Places Like Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a must if you want to experience a wide range of landscapes. This country is known for being one of the most biodiverse places in the world, so there’s definitely some exploring to do there.

There are many places in Costa Rica worth mentioning, such as:

• Tortuguero National Park
• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Corcovado National Park in Osa Peninsula
• Santa Teresa
• La Fortuna Waterfall
• Tabacon Hot Springs
• Puerto Viejo
• San José City

This list can go on for a while. The amount of “Costa Rica” places available is impressive, but what if you want to explore something else?

Maybe you already went to Costa Rica and want to uncover other hidden gems. It may also be that you can’t go there yet. In either case, we have a list of alternatives that you’ll love.

On this page, we’ll help you reach your dream destination. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, or even coral reefs to go to, you’ll find many options below!

What Are the Best Alternatives to Costa Rica? | A Summary

We covered plenty of places on this page, so here’s an outline of all of them:

• Puerto Rico
• Jamaica
• Panama
• Nicaragua
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Belize
• Galapagos Islands
• Dominica
• Guadeloupe
• Martinique
• Peru
• Bali
• Iceland

Top Places Like Costa Rica You Must Visit

Here’s the fun part of this page! Let’s explore the best of what the world’s biodiversity has to offer. Below is a list of the greatest alternatives to Costa Rica you can consider for your next trip:

Puerto Rico

Who doesn’t love Puerto Rico? This country in Central America is one of the greatest destinations for those looking for stunning scenery, a vibrant culture, and a rich history.

Puerto Rico is technically a U.S. territory. However, it sits outside of the continental U.S. This place is east of the Dominican Republic.

What we love about Puerto Rico is that it offers a great blend of activities to do. You could go to a luxury resort and unwind, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore the colonial buildings or white sand beaches.

Pristine beaches aren’t the only thing you can explore, though. At night, you can go to some of the greatest clubs out there and have an unforgettable experience.

As for nature, you can go to nice places like Gozalandia Falls. If you want to experience more of this tropical paradise, you can consider other destinations like El Yunque National Forest, which has amazing hiking trails and river treks.

Puerto Rico is similar to Costa Rica in many areas. The main difference would be the weather. Puerto Rico tends to be sunnier during the year.

Jamaica

Next on our list is Jamaica. You may have heard of its interesting music scene, but there’s plenty more.

We consider that Jamaica has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for cascading waterfalls, places to go scuba diving, or nice beaches to relax for a bit, this country has it all.

Something we love about Jamaica is its cultural scene. Unlike Costa Rica, you can expect a lot of dancehall music and reggae wherever you go. This is a fantastic place if you love to dance and sing along to the music.

Regarding similarities, Jamaica has natural landscapes that resemble Costa Rica. Its tropical weather is also great for most nature lovers and experienced travelers. Even if you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll find many attractions that will give you that “pura vida” feeling that Costa Rica has.

What makes Jamaica and Costa Rica different is their culture. We’d say that they have nothing in common when it comes to ways of living. However, that’s not a bad thing.

If you’re someone who loves learning about different cultures, you won’t regret visiting Jamaica.

Panama

Panama is possibly the country that resembles Costa Rica the most. This place is located just before South America. Its proximity to Costa Rica makes it an interesting place to explore. Even though they’re similar, you can rest assured that Panama has a few gems you can’t miss out on.

What makes Panama great is its selection of jungles and beaches, which is nothing short of impressive.

Overall, Panama is one of the best options to consider if you’re looking for a mix of South America and the Caribbean. If you’re a surfing lover, Panama has some of the best spots to test your skills.

Whether you go to Bocas del Toro, Coiba National Park, or even the Panama Canal, rest assured that you’ll have an unforgettable experience. We also recommend Casco Viejo if you want to see some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer.

Of course, if nature isn’t too appealing for you, there are many other places worth considering, such as the Biomuseo, the Multiplaza Panama, or the Panama Canal Museum.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is considerably near to Costa Rica; it borders the country to the north. Does the proximity make them similar, though?

Even though this country isn’t as popular as others on this list, it’s still home to interesting colonial towns, gorgeous beaches, and many other areas.

Something great about Nicaragua is that it’s known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.” The reason why is that it’s home to several lagoons, lakes, and about 40 volcanoes, including the Masaya and Mombacho volcanoes. Whether you want to explore a rain forest, see the active volcanoes, or unwind on the warm waters of the Pacific Coast, this country is a great option to consider.

We love that most of the people in Nicaragua are friendly and won’t hesitate to chat with you for a while. You can go to a local pub (there are plenty of them) and learn more about Nicaraguan culture. We assure you that you’ll fall in love.

