A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. El Paso for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mazatlan or El Paso?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or El Paso? 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.

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or El Paso?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Mazatlan different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or El Paso?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

El Paso offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

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

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and El Paso.

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 El Paso has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its beaches. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or El Paso?

Shopping is a popular activity in both El Paso 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.

El Paso has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or El Paso.

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.

El Paso offers lots of family activities. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso Better for Couples?

Mazatlan is very good for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Mazatlan is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options 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.

El Paso is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's little in the area that appeals to backpackers.

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

Mazatlan is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is Mazatlan or El Paso a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than El Paso. 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso?

In Mazatlan, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of El Paso offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or El Paso?

In Mazatlan, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

El Paso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in El Paso, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or El Paso?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mazatlan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

El Paso is a popular choice for travelers. 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 El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

El Paso is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and El Paso, 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.