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cancun or costa rica in July?

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 :)

Public Comments

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. take costa rica 100%

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.......

6. 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........