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

Should you visit Fortaleza or Mazatlan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Mazatlan 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.

Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Mazatlan?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Mazatlan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    Mazatlan $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Mazatlan

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $21
    Mazatlan $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
  • Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Mazatlan?

Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $24
    Mazatlan $34

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.
    Fortaleza $15
    Mazatlan $9.59

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
  • One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
  • The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22

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
    Fortaleza $9.97
    Mazatlan $18


When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Fortaleza is in South America and Mazatlan is in North 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 Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Mazatlan?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Mazatlan?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Mazatlan. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlanin July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

Both Mazatlan and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Mazatlan in the Winter?

Both Mazatlan and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Fortaleza is generally a little warmer than Mazatlanin January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Mazatlanin January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Mazatlan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Mazatlan. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

Fortaleza is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Mazatlan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)