A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florianopolis vs. Mazatlan for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan? 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.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is a scenic, vibrant, and relaxing city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Florianopolis travel costs.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Florianopolis and Mazatlan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Florianopolis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mazatlan is better known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Florianopolis is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and hiking. Florianopolis is well known for its sandy beaches, world-class surfing, and beautiful nature. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Florianopolis different from Mazatlan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Florianopolis. There are a number of science and cultural museums in the area that will introduce you to the region's local wildlife and history.

Is the Food Better in Florianopolis or Mazatlan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Florianopolis and Mazatlan both to be high quality destinations.

Florianopolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Perhaps the most popular local dish is feijoada, which is a stew that's slow cooked in a clay pot. It's a great dish for sharing and it originated in the region's African slave population. Another common food is pão de queijo, which is a dough that is made from cassava root flour. Also make sure you try the seafood, which is available in many restaurants around town.

Dining out in Mazatlan is an experience not to be missed. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Nightlife?

Florianopolis is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Florianopolis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene can vary between peak tourism times and the low season. There are plenty of bars around town that cater to the locals, and you can expect these to be open year round. Alternatively, there are also places that specifically open during the summer months and will close during the off season.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Resorts?

Florianopolis is well known for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Florianopolis is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a wide range of resorts that include everything from 5 star to more budget-friendly. There are also all-inclusive resorts and smaller, more personal places.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florianopolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few good snorkeling spots. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Florianopolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Beaches?

Florianopolis is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Florianopolis. There are miles of beautiful beaches that are popular for surfing. Joaquina Beach is one of the most popular beaches, particularly with surfers, but Mole Beach is quickly catching up in popularity. Campeche Beach is one of the widest and longest stretches of beach on the island.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Florianopolis does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Florianopolis does not have a historic old town.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Hiking?

Florianopolis is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Florianopolis. The island is filled with beautiful jungles, striking beaches, and many dramatic settings that make it a great place to hike. The hikes also vary in length and skill level, so there really is something for everyone.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Florianopolis and Mazatlan.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Florianopolis. You'll find shopping malls and boutique retail shops that make for a great shopping experience.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to go shopping. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Florianopolis or Mazatlan.

Florianopolis is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor activities, sports, beaches, and parks in the city. If your kids like to run around and have fun, you'll find some diverse experiences here.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Florianopolis and Mazatlan make for a notable place to visit.

Florianopolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the beautiful beaches and walking paths in the area. There's impressive natural beauty and a touch of undiscovered charm.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Florianopolis is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not the most popular destination in Brazil, it does have a huge appeal with surfers.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Florianopolis and Mazatlan.

Florianopolis has some public transit options. There are buses around town, including buses that travel between the downtown and the beaches.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

Is Florianopolis or Mazatlan a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Florianopolis is not a walkable destination.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Florianopolis is not a walkable destination. Most people get around the city with a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Florianopolis Worth Visiting? and Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mazatlan or Florianopolis?

How long in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

In either Florianopolis or Mazatlan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than Florianopolis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Florianopolis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mazatlan.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Florianopolis 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

The city of Florianopolis offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Florianopolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Florianopolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the cultural destination of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Florianopolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.

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

Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Mazatlan?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Summer?

Both Mazatlan and Florianopolis during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Florianopolis because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

Florianopolis is cooler than Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin July. Florianopolis gets 198 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Mazatlan. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Florianopolis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Mazatlan. Many travelers come to Florianopolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Mazatlanin January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Mazatlan in the Spring?

Both Mazatlan and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Florianopolis in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months.

Florianopolis is cooler than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Florianopolis