Belize Versus Costa Rica: Which Is Better For You?

Post summary: Comparisons between Belize Versus Costa Rica.

Belize and Costa Rica are two of those spots that seem to pop up on every traveler’s bucket list. But how do you pick between them?

Deciding between Belize and Costa Rica can feel impossible.

Both of these Central American countries are packed with stunning landscapes, rich culture, exciting outdoor adventures, and some of the friendliest people in the world.

I’ve been to both countries several times, and while I think you should visit both, I know prioritizing one over the other (for now) can be difficult.

So, to make it easier, I’ve broken it all down for you by comparing the activities, landscapes, food, and more.

Let’s figure out which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure!

Let’s dive in!

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Belize vs Costa Rica: Quick Facts Comparisons

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of how these two beautiful countries stack up against each other.

Official Language

• Belize: English
• Costa Rica: Spanish

Currency

• Belize: Belize Dollar (BZD)
• Costa Rica: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Capital City

• Belize: Belmopan
• Costa Rica: San José

Top Activities

• Belize: Snorkeling, Diving, Mayan Ruins
• Costa Rica: Hiking, Zip-lining, Surfing

Now that you’ve got a snapshot of what each country has to offer, let’s break it down to see which spot is the perfect fit for your next adventure.

Geography and Accessibility

When choosing between Belize and Costa Rica, geography and how easy it is to get around are key factors.

Let’s break down what each country offers in terms of landscapes, transportation, and overall accessibility.

Belize: Caribbean Vibes, Barrier Reef, and Easy Navigation

Belize delivers classic Caribbean vibes with white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.

The country has over 200 offshore islands, including popular spots like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

It’s also home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world (just behind Australia), making it a paradise for SCUBA divers and water lovers.

Flights to Belize are short and easy, with direct flights from major U.S. cities like Miami and Houston.

From there, water taxis, domestic flights make reaching the islands simple.

For exploring the mainland, renting a car from Crystal Auto Rental is the most convenient option, but there are also plenty of taxis and buses that run between major cities.

Driving in Belize is relatively easy, as the country is small, and the main roads are in decent condition.

An economy car is fine in most places, but you do need a 4×4 for certain areas like Caracol and the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.

Overall, the fact that Belize is so small makes getting around very straightforward and easy to navigate.

Read next: How to Rent A Car in Belize

Costa Rica: Diverse Landscapes, Two Coastlines, and Well-Connected Roads

With two coastlines (Caribbean and Pacific), volcanoes, cloudforests, and lush rainforests, Costa Rica has insane geographic diversity.

Unlike Belize, Costa Rica has two major international airports (San José and Liberia), which makes it very accessible from most major cities.

The country’s road network is fairly developed, with good highways connecting major destinations.

However, rural areas, especially around rainforests or mountains, often have dirt roads, so I definitely recommend renting a 4×4 from Vamos Car Rental for a road trip.

Public buses are a cheap way to get around, but they can be slow and infrequent in remote areas, like in Belize.

A lot of people opt for shuttles and guided tours to get around, which are both widely available.

Overall, tourism infrastructure in Costa Rica is more developed than in Belize, but it’s also larger with varied terrain that sometimes requires more planning.

If you’re confident driving, both countries are very accessible.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

You could never be bored visiting either one of these countries.

But let’s compare adventure and outdoor activities to see which one is right for you:

Belize: SCUBA Diving, Snorkeling in the Great Blue Hole, Mayan Ruins

If you’re looking to get in the water, Belize wins – hands down.

One of the biggest highlights in Belize is the Great Blue Hole, a giant underwater sinkhole that’s at the top of every scuba diver’s bucket list.

And then there’s the barrier reef, which has some of the best diving I’ve seen in the Caribbean so far (even better than the diving I’ve done in St. John, USVI and Honduras).

Inland, you’ll find Mayan ruins like Caracol and the jaw-dropping ATM Cave, where you can literally walk through ancient history.

Costa Rica: National Parks, Volcanoes, Zip-lining, Surfing, Hot Springs

Costa Rica is amazing for outdoor lovers because there’s no shortage of options for hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife spotting.

In fact, more than 25% of the country is protected within national parks, so you can hike to volcanoes, walk through cloud forests, and zip-line above the lush treetops.

While Costa Rica is less ideal for SCUBA diving and snorkeling, the swell along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is ideal for surfing.

You can also chase waterfalls like the Nauyaca Waterfalls, go white-water rafting, or take a relaxing dip in hot springs in La Fortuna.

Culture and History

Culture and history add so much depth to a place – things you just can’t get from the scenery alone.

So, which country’s story will draw you in more, Costa Rica or Belize?

Belize: Mayan and Caribbean Influence, English as the Official Language

Culturally, Belize is very unique because it’s a cultural melting pot with Caribbean, Maya, and European influences.

