Aruba vs Costa Rica: Which is Better for Vacation?

Debating whether Aruba vs Costa Rica is better for your next vacation can be difficult if you haven’t been to either destination before.

Having spent time in both Costa Rica and Aruba, they are very unique and offer different types of adventure.

Aruba stands out with its beautiful beaches great for watersports while Costa Rica has lush rainforests perfect for ziplining and hiking.

Let’s find out if Aruba or Costa Rica is a better fit for you!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on qualifying purchases so we can continue to create helpful content. Thank you, and we appreciate it. See our disclosure policy for more information.

Aruba vs Costa Rica Overview

Before we dive into an in-depth comparison, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from each destination:

An infographic featuring a blue background, text, and palm trees in sand, for a comparison of Costa Rica and Aruba.

The text says:

Which Destination is better?

Quick comparison

Aruba vs Costa Rica

Aruba:

- Easier to get around

- Better beaches

- More variety of accommodation

- Consistent sunny climate

Costa Rica:

- Better food

- More affordable destination

- More lively culture

- More diverse landscapes

Cost of Stay

While both Aruba and Costa Rica are popular places to vacation, I found Costa Rica much cheaper.

Melissa standing in a blue sundress while leaning on a palm tree watching the sunset in Aruba. The beach has soft white sand and calm blue water. Comparing Aruba vs. Costa Rica, Aruba is known more for their pristine beaches and their higher price tag for vacation.

Aruba Cost of Stay

Aruba is a luxurious destination, often visited by vacationers looking for an all-inclusive getaway.

You’ll have your choice of expensive restaurants and also cheaper, local options.

One plus is that many of the top attractions in Aruba are free to enjoy.

If you don’t plan on driving, you can save money by taking public transportation.

Overall, I found it more expensive than Costa Rica.

Melissa wearing all-black clothing smiling at the camera, on top of lush greenery in Costa Rica. On her left is a tree, and there are mountains at a distance on a partly cloudy day

Costa Rica Cost of Stay

For budget-conscious travellers, Costa Rica is a better destination than Aruba.

While Costa Rica is more expensive than neighbouring countries like Panama, it tends to be cheaper than Aruba.

Costa Rica has plenty of local eateries that won’t break the bank. But you can find more fancy ones like the steakhouse I ate at in San Jose.

More attractions here have an entry fee than in Aruba but there are still plenty of free activities.

Your money can go a long way depending on how much you want to spend so you can do more with less.

Best Things to Do

Costa Rica and Aruba both have amazing activities to cross off your bucket list!

Melissa wearing a long black floral dress at a distance, standing on top of the Casibari Rock Formations in Aruba. Beyond the distance, there are gorgeous views of Aruba on a sunny day. The photo showcases how much outdoor and nature attractions Aruba has to offer

Aruba Things to Do

Aruba doesn’t have many beautiful towns to visit, but there are plenty of thrilling outdoor activities and hidden gems to discover!

One of the best things to do in Aruba is go on a brunch cruise to see the island from a different perspective.

Those who enjoy history will enjoy a visit to the Bushiribana Ruins gold mine ruins or the California Lighthouse.

See the iconic flamingos on private islands like Renaissance Island and De Palm Island.

You can pack all of these amazing experiences into a single-day visit or opt to stay for up to 7 days or more to do everything Aruba has to offer!

A Central America squirrel monkey sitting on top of a branch nestled between leaves in the trees in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica. When comparing Costa Rica vs. Aruba, Costa Rica has more diverse landscapes like beaches, forests, jungles, mountains, and volcanoes.

Costa Rica Things to Do

In San Jose, you’ll find even more things to do than Aruba. And as a bonus, most of the best things to do are outdoorsy.

You can easily spend 2 days or more in areas like Monteverde, walking through cloud forests, visiting the butterfly garden, and taking a coffee tour to learn about Costa Rican coffee.

Tamarindo is perfect for surfing! It has a lively atmosphere and so many shops and good food to experience.

If you have more time in Costa Rica, there are plenty of other places to visit, and maybe even add a neighbouring country like Nicaragua.

Adventure Activities

It’s hard to choose between Aruba vs Costa Rica when it comes to adventure activities as there are endless possibilities in both.

Melissa hiking in Aruba National Park on a rusty brown dirt path, surrounded by lush green trees, plants, and tall cacti on a cloudy day

Aruba Adventure Activities

To find adventure in Aruba’s desert, visit Aruba’s National Park Arikok. Thrill seekers will enjoy an ATV tour through the park or you can opt for a hike.

Climb to the highest point on the island at Hooiberg or to the top of rock formations like Casibari Rock.

Head to the Fishermen’s Huts to try windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Aruba also offers opportunities for diving and snorkelling tours to shipwrecks.

Melissa ziplining at a distance amongst green trees in Monteverde in Costa Rica. While Aruba and Costa Rica offer outdoor activities, Costa Rica offer more thrilling excursions because of its more diverse landscapes.

Costa Rica Adventure Activities

When in Costa Rica, you have to try ziplining in the jungle!

