Costa Rica budget Dec, or Panama instead?

[scrumbrum12]

Hi, it’s a long time since I’ve looked at long - haul…

I keep reading that Costa Rica is expensive. So far, comparing to Europe, the flights and accommodation seem reasonable (we do basic when it comes to accommodation). Is the cost of food , activities and car hire very expensive then? We will do mainly self guided and prefer to hire a car but don’t mind buses/ shared taxis if they are fairly easy. Thinking Puerto Viejo, La fortuna - Monte Verde- Manuel Antoine and Uvita , or perhaps fewer places.

Or anyone been to Panama instead?

Also, have all flights been released for Dec 24 or
will there be more?

Thanks

We were there in the summer.
For us it was the activities that were expensive.
Flights were comparable with getting to Asia.
We used budget accommodation and mostly self catered (supermarkets were expensive compared to uk, but cheaper than eating out).
Eating in Sodas was reasonably cheap - plate of casado for $6-8 - delicious. Or 'rice and beans' on Caribbean side.
Everything has an entry fee, even going for a walk. Carribbean coast much cheaper - Cahuita national park $5/donation compared with arenal volcano walk $15 and Monteverde cloud forest entry $26.

Many people hire a car. We used buses and occasional mini van transfers.

UK winter is peak season there.

We met several backpackers who had come from Nicaragua which sounded much cheaper on the ground.

We flew to Panama, travelled through Panama to Costa Rica, and home from San Jose, sticking to the Caribbean coast for both countries.
It was one of our best ever holidays (and we're pretty well travelled).

@cariadlet how did Panama compare to Costa Rica? We loved CR.

That holiday was way back in 2014 and although we've been to CR a few times over the last couple of years, we haven't been back to Panama so my memories are a bit hazy although I know that we liked it.

The Panama Canal was interesting and we liked Bocas del Toro (we did a bit of diving there) but I can't remember if we went anywhere else.

Thanks all

Costa Rica was expensive when we were there, even using supermarkets and self catering was quite costly. HOWEVER we had the most amazing trip and experiences. No idea on Panama Costs, but if you can afford Costa Rica you won't regret it.

Costa rica is expensive and what you get for your money is often pretty shoddy. If you hire a car watch out for extra charges. I wish I had gone to Panama instead. Belize is pricy too but amazing experiences. Would choose that over Costa rica but its whether you are into snorkalling or surfing. Costa rica better for the latter. Belize has better historical sites and decent little patches of rainforest. Great activities/tours.