A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Merida vs. Mazatlan for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Merida or Mazatlan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Mazatlan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a authentic, historical, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Merida and Mazatlan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Mazatlan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida than Mazatlan, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Merida is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mazatlan is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Merida is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas.

How is Merida different from Mazatlan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Mazatlan?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Mazatlan and Merida.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Mazatlan.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mazatlan makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Merida or Mazatlan Better for Nightlife?

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

Merida is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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 Merida or Mazatlan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Mazatlan Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. 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.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Mazatlan Better for its Old Town?

Merida and Mazatlan both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Mazatlan?

Merida is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Merida is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Merida or Mazatlan Better for Families?

Merida and Mazatlan are both good destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

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.

Is Merida or Mazatlan Better for Couples?

Merida and Mazatlan are both good to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

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.

Is Merida or Mazatlan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Mazatlan are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mazatlan. 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.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Merida and Mazatlan.

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

Is Merida or Mazatlan a more walkable city?

Merida and Mazatlan are very good when it comes to walkability.

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Mazatlan or Merida?

How long in Merida or Mazatlan?

In either Merida or Mazatlan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mazatlan.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Merida. 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.

One day in Merida or Mazatlan?

The city of Merida offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Mazatlan?

Merida 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Mazatlan?

Merida 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Mazatlan?

Merida is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Mazatlan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Merida and Mazatlan, we can see that Merida is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Mazatlan?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Mazatlan, 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 Merida or Mazatlan?

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 Merida or Mazatlan in the Summer?

Both Mazatlan and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Mazatlan. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Mazatlan. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Mazatlan. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.

Merida is cooler than Mazatlan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Mazatlan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Mazatlan. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

In the winter, Merida is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets more rain in January than Mazatlan. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Mazatlan in the Spring?

Both Mazatlan and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In April, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Merida