It’s the classic adventure activity you think of when you hear the words Costa Rica.

And while you are spending a few days in Monteverde, a night hike is a great choice for those looking to do something more unique.

I went on a tour through the forest after dark and saw snakes, spiders, and tropical birds. It was scary and cool at the same time!

As for water adventures, Costa Rica offers surfing, diving, and white-water rafting.

For a more serene experience, explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges suspended high above the treetops.

Landscapes & Beaches

Whether you visit Costa Rica or Aruba, you will have a memorable time exploring their vastly different landscapes and beaches.

Melissa sitting under a fofoti tree watching the sunset on eagle beach in Aruba. The beach is a soft white sand and there's a sailboat in the far distance. Comparing Aruba vs. Costa Rica, both have stunning beaches, but Aruba's are more picturesque, especially Eagle Beach, the most famous beach in the country

Aruba Landscapes & Beaches

Between both countries, Aruba has better beaches.

The most well-known is Eagle Beach, with its white sands and clear waters.

Other must-see beaches in Aruba include Palm Beach, Natural Pool, and my favourite Baby Beach.

Compared to Costa Rica, Aruba has a flat and sandy landscape that includes a desert.

You can see this in Arikok National Park, which spans nearly one-fifth of the island.

Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations offer a unique perspective on the otherwise flat terrain – from the top of these rocks, I could see so far from the top of the rocks!

People swimming at a distance at a beach in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica on a cloudy day, with creamy beige sand and a tree on the foreground.
Comparing Costa Rica and Aruba, both have incredibly beautiful beaches, but Costa Rica is more affordable to visit and has a more tropical landscape with other ecosystems.

Costa Rica Landscapes & Beaches

Costa Rica has amazing landscapes with different ecosystems, especially its beaches and volcanoes. It’s much more tropical than Aruba’s.

Tamarindo is famous for its beaches and is a paradise for surfers. I watched surfers there, and it was so cool!

Manuel Antonio has a beautiful, untouched beach where I saw a stunning sunset.

Cahuita National Park is known for its white sandy beaches and colourful coral reefs, great for snorkelling and seeing marine life.

Weather

Costa Rica boasts a warm and tropical climate, while Aruba has amazing sunshine and high temperatures.

A path lined with cacti on a sunny day with blue skies and no clouds. At a distance and in the center of the photo shows the California lighthouse in Noord, Aruba, which is white and 30 metres high.

Aruba Weather

Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, making its sunny climate one of its main attractions.

Unlike other Caribbean islands, Aruba experiences less rainfall, making it a more pleasant vacation spot.

Whether you plan to escape during the summer or fall, Aruba offers plenty of beach days without the fear of storms ruining your trip.

I visited during Christmas and it wasn’t too crowded.

Melissa at a distance on the beach in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica. At a distance, there are some large cliffs. There is a thin strip of orange on the horizon with dark clouds and a dark blue sky above, indicating that the photo was taken during sunset.

Costa Rica Weather

Costa Rica has very diverse weather with the Pacific and Caribbean sides having their own slightly different climate.

The Pacific side has more defined seasons, with the dry season running from December to March. On the Carribean side, it is not uncommon to see rain even during the dry season.

Coastal areas are typically hot, while the Central Valley enjoys a milder climate.

In places like Monteverde, temperatures can be cooler.

During my visit in June, my mornings were typically sunny and the afternoon brought refreshing rain showers.

Food

Although I loved both country’s food, Costa Rica definitely wins this one!

A plate of fried fish, french fries, and sliced limes on top of tissue paper. This is in a popular restaurant in Aruba called Zeerovers

Aruba Food

The food in Aruba is a unique blend of Dutch, South American, and Caribbean influences.

The national dish is Keshi Yena, a large ball of cheese stuffed with chicken, which is a must-try for travellers.

Another popular snack is Pastechis, a fried pastry filled with savoury meats and vegetables that I found delicious.

There are also plenty of international restaurants. So no matter what you’re craving, you’ll have no trouble finding it in Aruba.

My favourite place to eat was a seafood restaurant called Zeerovers.

A platter of chips, wings, and small bowls of salsa on top of banana leaves, with two tongs on top of them in Costa Rica. This is some of the dishes Costa Rica has to offer as tourism is rising, especially from Westerners.

Costa Rica Food

Food is one of the best parts of Costa Rica! Taking influence from African, Spanish, and Caribbean flavours.

Tamarindo has some of the best pizza I’ve had, which is surprising to say, but the cheese was something out of this world.

Some of the local must-try dishes are gallo pinto (a traditional breakfast dish of rice and beans) and casados (a mix of rice, beans, plantains, and salad).

And if you love seafood, you can try ceviche or grilled fish.

Plantains are also popular here and you can have them sweet or savoury.

Culture & Vibe

Costa Rica and Aruba both boast unique cultures and attract different types of tourists which results in an overall different vibe.

The Royal Plaza, a pink coloured shopping mall in Oranjestad, Aruba with white and turquoise accents. There are some a few people walking down the mall with some cars, and the streets are shaded while the sun is out.