Guatemala

What makes Guatemala unique is its rich culture. This country offers one of the most stunning sceneries in Central America. Not only will you find amazing colonial cities, but there are also beautiful beaches and even ancient Mayan places to explore.

If you’re someone who loves adventure, you’ll have an excellent time in Guatemala. There are plenty of activities to do here, including hiking and even mountain biking.

As for the people, we can safely say that most locals are friendly. You can take this as an excellent opportunity to learn more about the country’s culture.

If you visit Guatemala, you can’t forget to try its cuisine. It has some of the tastiest meals we’ve ever had.

A fun fact about Guatemala is that it has about 37 volcanoes, and three of them are active: Pacaya, Santiaguito, and Fuego. Even if you don’t want to explore the volcanoes, we suggest you take a detour and see the Mayan ruins, including the Tikal and Yaxha sites.

Guatemala is affordable enough. If you’re traveling on a budget, Guatemala should definitely be on your list. You’ll be able to enjoy your stay without having to worry about going over your expense limits.

Honduras

Honduras is a small Central American country with a fantastic history. Many tourists ignore it because it’s not as known as other places on this list. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll see that it’s filled with fantastic natural landscapes that resemble Costa Rica.

This country borders Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. You’ll find many amazing beaches to stay in, as well as Mayan ruins to explore. The country has an interesting marine landscape, so if you’re interested in diving and snorkeling for a while, you’ll have a great time.

Most hikers will love areas like the Pico Bonito National Park, which has plenty of rivers, waterfalls, and hanging bridges. The place is home to several animals, including toucans, monkeys, and even jaguars.

If you’re a mountain traveler, you’ll love the fact that over three-fourths of the country is mountainous. In other words, Honduras is covered by mountains. Celaque National Park, for example, has the country’s tallest peak, which is Cerro Las Minas. It’s over 9,000 ft above sea level!

As with the previous country, Honduras is great for budget travelers. We should also point out that this place isn’t as “touristy” as others, so it may be better for those with more experience traveling.

Places Like Costa Rica for Their Coastlines

We’re done with the places that most resemble Costa Rica, but there are many more countries to explore.

There are a few places that resemble Costa Rica because of their coastlines and wildlife. If you’re interested in those areas, you must check them out. Below is the full list:

Belize

Belize is the perfect destination if you want a slightly different version of Costa Rica. Although it’s a small country, it has many things to do. It’s known for being home to amazing beaches, interesting Mayan ruins, and unforgettable rainforests that cover a significant percentage of the country.

A fun fact about Belize is that it’s home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. In other words, this is a fantastic spot for those who want to go snorkeling or diving. On another note, Belize has over 520 bird species recorded, so it’s a great place to go birdwatching.

As you may have guessed by now, Belize has a rich marine life. It’s even richer than Costa Rica’s. You can find many animals, including dolphins, lionfish, and even sharks.

If you’re looking for a smaller country with a lot of culture and history, you can’t ignore Belize. It’s similar enough to Costa Rica, and it has one of the most popular diving spots in the world!

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are off the coast of Ecuador. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a place with diverse wildlife and beautiful beaches, this may be it.

Something that makes these islands unique is that they’re home to many indigenous species, such as sea lions and tortoises. You may also see some endangered species, such as the Galapagos penguin and blue-footed booby. In other words, there’s a lot to see in the islands.

That’s not all, though. The Galapagos Islands have unique volcanic formations. To summarize, they’re home to hundreds of volcanoes (and some of them are still active). Some of the most popular ones include the Wolf, the Sierra Negra, and the Cerro Azul volcanoes.

We recommend a visit to the islands if you’re an experienced traveler who wants to learn more about nature and wildlife. Still, if you want to do other activities, you may find some popular spots for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking.

Dominica

Dominica is an island that sits above Martinique. It’s known as the “nature island” of the Caribbean, and there’s a good reason for that. The place is almost entirely made of forest reserves, waterfalls, and natural pools.

There are two national parks that will make your entire visit worth it: Cabrits National Park and Morne Trois Pitons National Park. In either of these places, you will get the full experience of the Dominica island.

Cabrits National Park is known for having several wetlands, rainforests, and coral reefs. Although the coastline isn’t as interesting as the forests, it’s still a dreamy place to be in.

As for the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, you can expect waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, among other attractions. This park is home to the second-largest hot spring in the world.

Something we should point out about Dominica is that its culture is extremely diverse. Most of the population is of African, South/Central American, and European origin. Although Dominica isn’t as frequently visited as other places on the list, we still think it’s a destination worth considering.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a place located just above Dominica. More specifically, it’s an archipelago that consists of over 12 islands. The inhabited islands include:

• Basse-Terre
• Grande-Terre
• Marie-Galante
• La Désirade
• Îles des Saintes (Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut)

Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre are the two main islands. They form a butterfly shape when viewed from above. Marie-Galante is the third-largest island, and it’s followed by La Désirade.

