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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Quepos?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Quepos? 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 stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a relaxed, local, and laid-back town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Quepos travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Quepos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Quepos are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Quepos and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Quepos is famous for its big game sport fishing.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quepos 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 Quepos?

Playa del Carmen is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Quepos can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Quepos. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. 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.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect 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.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. 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.

Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Quepos has a beach worth visiting. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is very good for its hiking trails. However, Quepos is not a hiking destination.

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.

Quepos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Quepos?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Quepos and Playa del Carmen.

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Quepos. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Quepos is a very family-friendly place to visit. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Quepos make for a world-class 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, Quepos has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

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

Quepos is an amazing town to visit for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quepos is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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 Quepos 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 Quepos.

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 Quepos offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Playa del Carmen or Quepos a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Quepos. 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 Quepos.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Quepos. 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 Quepos. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Quepos if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Quepos?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Quepos. 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 Quepos?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back town of Quepos. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. 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 Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Quepos is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Quepos?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Playa del Carmen. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Quepos is a great place to explore. 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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Quepos, we can see that Quepos 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 Quepos 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Quepos?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Quepos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Quepos. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Quepos in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Quepos. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Quepos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Quepos. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Quepos in the Winter?

Both Quepos and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally cooler than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Quepos. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Quepos in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Quepos during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Quepos. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Playa del Carmen