Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Mazatlan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mazatlan or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mazatlan or Vieques Island? 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.
Where Should I go: Mazatlan or Vieques Island?
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
Vieques Island
Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMazatlan $79Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $79, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mazatlan and Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMazatlan $33Vieques Island $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMazatlan $66Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan or Vieques Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mazatlan $21Vieques Island $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island
Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
- Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Mazatlan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMazatlan $34Vieques Island $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mazatlan $9.59Vieques Island $34
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
- Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
- Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
- Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
- Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
- Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128
Tours and Activities in Vieques Island
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.
- Puerto Rico Guided Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest: $45
- El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
- Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $56
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
- Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
- Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
- Private Tour to the East Side of Puerto Rico: $95
- Snorkeling Tour to Vieques Island: $100
- Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
- Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115
- Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMazatlan $18Vieques Island $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Vieques Island?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?
Mazatlan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mazatlan or Vieques Island in the Summer?
Both Vieques Island and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMazatlan 29°C (83°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Vieques Island. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Vieques Island receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMazatlan 27°C (81°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Vieques Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Vieques Island. The winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
In January, Mazatlan is generally cooler than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.
Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Vieques Island. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMazatlan 20°C (67°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Vieques Island in the Spring?
Both Vieques Island and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Mazatlan is cooler than Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMazatlan 22°C (72°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Mazatlan
| Mazatlan | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.