Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or La Fortuna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna 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: La Fortuna or Mazatlan?
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, 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 dayLa Fortuna $104Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in La Fortuna is $104, 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 La Fortuna and Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Fortuna $51Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Fortuna $102Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in La Fortuna and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in La Fortuna 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: La Fortuna Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Fortuna $21Mazatlan $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $42
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $63
- Arenal lake boat transfer from to Monteverde from La Fortuna: $60
- Costa Rica Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) -Arrival Private Transfer: $189
- Direct Transfer From La Fortuna to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $153
- From La Fortuna/La Palma: Private Transfer to Tamarindo: $280
- From Lake Arenal Kayaking Trip with Transfer: $90
- From Monteverde: 2 Day Hike in Fortuna with Hotel Transfer: $160
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Guapiles: $213
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $187
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Manuel Antonio or Quepos: $320
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
Is it cheaper to fly into La Fortuna or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and La Fortuna 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 dayLa Fortuna $27Mazatlan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
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.La Fortuna $44Mazatlan $9.59
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Two Destinations Tour - La Fortuna Top Destinations : $20
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- Arenal Observatory Trails Admission Ticket: $29
- San Carlos: The Art of Chocolate Making Tour at Don Olivo: $30
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- Private Sloth and Monkey Wildlife Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $30
- arenal fortuna city tour: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Sloth Tour: $30
- Night tour through the Tropical Forest at Tifakara : $32
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 dayLa Fortuna $11Mazatlan $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Fortuna and Mazatlan, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Fortuna is in Central 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna than you might in Mazatlan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Fortuna Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. La Fortuna usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.
Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 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 JulyLa Fortuna 28°C (82°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Mazatlan. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Fortuna in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the autumn, La Fortuna often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. La Fortuna usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 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 OctoberLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Winter?
Both Mazatlan and La Fortuna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, La Fortuna is generally a little warmer than Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. La Fortuna usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 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 JanuaryLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Spring?
Both Mazatlan and La Fortuna during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.
La Fortuna is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. In the spring, La Fortuna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLa Fortuna 29°C (85°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and La Fortuna
| La Fortuna | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.