carolinelandingham asked 7 years ago
Hi!
My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Costa Rica May 15th -24th! I have been doing a lot of research and feel pulled to both sides of Costa Rica’s coast! We’re in our early twenties and are looking for a fun vacation to hangout on the beaches and explore the wildlife and culture! There are attractions on both sides that I would love to see regardless, but just don’t know where to start! Hostels don’t scare me, and I think we prefer a more laid-back, non touristy destination. Is it possible to see both coastlines in our short time there? Or should we choose? If so, which one is most recommended? Thank you!
Jenn and Matt Staff answered 7 years ago
Hi carolinelandingham,
With that amount of time, it might be hard to see both coasts unless you spend a long time in the car. I guess you could try to decide based on what type of cultural experiences you are looking for. The Caribbean has more of an island feel and there is an Afro-Caribbean influence that makes the food and vibe different from the rest of the country. There are also some indigenous groups that are easy to visit on that coastline, which is a great cultural experience. The Pacific has a lot of variation, from built up tourist towns with lots of restaurants and hotels to smaller beach communities with a lot of locals and smaller businesses. You can find laid-back in both but maybe the Caribbean would be a good fit? Check out our posts on Cahuita and Puerto Viejo to see what you think? On the Pacific side, you might like Monezuma also..