Belize or Costa Rica
 

We are planning a trip in August and are deciding between Costa Rica and Belize. I know it will be rainy season, is one going to be more rainy than the other? This trip will be for a woman in her 50's and her three daughters in their 20's, probably around 8 nights. We would like to see wildlife and also go to the beaches,so we would do two locations. The snorkeling and beaches of Ambergris Caye are appealing but Costa Rica has Arenal, which I would love to see. Also, we will be on a budget, is one country less expensive than the other? Thanks for any help you can give!

Unless you plan to dive rather than snorkel, I would recommend Costa Rica...you can see the Pacific Beach (eg Manual Antonio..no snorkeling though)You can get away from the heat with more highland variety than Belize has...If snorkeling were your main aim I would suggest Cozumel instead...not alot to do on Ambergris if you don't dive...unless all you want to do is chill out...sit look at the water, read a book, eat out...it's a small place

the beaches are not the greatest on ambergris. alright but they don't compare to some in costa rica.

I have been to both. CR has more wildlife. Some parts of CR are rainier than others in Aug. I like CR better because of more wildlife; but Belize has snorkelling and very good diving. Belize roads are easier to get around on, and is English speaking. More to see in CR.

I've been going to Costa Rica since 1982 and have written a half dozen books on Belize.<BR><BR>I agree generally with what other posters have said. <BR><BR>Costa Rica certainly has a wider variety of scenery -- Pacific and Atlantic beaches plus incredibly beautiful mountains -- and also more variety in climate, from springlike in the Central Valley to hot and humid on the Caribbean to hot and dry in the northwest.<BR><BR>Costa Rica's beaches esp. on the Pacific are beautiful, but the snorkeling and diving doesn't begin to hold a candle to Belize's. Costa Rica also does not have any Maya ruins. I disagree that Costa Rica has more wildlife -- Belize has great birding and plenty of wildlife in its parks and reserves, even jaguars.<BR><BR>Pricewise they are now similar, particularly in the middle and upper lodging categories.<BR><BR>A big difference is language. Outside of tourist areas, English is NOT spoken much in Costa Rica which is a disadvantage for those not fairly fluent in Spanish. But if you're just there to go to the beach or whatever that won't matter much.<BR><BR>--Lan Sluder

Thank you for all your advice. They both sound so great it is hard to decide. I guess we will just have to decide if snorkeling or better beaches is a priority, since they both seem to have great opportunities to see wildlife. Since my sister is fluent in spanish I don't think language will be a factor in the decision, and cost seems to be about equal. A tough decision, but thank you all for your thoughts.