If you visit Grande-Terre, you can check out its diverse selection of beaches. On the other hand, Basse-Terre is home to the Grande Soufrière Volcano and the Carbet Falls, which are in the Guadeloupe National Park.

Interestingly enough, this is an integral part of France, so it has the euro as its official currency. In fact, any European Union citizen can settle and work there indefinitely.

You can expect similar underwater life compared to Costa Rica.

If your focus is to check out natural landscapes and beaches, Guadeloupe might be more than enough. It may not have such a large amount of resorts or extra activities compared to Costa Rica, but it does the job.

Martinique

Martinique is a French Caribbean island located between Saint Lucia and Dominica. It’s known for having a similar tropical climate to Costa Rica. Like the previous island, this one is part of the European Union. It has plenty of beaches.

Most of the beaches in the south have white sand and transparent water. If you go to the north, however, you’ll find black or gray sand. This is because those beaches are of volcanic origin.

While many beaches are organized and have interesting activities, others are wild and don’t have enough surveillance or services.

Martinique blends African, French, and Caribbean cultures in a fantastic way. This place has a higher standard of living compared to other Caribbean areas.

As for the cuisine, Martinique mixes different elements from French, African, Indian, and Carib Amerindian dishes. The “Colombo,” for example, is one of the most popular dishes. It features curry chicken and meat/fish with vegetables.

Martinique is one of the greatest islands to visit if you want to make the most out of what nature has to offer. Besides the beaches, mountains, and waterfalls, you also have access to a fantastic culture and delicious cuisine. This is an experience you won’t forget any time soon.

Places Like Costa Rica for Their Nature

Our last selection of countries involves those who resemble Costa Rica because of their nature. They include hot springs, volcanoes, and other places you won’t want to miss out on.

Let’s get started!

Peru

This country in Latin America is about 2,5 times bigger than Costa Rica. It’s bordered by Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. Due to its size, you can expect it to be rich in plenty of things, including history and culture.

Peru is home to the ancient Inca civilization, which gave the country many interesting pieces of engineering and architecture. Have you heard of the Machu Picchu? You’ll find it here!

You can expect some of the most biodiverse ecosystems that the world has to offer. Some of them include the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest. Rest assured that both places will give you unforgettable landscapes that you will want to go back to as soon as you leave.

This country has a lot of history and culture, so you won’t run out of things to do. As one of the best destinations for travelers, we highly recommend you consider it for your next trip.

Bali

Bali is considerably far from Costa Rica, but if you look at them closely, you’ll see that they’re similar in many areas. It has a tropical climate that resembles Costa Rica. You can find hot springs, volcanoes, and rainforests.

If you want to get some nice pictures, don’t hesitate to go to the Tukad Cepung or the Tegenungan waterfalls. They are among the most fantastic places you can go to.

You can expect a diverse range of animals when you visit the jungles, including snakes and monkeys.

Bali is considerably affordable for most tourists. However, there are many high-end facilities available for those who want to have a luxury experience. In other words, you can have a flexible trip, depending on what you’re looking for.

If we could summarize Bali, we’d say that it has a blend of fantastic nature, tropical weather, friendly people, and culture. There are many things to do there, so if you’re willing to make the trip, you’ll have an excellent time.

Iceland

While Iceland may seem like a weird option for this list, it’s similar to Costa Rica in several ways. If you visit this place around summer, you will certainly see amazing green landscapes.

Iceland is home to many waterfalls and volcanoes. Also, you can visit some of the hot springs available and relax for a while.

If you want to experience Iceland in its entirety, consider taking a road trip along the Ring Road. This is a road that makes a loop around the island. You can drive it in its entirety in a few days. During your trip, you’ll find many towns, waterfalls, hiking trails, and other great activities to do.

Many people visit the Landmannalaugar, take pictures at the Skógafoss, and take the Golden Circle day trip. All of these options will give you a breathtaking experience.

The main downside to Iceland is its climate. While Costa Rica has a tropical climate, Iceland is known for being cold. If that doesn’t bother you, we think that Iceland can be a great destination.

Bottom Line

Costa Rica is a beautiful country framed by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other destinations worth visiting.

We’ve reached the end of this article, and by this point, you may have already noticed the number of great places to visit. There are options for those looking for a tropical rainforest, a place to do horseback riding, or even ancient ruins to explore.

Regardless of which option you decide to go for, remember to take enough precautions before the trip. With enough preparation, any adventure you decide to go on will become an experience you won’t ever forget.

Life is short, and there’s no better time to start your journey than today. These countries have a lot to offer, so it’s up to you to explore them.

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