Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which One Should You Visit?
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I’ve spent a fair amount of time in both these countries and while there are many similarities, make no mistake…Nicaragua and Costa Rica each have a personality all their own.
I’m going to give you a comparison based on the areas I’ve personally visited. While there are many regions to explore within each country, this blog post is based on my first-hand experience to help you decide which country should you visit.
Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which One Should You Visit?
These two countries are next-door neighbors and share similar geography and climate. Nicaragua is known for its lakes and volcanoes while Costa Rica boasts amazing national parks.
Both offer tropical weather, beaches, rainforests, and welcoming people, so you might think deciding between Nicaragua vs Costa Rica would be straightforward.
But this is where it gets interesting.
I think of Nicaragua as the younger brother with a slightly unruly streak compared to the older, genteel sibling, Costa Rica, who knows how to behave.
I say this because Costa Rica has been a tourist destination longer than Nicaragua and it’s just more established in the tourism game. When I started visiting Nicaragua in 2011, tourism was starting to take off. Some political unrest (now settled) put the brakes on tourism, so it seems to be full steam ahead again.
Historically and politically speaking, Nicaragua (often called Nica) has had an edgier past than Costa Rica. This translates to their culture which, in turn, ties into my bad-boy little brother analogy. In a good way.
Which Country Is Safer: Nicaragua or Costa Rica?
Wherever tourists go, theft and other petty crimes often follow. This is true anywhere around the world.
As a solo female traveler in both of these countries, I’ve never felt intimated or fearful. That being said, I don’t go to sketchy parts of town, travel at night, or travel by road in certain regions that are known to be trouble. Do your research and bring your common sense along.
I think Nicaragua gets a bad rap as being less safe simply because it’s more of an unknown to many travelers. I can’t tell you how many people were shocked when I announced I would travel alone to Nicaragua.
“What about the contra rebels?”
Umm, that was in the 80s. Maybe we should move on?
Bottom line: I consider Nicaragua and Costa Rica on par from a safety perspective if you follow my advice above. I would not hesitate to go solo or bring my family. I actually brought a group of 8 women with me, last year, and it was a blast. More on this trip later.
Safest Places in Nicaragua
🌴 Granada
Granada, a colonial, inland city with fabulous architecture and colonial homes, is where I’ve spent the most amount of time while in Nicaragua. I was there for about 5 weeks one year, alone, and never really had a hesitation about it.
It’s a small city, well known on the tourist circuit, has great restaurants, and is completely walkable. When going back to your hotel or Airbnb at night, the shared taxi system is readily available and crazy cheap.
🌴 San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur, located on the Caribbean coast just adjacent to Costa Rica, is a beachy, surf town with a young, energetic vibe. It draws an international crowd and while on my most recent trip in May 2021 (yes in the middle of the pandemic), I noticed more higher-end properties and hip bars and restaurants.
With this kind of development comes a more organized approach to tourism and the expectation of safety. There seemed to be more taxis and transportation options available for getting here and there. This means you’re not flailing around on your own and there’s more safety in numbers.
🌴 Ometepe
Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes and smack in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, is an archeological paradise. Accessible only by ferry, it’s rural but has a well-developed, rustic-style tourism base.
Visitors here are into hiking, kayaking, and checking out the howler monkeys; it’s a great place for family trips. There are many tour operators for this kind of exploration so it’s easy and reasonably priced to have a guide, both on the trail and for ground transportation.
Safest Places in Costa Rica
🌴 Dominical
Dominical, located on the Pacific Ocean in the Puntarenas province, is a known tourist entity catering to surfers, beachgoers, and well-heeled 2nd vacation homeowners. Being in Dominical requires ground transportation, so having a reliable driver for your stay provides both safety and convenience.
If renting a home, ask if the property is gated with a security system. The majority of them are and this is a good thing. Homeowners do this since most are not occupied as full-time residences and often a caretaker is living on the property for added security.
🌴 Turrialba
Turrialba, in the interior Cartago province, is a working, everyday town and typically not on the vacation bucket list. But if you want to raft and hike away from the tourist scene then this is a safe bet for you. And make sure you eat at Benjamin Bistro, a real find in this town.
I have family living 10 minutes outside Turrialba Centro so I’ve seen it from a local’s point of view. I’ve walked alone in their neighborhood as well as in town (during the day) without any concern. Locals say “Buenos Dias” passing you on the street and you’ll soon be noticed as one of the few gringos.
🌴 Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean coast closer to Panama, is a laid-back, party beach town. I brought my Open Mind Adventure group of women travelers here without a hitch. We were, of course, with a driver the entire time and got around as a group.