This photo was taken on a sunny day with tons of shade in the foreground.

When comparing Aruba vs Costa Rican culture, Aruba was more Americanized.

Aruba Culture & Vibe

Despite being very popular, Aruba feels less genuine than Costa Rica.

The island has become very Americanized and focused on commercialization.

But if you’re looking for luxurious resorts, well-known restaurants, and lively nightlife, Aruba is the place for you.

Visitors will never be bored with the wide range of activities available here!

Melissa swimming on a beach in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, with a few people walking and swimming behind her. Right behind her is the shore with sand and lush green trees on a cloudy day. Comparing Aruba and Costa Rica, Aruba has much more stunning beaches, but Costa Rica's beaches are beautiful and swimmable in a tropical climate.

Costa Rica Culture & Vibe

The culture of Costa Rica is truly special and I preferred it over Aruba’s.

While the capital San Jose is developed, the rest of Costa Rica is less so.

You will hear the words ‘Pura Vida’, meaning a simple and positive way of life, everywhere you go.

Nature is very important to Costa Ricans and they have several parks and protected areas.

The people here love music and dance, especially traditional ones like salsa and merengue.

Affordable Accommodations

Although Aruba has a great variety of accommodations, Costa Rica is much more affordable.

Rooftop pool in Aruba at night with the lights on inside the pool, showcasing a teal color. There are three steps to the bottom of the pool. To the left of the pool, there are three umbrellas over a row of beach chairs, and there is some blue lighting over the umbrellas. The rooftop pool area overlooks street lights, palm trees, and Aruba's cityscape.

Aruba Affordable Accommodations

Aruba is more expensive than Costa Rica but has more variety of accommodation to choose from.

Most resorts are near Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to more budget-friendly choices.

If you go further inland, you’ll discover even more cost-effective options.

I chose to stay in Oranjestad due to its convenient access to public transportation and close proximity to the airport.

But if you want a more affordable stay at one of the resorts along the beach, consider visiting during the off-season.

Melissa laying down on a pool chair reading a book in Double Tree Hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica. She is in between two empty pool chairs and right behind the jacuzzi and some trees. Comparing accommodations to Aruba, Costa Rica is on the more affordable side, with the Double Tree Hotel chain offering cheap, comfortable stays all over the world.

Costa Rica Affordable Accommodations

Costa Rica has many affordable places to stay in every part of the country.

You can choose from cozy guesthouses, best-and-breakfasts and luxurious hotels that won’t cost too much all over the country.

For a nature experience, you can try an eco-lodge or cabina which are simple cabins in natural surroundings.

Making it the winner of the Costa Rica vs Aruba affordable accommodation showdown.

My hotel in San Jose had a pool and breakfast included.

Transportation

Both destinations were easy to get around but Aruba wins with its efficient public transport.

Aruba Transporation

For travellers who use public transportation, Aruba is a better choice than Costa Rica.

The bus runs daily from 5:45 am to 11:30 pm, making it convenient and cost-effective for getting around the island.

If you prefer more flexibility in your travels, renting a car is also an option.

While the main roads in Aruba are well-maintained, driving in remote areas can be more challenging.

I only needed a rental car for one day to explore the National Park since most places can be reached by bus.

Car dashboard and front view mirror showing Downtown San Jose, Costa Rica, with an old blue Toyota in front of the car on a cloudy day. There is a line of pedestrians crossing the street, a black SUV to the right, and a large white bus at a distance. To the left there is a yellow building, and a tall blue building behind it. When comparing the public transportation system in Costa Rica to Aruba, it is not as reliable and you need a car to get around more.

Costa Rica Transporation

Costa Rica is bigger than Aruba and it takes a lot longer to get around by bus.

During my visit, I decided to rent a car to get around.

Be careful when driving to or from Monteverde as the roads can be tricky. I rented a regular car and the front bumper came off.

This is something that could have been avoided if I had chosen a sturdier car like a Jeep.

Buses are a more affordable option but it’ll take much longer compared to driving.

Costa Rica vs Aruba FAQs

Which is Safer: Aruba or Costa Rica?

Aruba is safer than Costa Rica. It has a lower crime rate than Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is not a dangerous country but you do need to be careful when you travel to specific areas.

Is Costa Rica or Aruba More Expensive?

Aruba is more expensive than Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a better choice for travellers who want to save money on accommodation, food, and activities.

Is Aruba Close to Costa Rica?

No, Aruba is not close to Costa Rica. Aruba is a small island in the Caribbean while Costa Rica is in Central America. The distance between these two countries is about 1,200 kilometres.

So, Is Aruba or Costa Rica Better for Your Next Vacation?

Whether Aruba or Costa Rica is better will depend on your personal preferences.

Aruba is ideal for reliable public transit, a variety of different accommodations, and consistently sunny weather year-round.

Costa Rica is better if you’re on a budget, want to zipline through the jungle, and want to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle.

For me, the winner is Costa Rica because there was a better variety of things to do and a thrilling vacation. But I did enjoy the beaches in Aruba more.

You’ll enjoy your time in these beautiful countries regardless.