Should I Visit
Jamaica or Costa Rica?
With unlimited sunshine, exotic wildlife and impressive beaches, Jamaica and Costa Rica promise all these holiday essentials, making your decision ten times harder.
Any Caribbean Holiday will be a success, but you’re allowed to be picky!
What are You Looking for?
It’s always tricky when pondering where to travel and spend your well-earned money, but you’ve got it down to Jamaica or Costa Rice. Where do you go from here? You could search the web for hours on end, looking at accommodations, pricing, and activities and still reach no definite answer!
Instead, let us walk you through the need-to-know guide for Jamaica and Costa Rica, directly comparing the two to make your life easier.
Jamaica
Instead, let us walk you through the need-to-know guide for Jamaica and Costa Rica, directly comparing the two to make your life easier.
As the third-largest island across the Greater Antilles Caribbean and one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Jamaica is a holiday favourite. Beaches lined with palm trees, the sound of Bob Marley resonating throughout the town, and the smell of divine jerk chicken lingering in the air, Jamaica has a slice of everything you could dream of!
And with no shortage of hotel resorts to cater to your every need, you can sit back and relax, taking in the impressive scenery. Look across the tall mountains, pouring waterfalls and banana plantations from your balcony.
Costa Rica
Between Nicaragua and Panama lies the gem of Costa Rica. Known as one of the most eco-friendly holiday hotspots worldwide, a Costa Rican holiday promises to provide you with a dive into the heart of the jungle.
Whether you’re craving rich history, encapsulating culture, fantastic food or an exciting adventure, Costa Rica provides it with all!
Are you Visiting as a couple, a family or on a solo expedition?
Who you’re travelling with can completely change the course of your holiday. Read on to get an idea of what to expect, whether travelling as a family, with your partner or exploring alone.
Jet-setting Family
Hopping on a plane with your family, taking your children to explore the world. Your mini jet-setters will love both Jamaica and Costa Rica
Jamaica is known for its safety and cleanliness, and the culture of Jamaica is more than welcoming to families of tourists. It is a family-friendly destination to fulfil your need for a tropical getaway. From sand castles on the beach to a family bike excursion exploring the coastal roads, there’s plenty to do to keep the little ones busy!
Costa Rica doesn’t differ, it has an abundance of adventure for you to dive into with your family, and overall we suggest it as a better spot to take the children. Costa Rica offers an enriching holiday, and educating your children about its history and culture will be some of your favourite memories.
Pura Vida, meaning pure life, is a phrase at the heart of Costa Rica, matching its high standards of living and relaxation.
Travelling to either will satisfy your whole family’s needs, so consider other factors to make your decision. Have you compared the length of the flights to both? We all know young ones and planes don’t mix! With both destinations offering unlimited fun, going for the shorter flight may be what it comes down to.
Searching for Romance?
Visiting Jamaica for a more exclusive trip away with your loved one? Negril in Jamaica is the romantic hotspot with secluded beaches and seven long miles of lively bars, clubs and cocktail bars to dance at with your partner. Jamaica is for you if you and your partner prefer a high-speed and exciting holiday.
Costa Rica can offer a different approach to your couples’ holiday, providing you with calm and relaxed beaches, secluded housing and beautiful landscapes to set the mood.
Your choice of destination might boil down to the type of couples holiday you’re looking for.
Holiday Expenses
Jamaica’ cost
As much as we all don’t like to admit it, pricing and expenses heavily impact our vacation-related decisions. So let’s make sure you’re spending it wisely!
Simply put, Jamaica is 18% less expensive to live in than Costa Rica. But you’re not looking to relocate… yet.
On average, a two-person vacation to Jamaica costs $1,500 per week. Let’s break down that price so you can understand where you’re money will be going:
- It is expected that you will spend $20 on food per day.
- The average price for a hotel for two in Jamaica is $133.
- $15 will be your daily transportation budget.
- ‘Spending money’ per se should be allocated around $105 per day to ensure you can do plenty of activities.
This price will increase if you opt for an all-inclusive luxury holiday, but it is worth the world-class service!
Costa Rica’s cost
Costa Rica and its impressive tourism industry ultimately mean that your holiday here will result in a more expensive payout. On average, a two-person vacation to Costa Rica can cost around $2,000.
Costa Rica and its impressive tourism industry ultimately mean that your holiday here will result in a more expensive payout. On average, a two-person vacation to Costa Rica can cost around $2,000.
- Dinner in Costa Rica can range from $15-35 per meal.
- Transportation varies, as public buses are available, but it’s safer to allocate $15 to your budget in case of emergencies.
- The average price of a hotel for two in Costa Rica ranges from $115-130.
- Your daily money spent on excursions, tours, scuba diving, and much more heightens Costa Rica’s price. Expect to pay around $125 per day.
It is important to note every holiday is different, and if you carefully plan and craft it, you can achieve whatever budget you intend on!
Food and Drink
Finally, the information you really care about! Here’s the run-down of what food and drink to expect when exploring Jamaica or Costa Rica.
Jamaica
$ 99
Per Month- Jamaican food is well-known worldwide. This fact alone speaks for its quality!
- A few traditional Jamaican dishes influenced the following: Ackee and codfish, Jerk chicken, Pepper Pot Soup and Curry goat. .
- Typical drinks across the cities of Jamaica consist of rum-based drinks such as Rum Runners and Daiquaris.
- The national beer in Jamaica is Red Stripe, described as refreshing, with light hoppy flavours.
