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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a chill, scenic, and laid back town. Tamarindo is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Mazatlan and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Tamarindo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Tamarindo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mazatlan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Tamarindo is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Tamarindo is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Tamarindo is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Tamarindo is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Tamarindo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Tamarindo are very good choices.

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.

Tamarindo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its old town. However, Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Tamarindo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Tamarindo is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tamarindo is a beautiful place to visit, too. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo Better for Families?

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

Tamarindo is a very kid-friendly town. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

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 Tamarindo Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Tamarindo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

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 Tamarindo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Tamarindo are very good 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 Tamarindo. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.

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 Tamarindo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are three public bus lines through town.

Is Mazatlan or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Tamarindo both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Tamarindo is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Tamarindo or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Tamarindo?

In either Mazatlan or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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 town of Tamarindo offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic 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.

Tamarindo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the authentic 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.

Tamarindo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tamarindo, 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 Tamarindo?

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.

Tamarindo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mazatlan is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo?

Mazatlan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Tamarindo. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Tamarindo. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in October than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Winter?

Both Tamarindo and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Mazatlan is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Tamarindo in the Spring?

Both Tamarindo and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.

Mazatlan is cooler than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Tamarindo. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.

Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Mazatlan