Is Costa Rica or Guatemala cheaper?

Guatemala is the cheaper of the two: roughly $35–130/day in Costa Rica versus under $35–65/day in Guatemala.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica vs Guatemala?

Costa Rica is at its best in December–April; Guatemala peaks in December–March.

Is Costa Rica or Guatemala better in August?

Costa Rica is the better of the two in August. Costa Rica has the edge in April, May, June, July, August, and both are at their best in January, February, March, December.

How long do you need in Costa Rica vs Guatemala?

Plan 1–4 weeks for Costa Rica and 1–3 for Guatemala.

Should I choose Costa Rica or Guatemala?

Pick Costa Rica if you want somewhere stronger for adventure. Pick Guatemala if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for culture, more urban / city-focused, more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on nature, so on those either works.

Costa Rica vs Guatemala

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

Central America

Costa Rica

Surfing, rainforest, volcanoes, and wildlife in extraordinary density.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: peak
April: peak
May: fine
June: fine
July: fine
August: fine
September: avoid
October: avoid
November: fine
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

Central America

Guatemala

Maya ruins, volcano hikes, and a lake ringed by villages — cheap and intense.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: peak
April: fine
May: avoid
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: avoid
October: avoid
November: fine
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Costa Rica	Guatemala
Best time	December–April	December–March
Climate	warm	warm
Budget	Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day	Backpacker – Budget · under $35–65/day
Trip length	1–4 wks	1–3 wks
Visa	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days, CA-4 region). Verify before travel.
Currency	CRC (Colon) — USD widely accepted.	GTQ (Guatemalan Quetzal).
Language	Spanish. English in tourism.	Spanish and Mayan languages. Limited English.
Tap water	Tap water safe in most of the country.	Tap water not safe. Drink bottled or filtered.
Safety	Very safe by Central American standards. Watch belongings on beaches.	Petty theft is common; some routes warrant caution. Check current advice.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Costa Rica or Guatemala, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Costa Rica if:

You want somewhere stronger for adventure.

Choose Guatemala if:

You want somewhere cheaper across the board.
You want somewhere stronger for culture.
You want somewhere more urban / city-focused.
You want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path.

Both deliver on nature — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Costa Rica or Guatemala cheaper?: Guatemala is the cheaper of the two: roughly $35–130/day in Costa Rica versus under $35–65/day in Guatemala.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica vs Guatemala?: Costa Rica is at its best in December–April; Guatemala peaks in December–March.
Is Costa Rica or Guatemala better in August?: Costa Rica is the better of the two in August. Costa Rica has the edge in April, May, June, July, August, and both are at their best in January, February, March, December.
How long do you need in Costa Rica vs Guatemala?: Plan 1–4 weeks for Costa Rica and 1–3 for Guatemala.
Should I choose Costa Rica or Guatemala?: Pick Costa Rica if you want somewhere stronger for adventure. Pick Guatemala if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for culture, more urban / city-focused, more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on nature, so on those either works.