. Try other area inJanuary w married kids. Pacific side foods, biking, beach ?
Thanks for your comment. Try to head south to the Central Pacific Coast or even better, try the Caribbean Coast. Our team at Aguas Claras will reach out to you and see if we can set something up for you and your kids. Pura vida.
My fiance and I are planning a trip in November as first timers. Looking for suggestions for resorts, food spots, night life, adventure excursions. Would love some tips or guidance!
Thanks for your comment Kelly. I have sent your message to our reservations team and they will reach out to you shortly to help you plan your trip.
Hello,we are planning a trip in June of 2025, there are 3 of us, my husband and 19 yr old daughter – again, not sure which coast to see, neither of them have been to Costa Rica! Any help or recommendations are very welcome. ( I am also a travel advisor – but would love some new information!). Thank you,
Thanks for the comment and reaching out. My team informs me that you are in touch with them and are inclined to visit Hotel Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo. Great choice. Anything else you need, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
am interested in staying in costa rica for 6 months would like some information.
Thanks for your comment Jeanne. At the Cayuga Collection, we usually book stays of 4 to 5 nights. So if you are interested in visiting any of our hotels, send us a note to [email protected]. Good luck with the planning.
Hi there!
We’re a family of 4 (with 2 boys in their teens – 17 & 18). Would love to visit Costa Rica late December and would like an idea on which side shall we stay…bearing in mind that being with two teenagers we’d love to find a place with a pool (a beach would be great) and some sort of busy life with activities for our 2 boys. Thank you in advance
Hi Colin, we will reach out to you and offer your options for your family vacation.
Hallo, ein Freund und ich möchten im Jänner Urlaub in Costa Rica machen. Wir lieben schöne Strände, Abenteuer, Tiere, Natur, gutes Essen und Nachtleben. Könnt Ihr uns helfen?
Thank you for your question. Yes, we can help you. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will help you plan your vacation.
Jho Hotel recommend First time visitors to Costa Rica. Thinking April 2025 , 4-5 night visit, safe area, enjoy good food, nice accommodations, beach area also pool and maybe a little town for shopping. We are older 84 and 85 walking distance to restaurant and shops
We would be honored to help you plan your vacation to Costa Rica. One of the Cayuga Collection Travel Advisors will reach out to you shortly by email.
Trying to plan a trip in early April with my two older daughters. Would love something on the caribbean coast near the ocean, pool, two bedrooms, local food, wildlife (birds, monkeys, sloths), safe. Recommendations with pricing would be great.
Dear Jim, thanks for reaching out. Our Hotel Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo sounds like it could really be the perfect place you are looking for. Our team will reach out and get in touch to help make your reservation.
Hi … looking for recommendations. First time visitors to Costa Rica. Thinking early march 2025 , 4-5 night visit, safe area, enjoy good food, nice accommodations, beach area also pool and maybe a little town for shopping. Preferably walking distance to restaurant and shops. Would love something on the caribbean coast. Recommendations with pricing would be great.
Thank you for your interest. Our team reached out to you over the weekend and we hope that you will be able to visit Aguas Claras on the Caribbean Coast in March.
Greetings,
I am a vocalist specializing in the crooners of old, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin. Do you think there any places there who would be interested in my talents?
Thanks for your message. We are good for now. But if something comes up, we will let you know.
Queremos viajar a Costa Rica por 14 días en agosto 2025. Somos dos adultos y 2 niños, de 11 y 13 años.
Qué parte nos recomiendan visitar. Nos gustaría visitar parques naturales, algun volcán, disfrutar de alguna playa y poder ver la fauna autóctona.
Gracias!
Que bien. Agosto es un excellente mes para esto. Ya el equipo de reservaciones se va a poner en contacto con Ud. para planificar estas vacaciones. Saludos desde Costa Rica.
Hello, we are attending a wedding in Santa Teresa mid July, 2025. Beginning 7/13 we would like to stay a few extra days somewhere in your country with culture, food, shops, pool/beaches with activities and some hiking!
There are 4 adults, 2 of which have spent some time in San Jose in rental homes and 2 of us have never been. Can you please make recommendations! Booking flights in next week! Just discovered your web sight! Thank you!
We will be in touch with you shortly to help you with ideas for your trip in Costa Rica.
Where does the flight start on the Carribean side and land on the Pacific side?
Thanks for the question. You would have to connect in San Jose. So you could take a flight from Quepos on the Central Pacific Coast to San Jose and then on to Limon. Any help you need, please reach out to our team at [email protected]
Buenas tardes
Somos de España y vamos a aterrizar el 9 de agosto en San José.
Hay disponibilidad en vuestro hospedaje?
Que distancia hay ? Qué actividades nos ofrecen? Muchas gracias de antemano
Pura Vida 😃😍😍❤️
Hola Ana Lora. Nuestro equipo de reservaciones estara en contacto con Uds. Nos encantaria tenerlos en Aguas Claras en Puerto Viejo. Pura Vida.