My husband and I are thinking about going to either Costa Rica or Belize. Having done some research I was wondering if I would be able to get thoughts on the difference's (if that's the right word) between Costa Rica and Belize. Thank you, Denise

We went to CR in February and were looking at either CR or Belize for next February.

Then we looked at the relative price of plane tickets ($360 for CR vs. $960 for Belize) and said "Pura Vida!" (Belize hotels also tend to be more expensive).

From what we read, CR is more eco-intensive, while Belize is more about diving/snorkeling with the bonus of Mayan ruins.

Language is another difference--being able to habla Espanol certainly helps in CR.

My very superficial take-- I think CR has better beaches, but Belize has better diving. Belize has the Mayan ruins (and caves), but CR has the volcano. I think there's a lot of "eco" things to do in both areas. My sense is that you could end up doing more driving in CR, if you spread your days among different places.

Great info. Thanks!!

I guess that it all depends on what you like to do, but for me, who has been to both countries, CR wins hands down. Belize seemed very touristy to me, and was so much more expensive. You rent golf carts on Ambergris to get around and the food was good, but very expensive. Diving was awesome, but beaches were not because of the amount of seaweed that you had to walk through. CR to me is a magical place. The people seem more genuine to me, the food is also incredible and there is so much to see and do. I also love the beaches in CR, but you don't have the water clarity/visibility, like you do in Belize. I would highly recommend doing Arenal then a beach town such as Mal Pais Manual Antonio. This is just my opinion and I had a great time in Belize, just not the fantastic times(2) that I have had in CR.

I've been to both. Costa Rica has more problems with crime and there is not good snorkeling on the Pacific coast. Also the surf can be very rough in CR. I am a strong swimmer and got caught in the undertow there.

I prefer Belize since I like snorkeling and diving. For eco-tours and Mayan ruins it is cheap and easy to travel to Guatemala from Belize and Guatemala is much cheaper than either Belize or CR.

I've been to Costa Rica a couple times, and it is beautiful. Sort of a hassle getting from place to place. Food was just ok in most places.

I love Belize. I've been going 2-3 times a year for the past five. I enjoy the people, the blue of the Caribbean. It just feels like home.

Another great option might be Panama.....

We've been to CR three times now; I keep thinking we'll try Belize too, but CR keeps sucking us back because we love it so much. The Osa Peninsula is amazing for spotting wildlife; from our cabin at Bosque del Cabo, we saw 3 kinds of monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws. We also love Arenal for its active volcano, natural hot springs, Cano Negro tour and other outdoor activities. Still would like to try Tortuguero someday.

Been to both enjoy CR far more for incredible variety of animals volcanoes beaches cloud forest rain forest.Belize decent beaches diving on islands off shore.

www.caravantours.com

is a nice way to get a CR overview

at good value.

also cost-effective packages on

www.skyauction.com.

www.manuelantoniopark.com

great beaches also Tortuga.

www.ocotaldiving.com

Nicoya excellent diving.

Just got back Air $289/tax RT

Get great deals on hotels too

usually 25% off most places

So for me CR

We've been to both and like both a lot. My wife and one daughter prefer Belize and my other daughter & I prefer CR. If you like to snorkel / SCUBA, go to Belize. While CR is a prettier country (IMO), Belize offers more culture (Mayan ruins, etc) and the snorkeling / diving is hard to beat.

I've been to both and enjoyed them, so you can't make a bad choice here, but personally I preferred Belize. It's funny that some people think of Belize as more touristy, becaue I actually thought CR was more touristy. I suppose it may depend on exactly where you go in each country.

If you do visit Belize, I would highly reccommend dividing your time between the west (for cave tubing, jungle hikes, Mayan ruins, etc.) and the coast (for beaches and fishing/diving/snorkeling.) If you let us know your particular interests, we may be able to help you make the choice between the these 2 great countries.