Belize or Costa Rica: which enchanting Central American destination suits you best?

Central America captivates year-round with its stunning beaches, thrilling hikes, ancient ruins, and, most importantly, breathtaking natural beauty.

As you consider a trip to this region filled with small countries and immense delights, Belize and Costa Rica are likely to top your list of inviting destinations.

Not feeling qualified to choose between the two, we turned to two expert writers who present arguments for each location here.

Belize certainly makes a strong case.

For nearly three decades, Carolee has made Belize her home, where she lives, writes, and discovers the wonders of this intriguing destination as a freelance travel writer.

Consider this: why are Costa Ricans (affectionately called Ticos) feeling a bit salty about tiny Belize, which is over two times smaller? Perhaps it’s because their nation, traditionally the adventure capital of Central America, now faces lively competition from its younger, wilder, English-speaking counterpart.

Belize may have been understated in the past, but now it’s hard to ignore the Great Blue Hole—visible from space—or the world’s only jaguar sanctuary, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Even the little things shine, as a wildlife documentary recently dubbed the Belize Zoo as “the best little zoo in the world.”

Ticos won’t mention that just under two hours away lies the world’s second-longest barrier reef, which stretches along all 185 miles of Belize’s coastline. In fact, nothing in Belize feels far away, as short domestic flights provide a beautifully scenic aerial view.

Who needs islands formed by volcanic activity when Belize boasts its stunning coral reef–formed cayes (pronounced “keys”)? These sandy, flat, gin-clear shallows encircle all 400 of them, from tiny sand spits like Sergeant’s Caye to the full-fledged municipality of 25-mile-long Ambergris Caye. Accommodations in Belize are boutique-style, ranging from eco-lodges and rainforest resorts to private islands such as Manta Island and Ray Caye.

It’s no surprise that Unesco has recognized the Belize Barrier Reef as an exceptional natural system: nothing compares to experiencing marine life through scuba diving and snorkeling. Lighthouse, Glovers, and Turneffe are Belize’s three unspoiled coral-reef atolls, making up three of the four in the western hemisphere.

Belize’s beautiful, uncrowded beaches satisfy any longing for Pacific waves, with golden, sugary strands stretching 16 miles along the Placencia Peninsula, and the fine, powdery sand on the cayes is so soft you might find yourself sinking deeper than just your toes. Unlike Costa Rica, there's no need to pay for beach access, and the gentle waves invite wading all year round. You’ll likely hear locals urging you to “go slow,” especially in Caye Caulker, along with plenty of fast-spoken Kriol, but since English is widely spoken, you can skip the challenge of rolling your Rs for directions.

Weathered temples from more than 600 ancient Maya sites are scattered across five of Belize’s districts. In the sixth, you can zip-line through the Stann Creek District, rappel down waterfalls, or trek along fern-lined trails in the majestic Maya Mountains. Delve deeper into the 540,000-sq-ft Chiquibul Cave System, the longest in Central America, or explore any of Belize’s 300+ caves, where you can see stunning stalagmites, cave pearls, and rock chandeliers by headlamp, on foot, inner tube, or canoe.

You can experience the enchanting lifestyle of Belize in various ways. Picture the thrill of achieving a fly-fishing grand slam in Toledo’s Permit Alley, or joining drumming lessons that lead to punta parties on the beach in Hopkins. Savor the sunlight after wading in the sacred underground cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, where you're permitted to soak in its beauty without capturing it on camera. Even the dazzling spectacle of 1600 feet of cascading whitewater at Thousand Foot Falls is breathtaking, blinding, and exhilarating.

Savor the unique flavors of annatto-spiced stewed chicken, soft fried dough known as fry jacks, and rich, dark chimole soup that rivals onyx. The fusion of Central American and Caribbean cuisine here will surprise your palate—far more delightful than just rice and beans. For every fan of Costa Rican coffee, there’s someone who can’t resist award-winning Belizean chocolate.

Just one taste of the delectable offerings from Belize will leave you wanting more.

Clearly, Costa Rica.

Mara is a co-author of Dinogo Planet’s Costa Rica guide, a country she has passionately traveled to and documented for nearly thirty years.

When I first set foot in Costa Rica back in 1996, I headed straight to the Osa Peninsula, eager to dive into the rainforest and catch a glimpse of its wildlife. The monkeys did not disappoint, and I instantly fell for this wild and enchanting region. The expansive coastal forests, the vibrant scarlet macaws overhead, and the charming yet upscale eco-lodges had me captivated—I yearned for more.

Nearly three decades later, after traversing every inch of this remarkable isthmus, I can confidently say that every region is worth exploring. From the stunning beaches on both coasts to the majestic mountain range slicing through the heart of the country, and from dry forests to rainforests and cloud forests, this paradise is brimming with biodiversity. Sweet little Belize simply can't measure up to this wonderland.

While some areas in Costa Rica are more developed and attract more tourists, the country offers a wide variety of destinations that remain far from overcrowded. Currently, this forward-thinking nation protects a remarkable 28% of its land and 30% of its waters as national parks or private reserves. Yes, popular spots can become busy during peak season, but many hidden gems still await discovery. You don’t need to be a seasoned explorer to stumble upon a quiet beach or untouched wilderness.

By safeguarding its lands and waters, Costa Rica nurtures the habitats of an astonishing array of wildlife. It’s not just the charming monkeys (of which there are four species) that you'll encounter. You may also see playful sloths, curious coatis, distinctive agoutis, voracious anteaters, hefty tapirs, sunbathing iguanas, toothy caimans, and numerous other creatures. An impressive 850 bird species flutter through these landscapes, making Costa Rica’s fauna its main draw, often visible without needing to search.

Meanwhile, further up the coast, the Belize Zoo stands out as a major attraction.

Are you a beach lover? You’re in luck! Costa Rica boasts over 200 beautiful beaches along its two coastlines, perfect for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. (Did we mention that the surfing here is among the best in the world?) You can find untouched, wild beaches flanked by dense forests, as well as more developed spots with sun loungers and beach bars. It’s no wonder they call this place the 'rich coast.'

Head inland, and the scenery transforms dramatically into lush, forest-covered mountains that shape the country’s landscape. A series of breathtaking volcanic peaks entice visitors to gaze into their steaming craters and unwind in thermal pools. The misty cloud forests, dripping with epiphytes, beckon adventurers to glide through the treetops and swim beneath vibrant waterfalls. The tallest peak, Cerro Chirripó, offers hikers stunning views that stretch across both coastlines.

In comparison, the tiny Maya Mountains in Belize pale beside these grand spectacles.

The essence of Costa Rica can be captured in two simple words: pura vida. This translates to pure life, and you'll hear it often during your visit. It’s a heartfelt wish for you to savor every moment in this contemporary paradise. It's both a greeting and a philosophy, embodying a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature and our connection to it.

It certainly outshines the phrase, 'you better Belize it.'