Costa Rica or Mexico - Which Travel Destination Is for You?

Costa Rica or Mexico? It’s a tough choice to make, and I’ve been exactly in your shoes. A couple of years ago, I went to Costa Rica, and it was an unbelievable trip. The rainforest, the wildlife, the beaches, everything: incredible. But still, Mexico sits high on my bucket list… for so many reasons (food being the number one)! 

Keep on reading to help you decide which travel destination is for you.

Costa Rica or Mexico: At a Glance

Best destination for active travel: Costa Rica

Best destination for food: Mexico

Best destination for beaches: Both

Best destination for nightlife: Both

Best destination for wildlife: Costa Rica

Best destination for landmarks: Mexico

Active Travel

Costa Rica 🥾

If adventure is calling you, Costa Rica is the place to go. With national parks like the iconic Manuel Antonio and Arenal Volcano, there’s no end of hanging bridges, volcano hikes, and wildlife tours. Plus, who could forget all the adrenaline-pumping experiences? Yep, surfing, zip lining and canyoneering are just a few of the must-dos. Thrill and nature go hand in hand when you’re in Costa Rica!

Sarah’s Travel Hack: You’ll want to pack water shoes for white water rafting and canyoneering.

On our 13-day Pure Costa Rica group tour, surfing, white water rafting and hanging bridge trails are included. Plus, there’s so much more to look forward to!

Mexico 🤿

Wanna live 'La vida loca'? Crazy adventures await in Mexico, from jumping into hidden cenotes to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. The beauty of Mexico is that you can choose your travel style: you could take a tour through the Canyon of Sumidero, explore bustling markets in Oaxaca or enjoy beach time in Cancún. There are so many Things To Do in Mexico! 

Costa Rica or Mexico?

If wildlife spotting and exploring rainforests is your vibe, then Costa Rica is the place for you. But if sipping on margaritas and jumping into cenotes is your thing, thenhead to Mexico!

Food 

Costa Rica 🍍

Fresh, simple and full of flavour. The national dish is gallopinto (flavoured rice and beans), which is typically eaten at breakfast, with scrambled egg, plantain and the juiciest tropical fruit you’ll ever try. Another traditional dish is casado, which is a mix of meat, vegetables and rice. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll want to try the local beans - they’re world-renowned!

Sarah’s Travel Hack: You must try the pineapple! It’s the best pineapple I’ve ever had, and I still think about it to this day.

Mexico 🌮

I could taco ‘bout Mexican food all day long. I’m a big fan of all things dripping in salsa, guac and sour cream: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, you name it! It goes without saying that Mexico is one of the Best Countries in the World for Amazing Food! Plus, who could forget Mexico’s famous tequila? Margaritas here hit different.

Costa Rica or Mexico?

My honest answer: Mexico! Costa Rica has loads of tropical fruits, but for me, nothing beats a quesadilla! Why not visit both and decide for yourself which destination has the best food?

Beaches

Costa Rica 🏄

The beaches in Costa Rica are pure bliss. They’re everything paradise is supposed to be! Sand, waves and 'pura vida' (meaning 'pure life'). You can walk along the palm tree-lined beaches, spotting sloths and monkeys, or grab a surfboard and head for those mighty waves.

Sarah’s Travel Hack: The Caribbean side is best for chill vibes and relaxing, whereas the Pacific side has some of the best waves in Costa Rica for surfing!

Mexico 🏝️

Love the beach? Cancún is the place for you. Picture pure white sands, crystal clear waters and Caribbean vibes. Playa del Carmen is a beach lover’s favourite spot to sip on classic margaritas and watch the waves against the sands. Oh, and the sunsets? Unreal.

Costa Rica or Mexico?

It’s a tough choice! The beaches in both countries are like stepping onto a movie set, so whichever decision you choose, you’ll fall in love with the beachy vibes.

Experience Costa Rica’s and Mexico’s beaches on our 30-day Best of Central America group tour. Plus, tick off the ocean paradise in Caye Caulker, Belize. Its underwater world and famous Blue Hole will blow your mind.

Nightlife

Costa Rica 🍹

When the sun goes down, the party starts. Think beachfront bars in Santa Teresa, reggae beats in Puerto Viejo, and cocktails in San José’s trendy neighbourhoods. It’s less about clubbing and more about the vibes, which are 100% “pura vida” all night long. You’ll find live music, salsa nights, and sunset happy hours that keep you going back for more.

Mexico 🍸

If you’re ready to fiesta, Mexico knows how to throw a party. From Cancun’s legendary clubs and Tulum’s chic jungle parties to rooftop bars in Mexico City, the nightlife scene is seriously unforgettable. Expect tequila shots flowing and dance floors packed until sunrise. 

Costa Rica or Mexico?

If your perfect night involves sunset cocktails and laid-back beach vibes, Costa Rica is calling your name. But if you’re craving legendary fiestas that go on all night, Mexico might just be your next travel destination. Either way, what are you waiting for? 'Vamos!' Let’s go!

Wildlife

Costa Rica 🦥

With over 500,000 species, the wildlife here is thriving! Make sure to visit Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest for your best chance to spot snoozing sloths, howling monkeys, chirping macaws and so many more. The list of Incredible Animals of Costa Rica's Rainforest goes on! 

Sarah’s Travel Hack: I was lucky enough to spot a variety of Costa Rican wildlife, including a giant sea turtle, a red-eyed tree frog, and a white-nosed coati, so keep your eyes peeled wherever you are!

Mexico 🦩

If there’s one animal you won’t find in Costa Rica, it’s flamingos! If you’re desperate to spot a flamboyance of these pink creatures, then Isla Holbox is calling you. It’s also a prime location for whale shark tours and snorkelling near manta rays. You can also spot lizards, sea turtles and the scarlet macaw in Mexico, too!

Costa Rica or Mexico?

Nothing beats the moment when you go “look!” and a sloth gracefully falls out of a tree (it’s the quickest you’ll see a sloth move!). So if you’ve got binoculars ready and wildlife spotting is your thing, Costa Rica is the next travel destination for you.

Landmarks

Costa Rica 🌋

There are no skyscrapers here, it’s all about natural landmarks and national parks in Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park are the top three to visit. Think misty cloud forests, gorgeous coastlines, cascading waterfalls and wildlife around every corner. 

Mexico 🤩

In terms of natural landmarks, Mexico’s famous cenotes top the list, but let’s not forget the most well-known landmark in all of Mexico. Yep, Chichén Itzá! It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Other must-see spots include Mayan ruins in Tulum and the Mexico City Cathedral. There’s honestly so much to see when it comes to landmarks in Mexico.

Costa Rica or Mexico?

Want volcanoes, rainforests, and wildlife as your main attractions? Costa Rica is your spot. Prefer historic cities and bucket-list ruins? Mexico is packed with endless landmarks you don’t want to miss.

Tick off the best of Mexico on our 14-day Mexico Adventure group tour. Explore Mexico City, Oaxaca, Isla Holbox, Tulum and more!

Why Not Both?

Can’t decide? You don’t have to! Pair Costa Rica’s wild rainforests and volcano hikes with Mexico’s ancient ruins and mouthwatering food spots on our 40-day Epic Central America group trip. You’ll tick off four countries - Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica - and fall in love with the memories you’ll make with new friends.