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

Should you visit Salto or Mazatlan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto 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.

Where Should I go: Salto or Mazatlan?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

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 Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Salto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, 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 Salto and Mazatlan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    Mazatlan $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Salto and Mazatlan

Looking for a hotel in Salto 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 Salto


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    Mazatlan $21

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 Salto or Mazatlan?

Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Salto 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
    Salto $25
    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.
    Salto $18
    Mazatlan $9.59

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
    Salto $13
    Mazatlan $18


When comparing the travel costs between Salto and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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. Even though Salto is in South America and Mazatlan is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Salto or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto 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 Salto or Mazatlan?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Salto 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 Salto or Mazatlan in the Summer?

Both Mazatlan and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Salto is generally cooler than Mazatlanin July. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 25°C (77°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. Salto gets 262 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. It's quite rainy in Salto. In January, Salto usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Salto or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

Both Mazatlan and Salto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.

Salto is cooler than Mazatlan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Salto often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin October. Salto gets 182 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 Salto. Salto usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlanin October. Salto gets 131 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
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salto or Mazatlan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and Mazatlan. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

In the winter, Salto is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salto in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Salto usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Salto gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Salto usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Salto or Mazatlan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salto as well as Mazatlan. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In October, Salto is generally cooler than Mazatlanin April. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 18°C (64°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salto this time of the year. In the spring, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlanin April. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Salto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salto usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlanin April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Salto

Salto Mazatlan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)