Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cuenca and Mazatlan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cuenca or Mazatlan?
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
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 Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, 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 Cuenca and Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca 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.
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: Cuenca Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Mazatlan $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Cuenca 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
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Food Meals for one dayCuenca $15Mazatlan $34
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Mazatlan $9.59
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Mazatlan $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cuenca 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cuenca Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca 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 Cuenca or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cuenca or Mazatlan in the Summer?
Both Mazatlan and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Cuenca is cooler than Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In July, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCuenca 22°C (72°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Cuenca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Cuenca is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cuenca in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Cuenca usually gets less rain in October than Mazatlan. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCuenca 12°C (54°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Mazatlan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cuenca is generally much colder than Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 4°C (39°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In January, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCuenca 4°C (39°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Mazatlan. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.
Cuenca is much colder than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Cuenca usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlan. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCuenca 10°C (50°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.