A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Aspen? 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a authentic, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Aspen

Aspen is a artsy, outdoorsy, and authentic ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Mazatlan and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Aspen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Mazatlan and Aspen are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Mazatlan is known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Aspen is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas.

How is Mazatlan different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

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

Mazatlan is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

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

Aspen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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 Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is well known for its live music scene. However, Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Resorts?

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

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. 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.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Aspen?

Aspen is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Aspen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Mazatlan does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Aspen is not to be missed. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Mazatlan does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is well known for its Christmas markets. However, Mazatlan does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen offers plenty of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Mazatlan does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Aspen.

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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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 Mazatlan or Aspen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Aspen.

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

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is Mazatlan or Aspen a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Aspen both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Aspen?

In either Mazatlan or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Aspen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Aspen than Mazatlan. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Aspen 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 Mazatlan or Aspen?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this authentic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. 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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen 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.

Five days in Mazatlan or Aspen?

Mazatlan is a fun place to experience. In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aspen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Aspen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Mazatlan. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a great place to explore. 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 ski town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Aspen, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen 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 Mazatlan Expensive? and Is Aspen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Aspen?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Aspen, 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.