Colombia or Costa Rica

Dean says on Oct 14, 2004, 11:46:

Investigate both and decide I have spent time in both of the countries. Costa Rica is more tourist oriented ........ lots of touristy things. Also Costa Rica is a beautiful place with a lot of natural beauty and national parks. On the other hand, Colombia is also beautiful but is not tourist oriented so to speak unless you are going to Cartagena. If you want to drive and see the country side, Costa Rica is relatively safe and you will find little, or no, problems other than the lack of road signs. In Colombia, you may or may not want to drive out in the country. The military and police presence is much much greater in Colombia. Depending on the place you will go in Colombia, the climate varies in Colombia with it seemingly always cold in Bogota. In places you will see bomb sniffing dogs and there is a substantial military presence. In Costa Rica you do not see so much of this. Both places are beautiful. However, for physical safety Costa Rica is less dangerous and poses less a threat for crime victimization. On the other hand, I found the people are more friendly in Colombia and less after the "tourist" than in Costa Rica. Also in my humble opinion, the women in Colombia are more beautiful.......... however, I do not want to slight Costa Rica because it, too, has beautiful women. I truely enjoy both countries and am glad that I have had opportunities to go to both on several occassions. I think you need to investigate the countries as to your particular tastes and then decide which you want to visit first. Or maybe you can visit both countries............. which is the best.

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ziad4 says on Oct 14, 2004, 15:42:

The women in Costa Rica are beautiful, but I agree, the women in Colombia are much more so. I also agree that the people are nicer, although I've had nothing but good experiences all over Latin America (it's all about your perspective).
If you've never been to a third world country, I suggest you go to Costa Rica first because the poverty may shock you; if you have, I much prefer Colombia.
Good luck.

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heat says on Oct 14, 2004, 17:20:

If I had 3 months I would definitely do both countries. Costa Rica is physically very beautiful. It reminded me a lot of Bali in that it is very mountainous, with a beautiful tropical landscape & feel, and some amazing beaches. I agree with Dean in that it is somewhat touristy however it is totally geared to the eco-tourist. If you are an active outdoor traveler then Costa Rica is great. The surfing especially is some of the very best in the world (check out Playa Hermosa). Lots of surfers go there to wake and sleep with the surf.

I actually did not see that much poverty in Costa Rica. I know they have the highest literacy rate in the world. They spend a lot of money on education and they have no military. The people are very simple, warm & down-to-earth.

In terms of culture and nightlife there isn’t a whole lot going on in Costa Rica. Granted there are some fun bars and dancing but it’s really nothing when compared to Colombia.

My husband and I have been to both countries. I personally prefer Colombia because I’m much more into the culture & eating & nightlife thing and my husband prefers Costa Rica but he loves the outdoors especially the surf (being he is from Santa Cruz, CA).

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Sam Salmon says on Oct 14, 2004, 18:02:

I lived in CR for a time in the late 80's.
Except for fishing Colombia has CR beat to shit 40 ways to Sunday.
'nuf said.



' a la orden!'

' a la orden!'

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Kaenan says on Oct 14, 2004, 18:50:

CR has changed alot since the late 80s. There's a lot more happenin' now and there are travelers from all over the world there. BOth countries are cool but different.

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Dolfi says on Oct 15, 2004, 01:19:

The difference is nobody cares if you say you´re going to Costa Rica on holiday, while people ask you if you´re mad to go to Colombia (because you will be kidnapped).

Ignorantes

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Miguel says on Oct 15, 2004, 02:03:

Jajaja Tienes razon Dolfi; I get that all the time!

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ColombianoX says on Oct 15, 2004, 08:05:

"The difference is nobody cares if you say you´re going to Costa Rica on holiday, while people ask you if you´re mad to go to Colombia (because you will be kidnapped)."


Yes Dolfi, the only people who would make those kind of comments would be ignorant or racist a-holes.

And how can anyone compare Colombia to Cosa Rica? Give me a break, Costa Rica is a tiny country that fits 22 times inside Colombia! Obviously Colombia has a lot more to offer.

ColombianoX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Oct 15, 2004, 09:45:

San José reminded me a lot of the poorer barrios of Cali 15-20 years ago...of course, Colombia is much more of a country, with more of everything, both good and bad. We drove to El Arenal to see the erupting volcano and spent a night just watching that red-hot lava flow...for all the nature-lovers here Costa Rica is a wonderful choice, both safe and beautiful, and everything is nearby!
Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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elmodefoque says on Oct 15, 2004, 11:30:

In this one I totally agree with Colombian X. I find it an insult to even compare Colombia to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is the ultimate banana republic, the place is own by America’s Chiquita banana.
This is like comparing the USA with Colombia, is ridiculous.
There, I do have nice things to say about Colombia!

I'll get there, when I get there!

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Oct 15, 2004, 11:42:

that's not it Costa Rica is nice enough country, small, cozy and definitely, worth a visit. The ultimate banana republic would be...err...maybe Honduras?
They call Costa Rica the Switzerland of Americas, but they call Switzerland Costa Rica of Europe instead...
Of course, you can't compare Costa Rica with Colombia, they don't even play in the same league...and they don't have any postal adresses with street and house numbers, only po. boxes and rustic adresses like "the house 200 meters from the big mango tree to the south"
Cheers,
desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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galindomf says on Oct 19, 2004, 21:42:

what's wrong with you.....Of course Colombia ! Hey...

It would just take one day in Barranquilla, Bogota, Medellin, Cali or Cartagena (or all together) to make you forget about any other destination in the world. Colombia truly has much more to offer. Here you find world-class cuisine, nightlife, opera, jazz, museums, festivals, beaches, x-treme sports...etc, etc. And what makes it all special is the great people that always smile to you...specially if you are foreign, don't mind that you dont speak english....People here, one way or the other, will understand and will make themselves clear.
Have a great time.

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