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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Flagstaff?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Flagstaff? 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.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a active, adventurous , and picturesque city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mazatlan and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Flagstaff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Flagstaff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Flagstaff is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Flagstaff is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff?

Mazatlan is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Flagstaff both to be excellent 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.

Flagstaff has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Flagstaff 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.

Flagstaff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is well known for the beach. However, Flagstaff 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.

Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Flagstaff 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.

Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Flagstaff specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Flagstaff?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Flagstaff 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.

Flagstaff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff Better for Families?

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

Flagstaff is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

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 Flagstaff Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Flagstaff make for a good 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.

Flagstaff is a good city for couples to visit. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Flagstaff are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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

Mazatlan is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known 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 mostly limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Mazatlan or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Flagstaff or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Flagstaff. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mazatlan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Flagstaff.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Flagstaff offers food and shopping. 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Flagstaff 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Flagstaff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Flagstaff?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historical city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Flagstaff 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 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Flagstaff?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Flagstaff, 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.