However, there were plenty of single travelers and couples on their own. There are quite a few low-key resorts right on the beach so this lends a sense of security when it comes to lodging. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is less well known than the Pacific side, but Puerto Viejo is tuned into tourists.
So, when deciding on Nicaragua or Costa Rica, pick your town wisely, and again, I repeat, use some common sense.
Is Nicaragua or Costa Rica Cheaper?
When comparing Nicaragua or Costa Rica from a cost standpoint, Nica will be less expensive.
When Costa Rica first burst onto the mainstream tourist radar, it was a real bargain. As it became discovered and its tourism industry more established, prices have gone up. From real estate prices to hotels to restaurants, this phenomenon (unfortunately) happens everywhere.
As previously mentioned, Nicaragua is more of a newcomer to the mainstream tourism industry. It’s still hungry for tourism (especially after the pandemic when there were next to no flights going into the country) so prices are still low by North American standards.
In full disclosure, I have not traveled at a luxury level in Nicaragua so I can’t really speak to that. For my style of travel which I’d call “bohemian chic”, I’d say Nicaragua is a very good value for what you get.
Transportation Costs
Unless you’re on an organized trip with a guide or tour operator, you’ll need a rental car to explore and enjoy what these countries have to offer.
Though a guided trip compared to independent travel may seem more expensive, consider rental costs plus gas, which will vary depending on your location, to make a fair comparison. Tolls are not really a thing in either of these countries.
As with rental cars everywhere, insurance can add a significant cost. Check with your credit card and insurance company to see if they offer any coverage while traveling in Nicaragua or Costa Rica.
You cannot take rental cars across the border between these two countries. On my last trip, we picked up a rental car in San Jose, Costa Rica, used it for our journey, and dropped it off at the rental office near the Nicaraguan border.
We made arrangements, through our Nicaraguan hostel, for a Costa Rican driver to pick us up at the rental office. He assisted with our paperwork as we walked across the border, then handed us off to a Nicaraguan driver for transport to our hostel.
Yes, it was a bit of a schlep, but it can be done.
Accommodations
Overall, I’ve found Nicaraguan lodging to be less expensive compared to similar accommodations in Costa Rica.
I tend to stay in upscale budget places, like the boutique hostel, The Space, in San Juan del Sur, and mid-priced properties such as Shawandha Lodge, just outside Puerto Viejo. As a frame of reference, these rooms range from $35-$75/night, in the off-season.
✔️ Book The Space, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
When in Granada, Nicaragua, I always land at Condo Hotel Xalteva. I personally know the owners who have created a unique lodging option in the heart of historic Granada. With only 8 units, you have an entire apartment for a very fair price with the most hospitable staff.
✔️ Book Condo Hotel Xalteva, Granada, Nicaragua
Costa Rica seems to have a bigger selection of higher-end resorts and spa-type properties that offer lots of amenities. But if you’re looking for an adventure spot perfect for a family or friends trip, I highly recommend the Pacaure Outdoor Center.
I’ve been to the Pacaure Outdoor Center several times with teenagers as well as my 50+ women’s travel group. It’s an unbelievable experience suited for travelers of all ages. In fact, they do a lot of school groups so even younger kids love this. More on this under Best Things To Do In Costa Rica.
✔️ Book Pacaure Outdoor Center, Turrialba, Costa Rica
Food
Food is one of the least expensive items when traveling anywhere in Central America, Mexico, and just about anywhere in Latin America. Having said this, you also need to be an adventuresome eater.
By adventuresome, I don’t necessarily mean willing to eat grasshoppers and ants. I do mean you should be willing to eat street food and shop at the local markets. There are higher-end restaurants in both these countries, but the real culinary magic happens on the street.
If you have the ability to prepare at least breakfast, snacks, and drinks where you’re staying, by all means, shop at the local bodegas or central market. It’s a great way to test-drive tropical fruits and vegetables you’ve never seen before.
Because I’ve authored a cookbook, Caribbean Light, this kind of shopping trip is my idea of entertainment. Once you get past the chickens hanging in an open-air market and put aside your expectations of how food should be refrigerated, food shopping is a great cultural immersive experience.
Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which Has Better Beaches?
This question can only be answered by first asking another question: what do you consider a better beach?
Both Nicaragua and Costa Rica are flanked by the Caribbean Sea on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west, offering different beach experiences.
Generally speaking, beaches on the Pacific side have more surf. That’s why they are a big draw for surfers. In Nicaragua, surfers congregate in San Juan del Sur.
In Costa Rica, well-known Pacific beach towns include Tamarindo, Nosara, Dominical, and the area at Manuel Antonio National Park.
When you’re ready to dry off, riding horses on these beaches is a great afternoon activity.
