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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Hood River?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Hood River? 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 cultural, authentic, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Mazatlan and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Hood River?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Hood River, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mazatlan is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Hood River is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hood River is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mazatlan or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Hood River is a great destination to visit. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Hood River?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Hood River both to be high quality 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.

Hood River has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Mazatlan or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Hood River has a few options to choose from. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Mazatlan or Hood River Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few good snorkeling spots. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for the beache. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Hood River Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Hood River?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hood River 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.

Hood River has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Mazatlan or Hood River Better for Families?

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

Hood River is a very kid-friendly town. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Hood River are high quality 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 Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Mazatlan or Hood River a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Hood River?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Hood River 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 Hood River?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Hood River 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 Hood River?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Hood River is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Hood River, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Hood River?

Mazatlan, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River 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 Hood River?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River 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 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 for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Hood River?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Hood River. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Hood River in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hood River averages at about 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Hood River. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hood River can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Hood River. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the natural beauty during these months.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Hood River in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Hood River. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Mazatlan