Costa Rica
$ 99
Per Month- Costa Rican food is commonly known as hearty, and you’ll never leave a restaurant hungry!
- A popular and traditional dish in Costa Rica is Ceviche, which consists of a selection of raw fish marinated in lime juice. Locals may refer to their national dish as Gallo Pinto, meaning Rice and Beans.
- Mixing fresh lime, sugar, club soda, mint, and guaro creates Costa Rica’s most popular cocktail, the Guaro Sour.
- Costa Rica’s favourite beer is Imperial, an intense and rich beer with malt tones.
Top 5 Things to do in Jamaica and Costa Rica
Depending on what you prefer to indulge in when travelling abroad, Jamaica and Costa Rice offer abundant opportunities from the second you arrive. Here’s our run-down of where we deem ‘must-visit’ spots.
Jamaica
What is available on your holiday might make your decision between destinations much easier! Remember that you can’t do everything, so a wise choice is key!
Jamaican Resorts
Jamaica has three main resort towns: Ocho Rios, Negril, and Montego Bay. If you’re in full tourist mode, Montego Bay is your choice as it is Jamaica’s second-largest city and is covered in tourist attractions.
The Sin City
Supposedly discovered by hippies in 1970, Negril, or ‘Sin City’ as it is nicknamed, is the best destination for those looking for a lively night scene.
theatre, art, museums
The capital city of Jamaica, Kingston, is a gold mine for theatre, art, museums and galleries that are well worth the visit.
heart of Jamaica
If you want to discover the true heart of Jamaica, Port Antonio and the villages surrounding it will provide insight into what it means to be Jamaican. Say ‘Wah Gwaan’, a common greeting phrase, to the locals as you peak into the history of Port Antonio.
Breath-taking views
The Rio Grande, Blue Lagoon and Somerset Waterfall are three must-see sights during your trip to Jamaica. Breath-taking views such as this are reason enough alone to choose Jamaica!
Costa Rica
If you’re edging more towards adventure than relaxation, here are five thrilling activities in Costa Rica.
dense wildlife and beaches
Popular hikes through the dense wildlife and beaches of Costa Rica can take up a large portion of your holiday, with the option of multi-day hikes. A hike up Volcán Arenal or Rincón de la Vieja is sure to raise your heartbeat.
Parque Nacional
Visit Parque Nacional, home to the site where thousands of turtle eggs are laid each year!
Birds
Have you got your binoculars ready? There are more than 850 species of birds to spot in Costa Rica, including toucans!
water rafting and kayaking
Costa Rica is home to 20 rivers that offer the opportunity to go white water rafting and kayaking. If you prefer diving or snorkelling, Costa Rica has some of the best spots along the coast.
Enriching Trip
San José is another must-visit if you choose to visit Costa Rica, as it is the capital and lives up to its importance. Chiefdom settlements, museums, and the Guayabo National Archaeological Monument are just a few reasons this trip would be enriching.
Accommodation Opportunities
Both destinations offer different types of accommodation and different experiences. If you are looking for a week of luxury, read on to learn about Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. If an eco-friendly and wildlife-surrounded stay appeals more, read about Aguas Claras, Puerto Viejo.
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Jamaica is best known for its luxury resorts, such as the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort, famous for its over-the-water villas, roaming peacocks, and beach cabanas. Winning Jamaica’s leading resort in 2017, the five-start treatment this resort provides may make your decision for you.
Nine gourmet restaurants, eight pools, five bars, and your all-inclusive package means you will get a taste of Jamaica from the comfort of your resort.
Aguas Claras, Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica, provides a wildlife-filled experience for those looking for adventure, so if you’re looking for luxury, butler service and world-class treatment, Jamaica is most likely for you.
But Costa Rica may be your pick if the wildlife excites you. As the most biodiverse location on the planet, Costa Rica’s scenery covers all bases, vast rainforests, the Pacific and Atlantic coastline, and even mangrove forests!
Known for their environmentally friendly approach to tourism, some of their most popular accommodations are eco-friendly resorts.
The Aguas Claras is said to provide its guests with the ultimate relaxation whilst keeping them grounded with the nature around them.
Described as “Wonderfully wild” by CNTraveller, locally-owned business Aguas Claras focuses their guest’s stay around respecting and appreciating the raw wild nature, the undeveloped beaches, and the magic of Costa Rica.
Still not decided where you want to visit? Maybe neither is right for you! But the Caribbean is a great start. Visit our website and explore the endless possibilities that the Caribbean offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica Expensive?
With its booming tourist activity, Costa Rica has become more expensive. Expect to spend an average of $125 per day if you plan to participate in many of the activities offered by the holiday destination.
When is the best time to visit Jamaica?
The best time to visit Jamaica is between November and December if you want a peaceful trip and a good deal. If you want the peak weather of the Caribbean, the months of December to April might suit you better.
How long should I visit Jamaica?
Jamaica has many opportunities to offer, but you should be able to cover everything you wish to do in seven to 10 days.
Are Tourists Safe whilst visiting Costa Rica?
The short answer is yes. Costa Rica is safe for tourists, ranking 38th on the Global Peace Index.
About Us
Our independent travel agency prides itself on providing the best possible holidays and opportunities across the Caribbean with unmatched personalised touches, intense luxury packages and world-class customer service.
Contact us today to learn more about your next dip in the sea, adventure through the forests, appreciation of a waterfall or just a lounge on the beach!
