A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Tamarindo for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a scenic, laid back, and chill town. Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Tamarindo are both popular with visitors, Playa del Carmen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Tamarindo and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Tamarindo is popular for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Tamarindo can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tamarindo. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Tamarindo has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Tamarindo is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Tamarindo is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

The beaches at Tamarindo attract visitors from all over. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Tamarindo is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Tamarindo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Tamarindo and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Tamarindo. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tamarindo. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Tamarindo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tamarindo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tamarindo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Tamarindo.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

While Tamarindo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are three public bus lines through town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Tamarindo is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Tamarindo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tamarindo or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

In either Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Tamarindo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tamarindo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Tamarindo 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Tamarindo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic town of Tamarindo. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning town of Playa del Carmen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Tamarindo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Tamarindo is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo than you might in Playa del Carmen.

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

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo?

Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Tamarindo. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Tamarindo. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Tamarindo. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen. Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo in the Winter?

Both Tamarindo and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Playa del Carmen is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Tamarindo in the Spring?

Both Tamarindo and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.

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

In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Tamarindo. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Also, June to November in Tamarindo is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Playa del Carmen