The rich culture is reflected in the music, food, and Mayan ruin sites that you can still explore.

Belize is also the only Central American country where English is the official language, which makes it easy for English-speaking travelers.

Costa Rica: Tico Culture, Spanish Language, Pura Vida Lifestyle

Costa Rica’s culture revolves around the idea of pura vida or “pure life”. This is a laid-back lifestyle that emphasizes happiness, health, and enjoying the little things.

There’s less of a Caribbean feel here, but you can still find pockets of it along the Caribbean coast.

The Spanish influence is strong here, so you’ll hear Spanish spoken everywhere.

But don’t worry if your Spanish is rusty! Costa Ricans (or Ticos) are super friendly and welcoming to visitors, regardless of how good your Spanish is.

Wildlife and Nature

Wildlife and nature are major highlights in Belize and Costa Rica.

So, when it comes to nature and wildlife, which country is the best for you?

Belize: Marine Life, Jaguars, Coral Reefs

Although Belize is small, it has a ton of wildlife.

Belize’s coral reefs are teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and even whale sharks if you visit at the right time.

Inland, the forests are full of birds such as parrots and toucans, and you can visit sanctuaries like The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary where jaguars roam freely.

Jaguars are pretty elusive, you might be able to spot one on quieter hiking trails hike the Tiger Fern Falls Trail.

Costa Rica: Rainforests, Sloths, Birds, Turtles

Costa Rica is like stepping into a National Geographic documentary.

The rainforests of Costa Rica are some of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

Here, you can spot howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful frogs in their natural habitats.

Birdwatchers definitely want to go to Costa Rica, just for the sheer number of species you can see.

You can also visit turtle nesting sites in places like Tortugera at certain times of the year.

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park are the ideal places to see all kinds of wildlife in Costa Rica.

Food and Dining

What’s an international trip without diving into the local food scene?

That’s why it’s worth comparing the delicious culinary experiences that Belize and Costa Rica have to offer.

Belize: Caribbean-Inspired Seafood, Rice, Beans, and Stews

The food in Belize is all about Carribean flavors. Except lots of fresh seafood, stews, tamales, and staples like rice and beans.

One of my FAVORITE dishes is Belizean stew chicken, which is slow-cooked in flavorful spices, with a side of rice and beans.

And if you’re a fan of fresh seafood, visit during lobster season to attend the San Pedro Lobster Festival.

Costa Rica: Gallo Pinto, Fresh Fruit, Casado Plates

Costa Rican food is simple but so tasty. The national dish is gallo pinto, a combination of rice and beans that’s typically eaten for breakfast (with eggs and tortillas on the side).

Another popular dish is the casado, which is great fot lunch! It comes with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein, from chicken to beef or fish. You can get one for about $5USD at the sodas!

The food is fresh and filling, and the fruits here are incredible. From mangoes to papayas, you’ll find some of the best-tasting fruit you’ve ever had in Costa Rica.

Safety and Comfort

Safety is a key factor to consider when traveling to a foreign country. Cultural and societal norms can significantly impact how comfortable you feel during your visit.

Let’s explore how these two destinations compare.

Belize: Safety in Tourist Areas, Language Ease (English)

One of the things most people love about Belize is how easy it is to get around, especially since English is the official language.

But, is Belize safe for tourists? Honestly, it depends on where you are.

Belize is generally safe for tourists, but crime rates can be higher in certain areas, particularly in Belize City and more remote regions.

However, tourist hotspots like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia are typically secure and welcoming.

Costa Rica: Well-Developed Tourism Infrastructure, Solo Female Travel

Costa Rica is often considered one of the safest countries in Central America because it has excellent tourism infrastructure and relatively low crime rates.

However, some conversations with locals will reveal that it’s not entirely void of crime against tourists.

As with anywhere, it’s important to keep your guard up and be aware of your surroundings.

I think Costa Rica is slightly safer for solo travelers, including women, due to its better tourist infrastructure.

In Costa Rica, you’ll want to avoid major cities like San Jose, Limon, and border regions. Also avoid going out at night and don’t leave any valuables in your car.

Wrapping Up: Costa Rica vs Belize

So, which one should you choose? If you’re into snorkeling, diving, and exploring ancient ruins, Belize is the way to go.

But if hiking, wildlife, and adrenaline-pumping adventures are more your style, Costa Rica will blow you away.

Both destinations are incredible, so you really can’t go wrong. Whichever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable trip!

Did you enjoy this Belize Versus Costa Rica guide? Let me know in the comments!

Related Posts to Help You Plan an Unforgettable Trip:

Road trip Belize:An Adventurous 12-Day Belize Road Trip Itinerary

Road trip Costa Rica:The Perfect 2-Week Costa Rica Itinerary