5 alternatives to Costa Rica, with wildlife, world-class surfing and stunning resorts

Costa Rica has been one of the most popular international destinations for U.S. travelers thanks to its beautiful stretches of coastline and biodiverse tropical jungles.

The Central American country has been a personal favorite of mine for years, and after nearly two decades of living and working in countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, I've been clued in to a big secret: Much of what draws visitors to Costa Rica can be found elsewhere with fewer crowds and without the rising costs.

If you're looking for an alternative, consider this list, which includes the jungle-coated "Nature Island of the Caribbean" and under-the-radar beach towns and surf spots that capture some of what originally put Costa Rica on the map.

Nicaragua's Southern Pacific Coast

Best for: advantageous surf breaks and a year-round beach town feel

The same Pacific swells that draw surfers to Costa Rica also reach Nicaragua's southern coast. Beginners can find surf schools around San Juan del Sur, which is also home to local microbreweries, cool cafes, backpacker-friendly hostels and apartment-style stays designed for anyone hanging around for a full season.

More experienced surfers can head north toward Popoyo and Playa Jiquelite, on the stretch known as the Emerald Coast — famous for its world-class waves and breaks that can feel less crowded than Costa Rica's best-known surf spots.

Need to know

San Juan del Sur is a three-hour drive from Nicaragua's capital, Managua. Travelers can also fly into Liberia's international airport across the border in Costa Rica and arrange a transfer for the roughly two-hour drive. Just keep in mind that this route requires crossing an international border and going through immigration, so allow extra time.

Note: The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 advisory for Nicaragua, advising Americans to reconsider travel.

Boquete, Panama

Best for: wildlife encounters in untouched jungles

The lush expanses of Costa Rica's biodiverse jungles don't stop at the country's borders; western Panama is a great alternative for the types of wildlife encounters that have made Costa Rica so famous.

Even just minutes from Panama City, monkeys swing from trees by the waters of Gatún Lake. But in the highlands around Boquete and Volcán Barú, there's even more to see. The region is famed for its bird-watching, with hiking trails that wind through areas home to more than 400 species, including hummingbirds and quetzals.

Many of the region's eco-friendly accommodations, like Los Establos, offer wildlife tours and adventure activities like zip-lining and hikes to hot springs. Boquete is also known for Panama geisha, one of the world's most sought-after and expensive coffee varieties, making farm tours and tastings another popular reason to visit.

Need to know

Save yourself the long drive from Panama City and fly into David to reach Boquete in roughly an hour. If you're looking to see more of the country, add Bocas del Toro, the Caribbean-facing archipelago known for its affordable, overwater bungalow accommodations and world-class surfing. Together, Boquete and Bocas del Toro make a great land-meets-sea vacation. 

Oaxaca's Pacific Coast, Mexico

Best for: lower-key beach towns and palm-fringed shores

The beach towns of Costa Rica may be bigger and busier than ever, but you can find a similar, simpler, slower experience in Oaxaca. Even though all-inclusives can be found along parts of the coast, Oaxaca continues to embody a laid-back (and still relatively affordable) feel.

Puerto Escondido is the most popular starting point for a trip to the area and can be a convenient base for a stay. Just don't make the mistake of skipping smaller towns like Zipolite and Mazunte, where you'll find excellent surf conditions, seasonal turtle releases and boutique-style stays, like the luxe, design-forward La Valise Mazunte.

Need to know

It used to be quite the drive to the beaches of Oaxaca, but a new highway from Oaxaca City to the coast opened in 2024, shaving hours off the trip. If preferred, visitors can skip the city of Oaxaca entirely by flying directly to Puerto Escondido International Airport, which offers nonstop service to several Mexican cities and limited U.S. routes, as well as seasonal service to Canada.

Dominica

Best for: adventurous activities that'll get your adrenaline pumping

If zip-lining above cloud forest canopies and hiking through dense jungles are what draw you to Costa Rica, you'll fall in love with the island of Dominica.

The allure of the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" lies in its slot canyons cut out by turquoise rivers, waterfalls hidden in the rainforest and a miles-long kayaking "trail" that traces a route along the tranquil Caribbean side of the island. But the biggest adventure of your trip will be the challenging eight-mile round-trip hike to Boiling Lake, where geothermal activity heats the water to near-boiling temperatures.

When it's time to relax, choose from simple bed-and-breakfasts in coastal towns like Soufriere, mid-range dive hotels and even ultra-luxe villa-style resorts like Secret Bay.

Need to know

Dominica receives just a fraction of the flights of more frequented Caribbean destinations, so getting there can be an adventure in itself. The island has daily direct flights from Miami, its biggest gateway city, seasonal service from Newark and four-times-weekly service from San Juan, Puerto Rico. A network of shorter flights also connects it to neighboring Caribbean islands.

Costalegre, Mexico

Best for: resort stays with protected natural surroundings

Part of Costa Rica's appeal has always been in the way so much of its coastline seamlessly mixes some of the region's most upscale resorts with remarkably untouched protected natural landscapes.

It's a balance that few places get right, but the Costalegre region of Mexico seems to have mastered it. Stretching south from Puerto Vallarta more than 100 miles along the country's Pacific coast, Costalegre has grown slowly but steadily. Beach towns like Barra de Navidad and La Manzanilla are major draws for small-town stays.

Costalegre's most impressive resort is Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, which debuted in 2022 on a 3,000-acre nature preserve. For luxury travelers, it's reason enough to visit the region, but there's more to choose from at all price points. The colorful Las Alamandas combines a frictionless resort experience with still-untouched coastline in a way that feels Costa Rican at its core.

Need to know

Airport choice depends on where you're staying. Flying into Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO) puts you about a 45-minute drive from the Four Seasons and other nearby spots at the southern end of the region. Puerto Vallarta is farther from much of Costalegre, but can be more convenient for properties at its northern end. Because driving times vary considerably, check with your hotel before booking flights.