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

Should you visit Tulum or Quepos?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Quepos can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a local, laid-back, and relaxed town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Quepos travel costs.

Tulum and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Quepos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Quepos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Quepos and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Quepos is well known for its big game sport fishing.

How is Tulum different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quepos and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Quepos?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Quepos? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Tulum has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Tulum or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

Tulum 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 Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Tulum 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, Tulum is a perfect choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

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 Tulum or Quepos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum 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 Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Tulum 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, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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 Tulum or Quepos Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Quepos is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Quepos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Quepos?

Tulum is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Tulum or Quepos More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Quepos Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Quepos are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Quepos is very family-friendly. 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 Tulum or Quepos Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Quepos are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Quepos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Tulum or Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos is terrific for backpackers. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quepos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Is Tulum or Quepos Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Tulum and Quepos offer notable public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Quepos has some public transit options. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Tulum or Quepos a more walkable city?

Tulum is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Quepos Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Quepos. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quepos.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Quepos?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Quepos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this local destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Quepos?

Tulum 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quepos. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Quepos. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Quepos?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the archeological destination of Tulum. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxed destination of Quepos. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Tulum and Quepos, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tulum is in North America and Quepos is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Quepos?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Quepos?

Tulum 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 Tulum or Quepos in the Summer?

Both Quepos and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.

Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Quepos in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Quepos. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Quepos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives less rain than Quepos. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.

Should I visit Tulum or Quepos in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Quepos. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In the winter, Tulum is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Quepos in the Spring?

Both Quepos and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Quepos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Quepos during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives more rain than Quepos. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Tulum