Panama or Costa Rica for 1 week vacation in April?

Question

My boyfriend and I are looking for a relaxing time by the water, with good food, safety/security and opportunity to experience local culture. That is...we're not trying to hide out in a resort filled with expatriates, but would like to immerse ourselves a bit in local life / activitities. Would appreciate answers from those who know both countries. Thanks.

Answer 1

Both places have beautiful locations. I live in Panama, but I've visited most of Costa Rica as well.

My suggestion would be for you guys to visit Bocas del Toro in Panama.  The good thing is that you can fly to Bocas del Toro from Costa Rica or from Panama.

Bocas del Toro is an island located in the Caribbean Sea, just of the cost of Bocas del Toro province in Panama.  English is widely spoken so you shouldn't have any problems there.  The place is safe and people are friendly, however you will find a lot of US Expats, and Expats from other European countries.

The food is mainly sea food, and the predominant style is afro-caribbean cooking, so be prepared to spice up your appetite.  Night life in Bocas is very good as well.  You can choose different place to go have some drinks or just hang out and mingle.

Answer 2

i would say costa rica, my family goes down there all the time and we love it, all the people are really nice and almost all local, we go to an area called Osa Peninsula and we stay at a place called the lookout inn. itsa really nice, they make all these nice local dishes and its right on the beach we know the owner personally, believe me you will want to come back

Answer 3

Definitely Costa Rica. You can try Manuel Antonio or Playa Conchal.