✔️ Book Costa Rica’s Iconic Horseback Riding On The Beach
Over on the Caribbean side, waters are calmer and better suited for splashing around. In Costa Rica, those white sand stretches of beach you’re imagining can be found in the Cahuita National Park area, Playa Cocles and Puerto Viejo.
Overall, I’d say Costa Rica has more options to choose from if you’re truly looking for a beach vacation.
Best Things To Do In Nicaragua
Nicaragua is not called “the land of lakes and volcanoes” for nothing.
Nicaragua has 19 volcanoes and many of them are quite active. One of the easiest ones to visit is Volcano Mombacho. I was astounded at the spewing gas and fumes and that visitors are actually allowed to get upfront and close.
If you’re staying in not-to-be-missed historic Granada, there are several easy day trips you can make.
Check out Volcano Mombacho and the artisan town of Masaya known for its pottery crafts. Make a full day of it at Laguna Apoyo, one of the most serene, clean swimming lakes you’ll come upon. Lounging on the grass with restaurants nearby is a beautiful day.
These can all be done on your own with a rental car or the bus, but a guide will give you a more enriching experience.
✔️ Book Apoyo Lagoon, Masaya, Volcano Mombacho Full Day Tour
Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America, feels like an ocean. Yes, it’s that big, all 3,000 square miles of it.
It has dangerous bull sharks and is somewhat polluted so it’s not for swimming, per se. But it is how you reach the volcano island of Ometepe. Take the ferry from Rivas and spend a few days on Ometepe untethered from the world.
On one trip with another mom and our 11-year-old boys, we missed the bus that would take us to the ferry dock for the return trip to the mainland.
A local family with their pickup truck had us hop in the back as we raced down a bumpy road honking and wildly waving. We caught up with the bus, hopped on and made the boat in time.
These are the kind of stories that make travel memorable.
Best Things To Do In Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, so it’s where you come to be outside and outdoorsy.
Costa Rica also has its share of volcanos; the most well-known is Volcano Arenal. Though you won’t get as close to this one compared to Mombacho, you will get access to lots of nearby hot springs. This is a pure treat; soaking in thermal springs while gazing up at a volcano.
Even if you’re not a surfer, most visitors will spend a lot of time sampling different beaches. Renting a hammock then getting a beachside massage is just about the perfect combo for a relaxing day.
Costa Rica is a great family destination because of the accessible wildlife viewing, ziplining, and rafting; the latter is actually my favorite thing to do in Costa Rica.
And my most favorite place to do it is at the Pacuare Outdoor Center. My cousin Tom built this rainforest property some years ago and it just keeps getting better.
Rafting into and out of the lodge on Class III and IV water is doable even for the inexperienced rafter.
Safety first is their motto with many of the guides having been members of the Costa Rican rafting team. These same very capable (and adorable) men are also chefs preparing riverside lunches, breakfasts, and dinners at the property.
I brought my first female travel group to the lodge and most had never rafted before. The girls wished we had spent more than 2 nights at the property. They just couldn’t get enough of the place.
Three to four days here is just heaven. Ziplining, hiking to the waterfalls, and mustering up the courage for the Tarzan swing will leave you feeling invincible.
Powered only by solar, you’ll have hot water showers in your private casita, freshly prepared meals, and a view overlooking the river. Its high excitement and total relaxation all rolled into one place.
✔️ Book Pacaure Outdoor Center, Turrialba, Costa Rica
Traveling From Costa Rica to Nicaragua
You can get from one country to the other by plane, bus or by walking across the land border. Rentals cars typically cannot be driven across the border.
I’ve done the flight from the capital cities of San Jose, Costa Rica to Managua, Nicaragua. It’s a small plane with amazing views, but a rather hefty price tag for such a short ride.
If you have time and want to save money, buses go back and forth between these two capital cities. It’s about a 6-hour ride and will set you back about $30.
Crossing the border, by foot, is also an option. This takes some pre-planning, but its done all the time. A taxi or shuttle will drop you off at the border crossing and once your border paperwork is completed, you will have arranged for another shuttle or driver to meet you on the other side.
This may sound sketchy so make sure you’ve coordinated this through your hotels or check reviews of the shuttle service. Especially if you “no hablo espanol”, it will be a challenge. So do your homework ahead.
Conclusion: Should You Visit Nicaragua vs Costa Rica?
I love both these places and while they seem similar, there are definitely pros and cons to each of them. Nicaragua is a little rougher around the edges which I find interesting when I’m traveling. Costa Rica is a more established vacation entity that can give people more comfort and sense of security when traveling.
So as with all travel decisions, what one person views as a positive, another sees as a downside. Be honest and realistic with yourself: What do I like and what kind of trip do I want this to be? Then it will be crystal clear as to whether you visit Nicarauga vs Costa Rica.
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