A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. La Fortuna for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or La Fortuna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and La Fortuna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tulum travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a stunning, scenic, and popular town. La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Tulum and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or La Fortuna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and La Fortuna are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is famous for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. La Fortuna is famous for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views.

How is Tulum different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Fortuna and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or La Fortuna?

Tulum is renowned for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tulum are among the most recognizable in the world. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Tulum. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Tulum and La Fortuna have fantastic options.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Vacationers flock to La Fortuna for its luxury resorts. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Beaches?

Tulum is renowned for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and La Fortuna are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting La Fortuna. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or La Fortuna?

Tulum is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Tulum is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

Tulum and La Fortuna both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Families?

Both Tulum and La Fortuna are very good to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, La Fortuna is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and La Fortuna are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

La Fortuna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Tulum and La Fortuna are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Many backpackers visit La Fortuna. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Tulum and La Fortuna offer nice public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

La Fortuna has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Tulum or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

Tulum is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable town. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or La Fortuna. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than La Fortuna 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or La Fortuna?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ancient town of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In La Fortuna, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or La Fortuna?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Fortuna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or La Fortuna?

Tulum, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Fortuna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of La Fortuna. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or La Fortuna?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and nightlife around the popular destination of La Fortuna. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Tulum and La Fortuna, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tulum is in North America and La Fortuna is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or La Fortuna?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and La Fortuna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Tulum or La Fortuna?

Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Summer?

Both La Fortuna and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

Both La Fortuna and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.

La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and La Fortuna. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tulum is cooler than La Fortuna in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as La Fortuna. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October. Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Tulum