A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. La Fortuna for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a popular, stunning, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, La Fortuna attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna are both popular with visitors, Playa del Carmen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while La Fortuna is known for its hiking. Playa del Carmen is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. La Fortuna is popular for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views.

How is Playa del Carmen different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Fortuna and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around La Fortuna. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, La Fortuna is a perfect choice. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around La Fortuna. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice shopping areas. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Fortuna. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna make for a amazing place to visit.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

For those traveling as a couple, La Fortuna has plenty to offer. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Fortuna is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Fortuna is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

While La Fortuna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable town. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than La Fortuna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Playa del Carmen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than La Fortuna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and nightlife around the scenic destination of La Fortuna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the popular town of La Fortuna. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Fortuna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Fortuna is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and La Fortuna is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna?

Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and La Fortuna. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as La Fortuna. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than La Fortuna. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen. Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna in the Winter?

Both La Fortuna and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Playa del Carmen is cooler than La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or La Fortuna in the Spring?

Both La Fortuna and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than La Fortuna. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Playa del Carmen