Mexico vs Costa Rica For Your Next Vacation

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I get asked quite often which country do I perfer the most.  “Mexico vs Costa Rica along with how safe is Costa Rica or Mexico for your next vacation.

If you have decided to travel to Central America for your next vacation, but can’t decide if you should explore Mexico or Costa Rica I am here to provide you with the pros and cons of visiting each country along with which country is my favorite and why.

Are you wondering is it safe to travel to Mexico right now or is Costa Rica safe? 

Both Mexico and Costa Rica have a lot to offer in terms of authentic cuisine, attractions, beaches, and a ton of upscale boutique hotels. 

Mexico is a hop, skip and a jump from any major U.S. city with more than 30 million Americans visiting  Mexico last year.

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, rowdy spring breakers, luxury resorts, a fluctuating currency, and even the long-running drug war with the cartel.  

Costa Rica, on the other hand, is a bit farther away from the United States but all the major airlines offer low-cost flights to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica might be smaller than Mexico, but Costa Rica is just as diverse and includes gorgeous beaches, volcanos, rain forests, jungles, bird watching, insect, plant and animals not seen than anywhere else in the world. 

While the Mexican resort towns of Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Tulum are filled with Spring Breakers, Costa Rica on the other hand offers a more relaxed, family-friendly environment and is great for couples and solo travel.

When deciding whether to visit Costa Rica or Mexico you first have to decide what it is you love to do, who you are traveling with and do you want a party scene or more of an adult and laid back atmosphere.

Mexico vs Costa Rica – (Costa Rica)

Costa Rica ranges from tiny surf towns on the Pacific to the busy capital of San Jose while Mexico is the party capital of Latin America. 

I perfer Costa Rica over Mexico because the water is safe to drink, and the country has some of the best healthcare facilities in the world so I don’t worry about what will happen if I get sick while traveling.

Costa Rica is famously located in the “blue zone” where people live longer and they are healthier than most people anywhere else in the world.

I love Mexico and I travel there annually because there is so much natural beauty.  If you prefer to lay out  on the beach, hike a waterfall or kayak down a river you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

For me it really comes down to my mood and what I am looking to get out of my vacation when deciding whether I am traveling to Costa Rica or Mexico.

When considering which country is the best fit for your next vacation consider cost of flights hotels, and the language barrier. 

Let’s take a look at the two countries and compare Mexico vs Costa Rica to see what each country has to offer.

Why Vacation In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as the “happiest country on earth”. Costa Ricans live a peaceful and nearly conflict-free lifestyle embodied in the local phrase “Pura Vida!” meaning Pure Life!

Costa Rica also has one great advantage that you just can’t find in Mexico – world-class surfing!

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is home to some of the best surf sites in the world with huge swells and long breaks that are ideal for surfers of all ability and experience levels.

Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has made a name for itself as the adventure capital of Central America thanks to its rainforest hikes, volcanoes, zip-lining, and ATV-ing but lets not forget about the stunning beaches in Costa Rica. 

I’ve rounded up seven of Costa Rica’s best beaches. With sun-kissed sands and turquoise waves, these not-to-be-missed beaches effortlessly embrace the pura vida lifestyle.

1. Playa Conchal
2. Playa Manzanillo
3. Nosara
4. Playa Montezuma
5. Costa Ballena
6. Tamarindo
7. Manuel Antonio

Is Costa Rica Safe?

Costa Rica does have some crime but it is very minimal unlike Mexico which is known for its crime even if it is unwarranted and over-exaggerated by the U.S. Media. 

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America whether you are traveling solo, with your kids, girlfriends or your significant other – it’s one of the safest Central American destinations you can explore.

Costa Rica Travel Advisory

Costa Rica – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica.

The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

If you decide to travel to Costa Rica:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Costa Rica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Costa Rica or Mexico – (Mexico)

Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America behind Brazil and Argentina and a population of 106 million people so you must be asking yourself is it safe to travel to Mexico right now.

The people of Mexico are warm and friendly, and I have always felt welcomed on there while vacationing. Mexico is a country rich in cultural history, ancient traditions and customs as they are of progressing in the world.

