A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pucon vs. Mazatlan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pucon or Mazatlan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pucon and Mazatlan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Pucon or Mazatlan?

Pucon

A popular hub for adventure tourism, Pucon is a town in the Lake District of the South American nation of Chile. Located on Lake Villarirca with the snowcapped Villarrica volcano looming above and plenty of forested valleys below, the town has become a home base year-round for a full range of outdoor activities.

Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Pucon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pucon is $100, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Pucon and Mazatlan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pucon $43
    Mazatlan $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pucon $86
    Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Pucon and Mazatlan

Looking for a hotel in Pucon or Mazatlan? 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.

Hotels in Pucon


Hotels in Mazatlan


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pucon $19
    Mazatlan $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

  • Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49
  • Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130
  • Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
  • Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
  • Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
  • Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Pucon or Mazatlan?

Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Pucon 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pucon $38
    Mazatlan $34

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pucon $37
    Mazatlan $9.59

Tours and Activities in Pucon

Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hour Rafting Experience in Pucon: $60
  • Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
  • Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93
  • Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
  • Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
  • Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
  • Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
  • Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177

Tours and Activities in Mazatlan

Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
  • Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
  • Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
  • El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
  • Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
  • City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
  • Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
  • Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
  • Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
  • Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
  • Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pucon $27
    Mazatlan $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pucon and Mazatlan, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pucon is in South America and Mazatlan is in North 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 Pucon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pucon 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 Pucon Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pucon or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Pucon 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 Pucon or Mazatlan?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Pucon is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Pucon or Mazatlan in the Summer?

Both Mazatlan and Pucon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pucon is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pucon in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pucon. Pucon usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. Pucon gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In January, Pucon usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin July. Pucon gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Pucon 16°C (61°F) 
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Pucon or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

Both Mazatlan and Pucon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Pucon is generally much colder than Mazatlanin October. Daily temperatures in Pucon average around 11°C (52°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Pucon often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin October. Pucon gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. Pucon usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlanin October. Pucon gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Pucon 11°C (52°F) 
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Pucon or Mazatlan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pucon and Mazatlan. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pucon is much colder than Mazatlan in the winter. The daily temperature in Pucon averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Pucon usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Pucon gets 66 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pucon usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin January. Pucon gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Pucon 7°C (45°F) 
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Pucon or Mazatlan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pucon as well as Mazatlan. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

In the spring, Pucon is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pucon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the spring, Pucon often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin April. Pucon gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pucon usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlanin April. Pucon gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Pucon 11°C (52°F) 
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Pucon

Pucon Mazatlan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Aug 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Sep 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)