cancun or costa rica in July?

Question

I am planning to take my Mom for a nice vacation (kinda Mother/daughter thing). The timeframe is July 1-18th. I am currently thinking between Cancun or Costa Rica. We are not the type of people who would be happy just spending this whole time at one resort, wetbars and spas. Ideally I'd love to combine a few days on the beach/snorkeling etc with some adventure tours - see Mayan ruins, or going on nature tours. Since I am travelling with Mom, adventure has to be safe :) Neither of us has ever being to Mexico or Costa Rica, so any advice will be useful. The biggest concern is rainy season/hurricane season, and also what to do. In Cancun -with day trips to Mayan ruins, horse riding, cenotes, etc - is there enought to do for 18 days? Is it better to stay in all inclusive hotel? In Costa Rica - how rainy is it and what is the general advice you'd give? Thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

Just by the way you word the comments after your main question, it is easy to see you are really leaning towards Cancun. That's ok 'cause each location has its pro's and con's. Basically, if you love nature, by all means go to Costa Rica.



One BIG disadvantage in answering your question is that you are comparing Cancun (which is a coastal city in Mexico's easternmost state, Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula) with Costa Rica (a Central American country). You cannot get a GOOD answer by comparing a city with a country!



Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it is large enough that weather patterns in the northwest are different from the south and the Pacific side from the Atlantic side. (October is generally the rainiest month in most of Costa Rica.) July could still be okay.



There can be a lot more variety within a country than within a (city) area. Also, whether you plan to rent a car or not, would make a BIG difference in which location to choose. (Without a car, it would not be easy to get around in a country vs a city.)



I wish you luck in your choice. This question was intriguing to me since I am from Mexico (originally) but live in Costa Rica.

Answer 2

Costa Rica Vs Cancun

Answer 3

I went to Costa Rica last year between January through May. I don't think it ever really rained much but according to everyone when it rains it POURS. In late may when I left it started raining and it rained hard. But otherwise it's a beautiful country with TONS of amazing and endemic creatures. There are alot of things to do from visiting coffee plantations, ziplining across the forest, birdwatching, hiking, snorkeling. The city is rampant with petty theft but otherwise safe. i wouldn't recommend carrying your cameras or purses in San Jose. Guard your things well. I haven't been to Cancun but I am Mexican and I live on a bordertown and I have no complaints about Mexico, but Cancun is just Cancun and Costa Rica is tiny and you can see the whole diversity of the country because it's small. Also the plane ticket is pretty cheap and the exchange rate is in our favor. Most people speak English in the touristy places. BUT Mexico has HANDS DOWN better food no questions. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 4

I would just like to add a bit to the previous comments. It depends what you would like to do.



The Mayan ruins are a big factor. If hurricanes are a big concern, hurricanes hit Yucatan every few years but it has been more than 50 years since Costa Rica had one. Cancun is more of the resort, bar night club scene. If you are not the type of person who likes to spend the whole time in one area, Costa Rica may be a better option.

Answer 5

if all you are interested in is a relaxing time in a beach resort and some action in the ocean or pool....and some nice nightlife (quiet or loud)...sure cancun can be yours....



there are some nice all inclusive places in costa rica....but none on the scale of a city like cancun.



for history and culture.....mexico again.....see tulum, chizen iza vallodalid merida and uxmal...some of those are a bit longer than a day trip some are short and can be a day trip



HOWEVER, definately go to costa rica if you want some nature. if you or your mom are wanting luxury and an "easy does it" time, then perhaps a beautiful very green place with wild life, hummingbirds and butterflies, beautiful flor and founa and etc in the "monteverde" area is not for you.



i loved costa rica in "the right places only"



no need to stay in san jose unless you need to. museums there, but nothing special. do the nature there.......

Answer 6

If you want a cultural experience Cancun is the way to go... it is very safe. These areas are very turisty so trust me it's safe. However it is expensive, so be sure to bring extra cash (leave it in the safe at the hotel and only bring with you what you plan on spending for the day). BTW: Be sure to buy and bring your own snorkel (a rental can and will cost you twice as much than if you bought your own at walmart) AND take it everywhere with you, there is great snorkling opportunites.



If you want the beach thing, with drinks, some nature, Costa Rica is really cool and best of all, you get a lot for your money. But you are kinda isolated, after a few days (4-5) you would have seen what there is to see.

Answer 7

take costa rica 100%

Answer 8

Cancun.........do an all inclusive.........yup...........hurrican season...........yup..........expensive..........18 days is a really long time............tons of tours at your hotels..........STAY AWAY from time share sales people.......but they won't bother you........you have to have your spouse with you........

Answer 9

This has already been answered

Answer 10

thanks to each and every one of you guys for the replies.