A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Beaver Creek? 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 historical, cultural, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Mazatlan and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Beaver Creek attracts visitors for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

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

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Beaver Creek?

Mazatlan is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mazatlan can be an interesting and educational experience. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not so good for its theatre productions. However, Mazatlan is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Mazatlan is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Beaver Creek both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. 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.

Beaver Creek has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great city for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. 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.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great city for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Beaver Creek?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaver Creek and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. 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 Mazatlan or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Beaver Creek frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Mazatlan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek.

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 Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Mazatlan or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Beaver Creek?

Both Mazatlan and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Mazatlan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Beaver Creek offers skiing and food. 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 Beaver Creek?

Mazatlan is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Beaver Creek is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Beaver Creek?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this authentic destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaver Creek, 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 Beaver Creek?

Mazatlan is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. This 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Expensive?.