A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Colonia del Sacramento vs. Mazatlan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Mazatlan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan?

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Colonia del Sacramento?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Colonia del Sacramento and Mazatlan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Mazatlan $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Mazatlan

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento


Hotels in Mazatlan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Mazatlan $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento

Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
  • Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
  • Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
  • Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
  • Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236

Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan?

Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Colonia del Sacramento change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $19
    Mazatlan $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento

For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.

  • Mercado walking food tour: $78
  • Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
  • Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Mazatlan $9.59

Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento

For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $15
  • Goup Walking Tour - Spanish Only: $18
  • Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
  • Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
  • Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
  • Winery tour with shared transport and tasting included: $38
  • Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
  • Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $72

Tours and Activities in Mazatlan

Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Barrio Bites tour: $78
  • Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
  • BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
  • Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
  • City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
  • From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
  • Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
  • Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
  • Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
  • Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
  • Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
  • Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    Mazatlan $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South America and Mazatlan is in North 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 Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan than you might in Colonia del Sacramento.

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


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Mazatlan, 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Colonia del Sacramento is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan in the Summer?

Both Mazatlan and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Mazatlan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Mazatlanin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Mazatlan. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Mazatlanin October. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Mazatlan. Additionally, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Mazatlan in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.

Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Mazatlan in the Spring?

Both Mazatlan and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Mazatlan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Mazatlan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)