A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Colorado Springs for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Colorado Springs? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Colorado Springs are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mazatlan is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Mazatlan different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Mazatlan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

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

Mazatlan is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mazatlan makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Colorado Springs.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Mazatlan is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Mazatlan is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly mountain town. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Colorado Springs make for a nice place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Colorado Springs is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mazatlan. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is popular with students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Mazatlan or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs offers nightlife 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Mazatlan. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Colorado Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 mountain 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Colorado Springs, 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 Mazatlan or Colorado Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Colorado Springs. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Mazatlan