{"id":57388,"date":"2022-10-08T15:14:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-08T04:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=57388"},"modified":"2025-07-17T22:47:42","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T12:47:42","slug":"costa-rica-or-guatemala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/costa-rica-or-guatemala\/","title":{"rendered":"Costa Rica or Guatemala? The Central American country you need to travel to next"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>You may have chosen the region but narrowing it down is the trickiest part.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Settling on a destination to travel to is always one of the hardest parts about going on a holiday because there\u2019s so much world to see and not enough time, money, or annual leave to see it all. It gets even harder once you\u2019ve chosen a region \u2013 in this case, <a href=\"\/central-america\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Central America<\/a> &#8211; because how are you supposed to pick a country? Especially when those countries are <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/costa-rica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Costa Rica<\/a> and <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/guatemala\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guatemala.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are about a million ways you could compare these two spectacular destinations but, to save you the time reading, we\u2019ve decided to only weigh up each country\u2019s landscapes, animals, and cuisine in the hope that deciding between the two gets a little easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it doesn\u2019t, you can always flip a coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Landscapes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_Arenal_Boat_Scenic_01.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_Arenal_Boat_Scenic_01.jpg\" alt=\"The imposing figure of Arenal Volcano towering over a lush jungle. \" class=\"wp-image-57394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_Arenal_Boat_Scenic_01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_Arenal_Boat_Scenic_01-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_Arenal_Boat_Scenic_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_Arenal_Boat_Scenic_01-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While the landscapes of Costa Rica include golden beaches you want to spend hours lying out on and mystical rainforests full of exotic wildlife you\u2019re itching to search for, its collection of 66 active and dormant volcanoes is what sets this country apart from its Central American neighbours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most popular of Costa Rica\u2019s volcanic giants is Arenal, standing at an impressive 1,670 metres high, but that\u2019s quickly followed by one of the world\u2019s largest active volcanoes, Poas Volcano, with its crater lakes and sulfuric emissions, and the temperamental Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But where there are volcanoes, there\u2019s usually hot springs, and if hiking up mountains filled with boiling hot lava isn\u2019t really your thing, we guarantee soaking in a naturally warm mineral pool will be.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"QVSR\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/QVSR.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qvsr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Classic Costa Rica<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">15 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qvsr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"QBPR\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/QBPR.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbpr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Premium Costa Rica<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">9 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbpr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"QBYC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/QBYC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbyc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">One Week In Costa Rica <\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbyc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Peregrine-Adventures-guatemala_lanquin_semuc-champey-pools.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Peregrine-Adventures-guatemala_lanquin_semuc-champey-pools.jpg\" alt=\"The tiered natural pools of semuc champey with cascading water. \" class=\"wp-image-57397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Peregrine-Adventures-guatemala_lanquin_semuc-champey-pools.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Peregrine-Adventures-guatemala_lanquin_semuc-champey-pools-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Peregrine-Adventures-guatemala_lanquin_semuc-champey-pools-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Peregrine-Adventures-guatemala_lanquin_semuc-champey-pools-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Semuc champey, Guatemala<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that the name \u201cGuatemala\u201d comes from the Nahuatl language meaning \u201cland of the trees\u201d? Or that the country has earnt the nickname \u201cthe land of the eternal spring\u201d? If you answered \u201cno\u201d to both of those questions then we wouldn\u2019t blame you but once you\u2019ve traversed the varied terrains of this extraordinary mystical land, you\u2019ll understand just how naturally gifted this country really is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Featuring mountainous regions, lowland environments, steamy and cloudy rainforests, magical woodlands, and coastlines full of mangroves, Guatemala is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. Add the Tajumulco Volcano, Monterrico Nature Reserve, and semuc champey (tiered natural pool system) to your sightseeing list if you want to have your breath taken away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/guatemala\/maya-encounter-160423\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EXPERIENCE GUATEMALA ON OUR MAYAN ENCOUNTER<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Animals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_ManuelAntonio_Wildife_monkey_01.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_ManuelAntonio_Wildife_monkey_01.jpg\" alt=\"A monkey hanging onto a branch in Costa Rica. \" class=\"wp-image-57401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_ManuelAntonio_Wildife_monkey_01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_ManuelAntonio_Wildife_monkey_01-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_ManuelAntonio_Wildife_monkey_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-CostaRica_ManuelAntonio_Wildife_monkey_01-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A monkey in Costa Rica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Costa Rica is known for plenty of things including its friendly people, tasty traditional food, diverse geographical landscape, and of course, its fascinating wildlife. Boasting a massive 500,000 native animals from sleepy sloths to crocodiles that rival the size of small cars, the exotic and varied wildlife of Costa Rica will undoubtedly blow your mind (in the best way).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can even take to the water to continue your animal spotting adventures with the country enjoying its own collection of beautiful bays and beaches full of captivating reef systems and marine life. If you want to get your scuba dive or snorkel on, try exploring Tortuguero National Park, Corcovado, or Manuel Antonio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Geography-and-environment_Wine-throated-hummingbird.