Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Manaus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manaus or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Manaus 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.
Where Should I go: Manaus or Mazatlan?
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, 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 dayManaus $59Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, 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 Manaus and Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManaus $42Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManaus $84Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Manaus 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: Manaus Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manaus $7.94Mazatlan $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $21
- 24-hour hotel transfer - airport in Manaus: $17
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $16
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35
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 Manaus or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Manaus 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 dayManaus $12Mazatlan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
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.Manaus -Mazatlan $9.59
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $30
- Manaus City Tour e Musa: $50
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
- Half-Day City Tour: $54
- Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $64
- Solimoes River Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching Tour: $66
- Tour to Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls: $70
- Full-Day Package Tour in Presidente Figueiredo : $70
- Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $71
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManaus $2.84Mazatlan $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manaus 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Manaus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manaus Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manaus or Mazatlan?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Manaus 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 Manaus or Mazatlan?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Manaus 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 Manaus or Mazatlan in the Summer?
Both Mazatlan and Manaus during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 27°C (81°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, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin July. Manaus gets 114 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 Manaus. Manaus usually gets more rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyManaus 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Mazatlan. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Manaus is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manaus in April average around 28°C (82°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. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Manaus usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberManaus 28°C (82°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Mazatlan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Mazatlan. Additionally, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Manaus is generally a little warmer than Mazatlanin January. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 28°C (82°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Manaus this time of the year. In the winter, Manaus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlanin January. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.
Manaus usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManaus 28°C (82°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Mazatlan in the Spring?
Both Mazatlan and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months.
Manaus is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during spring. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Manaus. In October, Manaus usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilManaus 29°C (84°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Manaus
| Manaus | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.