The legacy of the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs can be seen in over 60 surviving languages spoken today. Furthermore, the architecture and art found in most major cities will help you to see Mexico in a whole new light.

While Mexico is a great country, it comes with major issues including  feuding drug cartels, rising crime rates, and growing unemployment.

I am not sure if the crime rates are overblown by the U.S. government because I have not once encountered any kind of crime while exploring Mexico.

Each region in Mexico has its own distinct flavors and techniques that make its cuisine one of the most varied in the world.

Mexican cuisine is distinctive and one of a kind and in fact, it’s so delicious that it is the first cuisine to receive World Heritage status from UNESCO.

Why Vacation in Mexico

Mexico is one of the top 5 most biologically diverse countries in the world, boasting around 1,500 mammals, amphibian and reptile species, 1,000 bird species, and 30,000 different plant species.

You will also find whale sharks, grey whales, and monarch butterflies all who end their yearly journey in Mexico.

If you decide to vacation in Mexico there will be plenty of opportunities to see some of the most beautiful animals include whale watching and swimming with dolphins.

When To Go To Mexico

Where To Stay in Mexico

Some of Mexico’s beach destinations have gain popularity once college students begun to descend upong the resort towns for spring annually.

These popular vacation spots in Mexico offer powdery sand and crystalline water along with an abundance of tourist amenities and attractions.

A few places worth checking out for your next trip to Mexico are the following: Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun and Secrets Vallarta Bay, Puerto Vallarta

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Enjoying the serene waters of an early Mayakoba morning. How many of you are early risers?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #rwmayakoba #rosewoodmayakoba #rosewoodhotels #rwjourneys #rosewoodmayakobavacation #asenseofmayakoba #asenseofplace #playadelcarmen #rivieramaya #mayakoba #paradise #luxury #travel #travelgram #resort #hotel #igers #instagood

A post shared by Rosewood Mayakoba (@rwmayakoba) on Apr 3, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

Best Beaches in Mexico

With its 6,000 miles of coastline Mexico is one of the most popular beach destinations for both families and couples alike.

If you look beyound Cabo and Cancún, there are tons of less crowded and beautiful stretches of beaches that have not been spoiled by spring breakers. 

Here, my seven favorite beaches south of the border.

1. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
2. Playa San Agustin, Oaxaca
3. Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
4. La Paz, Baja California Sur
5. Troncones, Guerrero
6. Playa de Akumal, Quintana Roo
7. Xcalak, Costa Maya

Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico Right Now?

When my readers ask me if Mexico is a safe, my response is a resounding yes!

Safety is something you should be concerned about no matter the destination.  Despite what the media is  reporting, thousands of people travel to Mexico without anything bad happening to them. 

While Mexico does suffer from high crime and homicide rates which are linked to the drug trade — most areas of Mexico are safe to visit, even for women traveling solo throughout the country. 

While these are isolated incidents I believe for the most part Mexico is safe but you must use common sense when traveling to any foreign country. 

I can’t guarantee that nothing will happen but I also can’t guarantee you won’t get robbed as you are leaving your home but it doesn’t stop you from running errands, going to work, shopping or just hanging out.  

My experience with Mexico has been nothing but pleasant.  The people are friendly, family oriented, very religious and completely willing help and answer questions therefore I believe Mexico is safe.

Mexico Travel Advisory

Mexico – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or significantly restricted.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state due to crime.
• Guerrero state due to crime.
• Michoacán state due to crime.
• Sinaloa state due to crime.
• Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.

Reconsider Travel To:

• Chihuahua state due to crime.
• Coahuila state due to crime.
• Durango state due to crime.
• Jalisco state due to crime.
• Mexico state due to crime.
• Morelos state due to crime.
• Nayarit state due to crime.
• Nuevo Leon state due to crime.
• San Luis Potosi state due to crime.
• Sonora state due to crime.
• Zacatecas state due to crime.

For detailed information on all states in Mexico, please see below.

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep your traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

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