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Geography-and-environment_Wine-throated-hummingbird.jpg\" alt=\"Colourful hummingbird sitting on a plant in Guatemala. \" class=\"wp-image-57405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Geography-and-environment_Wine-throated-hummingbird.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Geography-and-environment_Wine-throated-hummingbird-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Geography-and-environment_Wine-throated-hummingbird-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Geography-and-environment_Wine-throated-hummingbird-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hummingbird in Guatemala<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are plenty of animals to spot in Guatemala including around 250 mammal species and 200 reptile and amphibian species, this lively country is best known for its bird species with about 800 to search for during your Central American adventure. Hint: you should definitely pack a pair of binoculars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you want to catch sight of a keel-billed toucan as it travels its rainforest home in packs, listen out for the sounds of a Guatemalan screech owl, or marvel at the brilliant emeralds, reds, and whites of the quetzal (Guatemala\u2019s national bird), this beautifully diverse country is an animal lovers dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cuisine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Costa_Rica_En-route_to_Homestay_pitstop_Food_tasting.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Costa_Rica_En-route_to_Homestay_pitstop_Food_tasting.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people surrounding a table laden with traditional Costa Rican food. \" class=\"wp-image-57409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Costa_Rica_En-route_to_Homestay_pitstop_Food_tasting.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Costa_Rica_En-route_to_Homestay_pitstop_Food_tasting-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Costa_Rica_En-route_to_Homestay_pitstop_Food_tasting-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Costa_Rica_En-route_to_Homestay_pitstop_Food_tasting-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trying local foods in Costa Rica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s nothing better after a long day spent exploring than sitting down to a hot, tasty meal \u2013 especially if that meal is a plate of traditional Costa Rican food. Drawing inspiration from its South American and Caribbean neighbours, Costa Rican cuisine is known for its wholesome and fresh taste with most dishes including coconut milk, meat, and a variety of spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re slurping up some sopa negra (black bean soup), munching on patacones (deep-fried green plantains), or devouring a bowl of rondon (seafood chowder), Costa Rican food will have you coming back for seconds\u2026and then thirds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/costa-rica\/costa-rica-experience-160449\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JOIN OUR COSTA RICA EXPERIENCE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Guatemala_Antigua_Market.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Guatemala_Antigua_Market.jpg\" alt=\"A colourful fruit stall in a local Antiguan market in Guatemala. \" class=\"wp-image-57412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Guatemala_Antigua_Market.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Guatemala_Antigua_Market-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Guatemala_Antigua_Market-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Intrepid-Travel-Guatemala_Antigua_Market-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fruit market in Antigua, Guatemala<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Guatemala might just have some of the best food in all of Central America and while that\u2019s a big call to make, when the country is recognised as being the birthplace of chocolate, we reckon it\u2019s the right one. Based on Mayan cuisine with Spanish influences, the food in Guatemala is guaranteed to burst from local markets and jump out at you from inside menus at casual cafes and fancier restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From popular street snacks such as chiles rellenos (peppers stuffed with pork and vegetables) to pepian (a spiced stew of meat and vegetables), your tastebuds will be craving the sweet and savoury tastes of Guatemala long after you get home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/guatemala\/guatemala-belize-160445\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EMBARK ON OUR GUATEMALA TO BELIZE ADVENTURE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This might be a bit of a cop-out, but we genuinely can\u2019t decide which country you should travel to first. Costa Rica has the landscapes both you and your camera will love but Guatemala has the cuisine you\u2019ll be craving for weeks after you get home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, why not do both at the same time? Embark on our <a href=\"\/costa-rica\/central-american-journey-160424\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Central American Journey<\/a> to get the best of both worlds (adding a little bit of Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua along the way) or set out on our <a href=\"\/mexico\/real-guatemala-costa-rica-160388\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Real Guatemala to Costa Rica tour<\/a> for bucket list experiences you\u2019ll never forget.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"ipf-title\">Check out our Costa Rica and Guatemala tours<\/h2><div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-has-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"QBYJ\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/QBYJ.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbyj\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Real Guatemala to Costa Rica<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">17 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbyj\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"QBSG\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/QBSG.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbsg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Heart of Guatemala<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">7 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qbsg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"QVRC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/QVRC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qvrc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Costa Rica & Panama Discovery<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">12 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/qvrc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eenie, meenie, miny, mo, where in Central America should go? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16234,"featured_media":57391,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[455,1313,14],"tags":[275,88,68],"class_list":["post-57388","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-guides","category-news","tag-central-america","tag-costa-rica","tag-guatemala"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - 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