Choose Costa Rica if…
- you want lots of private group options for friends to book together
- you love the setting: surf beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and rainforest on the Pacific coast, with a relaxed pura vida pace
Choose Tulum if…
- guests are staying longer and want day trips
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
- you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night
Side by side
| Costa Rica | Tulum | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | December to April | November to April |
| Getting there | Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road. | Tulum airport (TQO) is 30 minutes away. Cancún (CUN) is about 1h45 by car. |
| Car needed? | Mostly yes | Mostly yes |
| Activity prices | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Group-friendly activities | 12 of 12 | 11 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 6 | 5 |
| Foodie activities | 3 | 3 |
| Adventure activities | 6 | 5 |
| Full-day trips | 2 | 4 |
| Seasonal activities | 0 | 0 |
| Budget eats on our list | 4 | 5 |
| Currency | Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted. | Mexican peso (MXN). US dollars are often accepted in resort areas at a worse rate. |
| Tipping | A 10% service charge is included on restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers. | Expected: 10 to 15% in restaurants, plus tips for guides, drivers and boat crews. |
| Dinner time | Dinner is early, often from 6 to 9 pm, because the sun sets around 5:30 to 6 pm all year. | Dinner from about 7 to 10 pm. |
Top group activities in Costa Rica
- Rincón de la Vieja day: hot springs, mud bath and waterfall. Hike near an active volcano, paint yourself with volcanic mud and soak in natural hot springs.
- Canopy zip line tour. Fly over the dry forest on a series of zip lines and platforms. Great for groups.
- Group surf lesson in Tamarindo. Beginner-friendly waves and patient instructors. Most people stand up on day one.
- Sunset catamaran with snorkel stop and dinner. Sail the coast, snorkel in a quiet bay and watch the sunset with dinner and drinks on board.
Top group activities in Tulum
- Tulum ruins guided tour at opening time. Beat the heat and crowds at the clifftop Mayan city, then swim at the beach below.
- Cenote hopping: Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote. Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear underground pools. Gear included.
- Cobá ruins by bike with a cenote swim. Cycle jungle paths between pyramids, then cool off in a cenote.
- Sian Ka'an biosphere boat and lazy river float. Mangroves, dolphins and a float through an ancient Mayan canal.
Questions couples ask
Is Costa Rica or Tulum better for a destination wedding?
Choose Costa Rica if you want lots of private group options for friends to book together. Choose Tulum if guests are staying longer and want day trips.
When is the best time for a wedding in Costa Rica and Tulum?
Costa Rica: December to April. Tulum: November to April.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Costa Rica or Tulum?
Costa Rica: Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road. Tulum: Tulum airport (TQO) is 30 minutes away. Cancún (CUN) is about 1h45 by car.
Made your choice?
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