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

Should you visit Salvador or Mazatlan?

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

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

Salvador

Salvador is a cultural, historical, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Salvador travel costs.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a authentic, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Salvador and Mazatlan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salvador or Mazatlan?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than Salvador. While Salvador is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Mazatlan is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and historical sights, while Salvador is known for its nightlife. Salvador is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Salvador different from Mazatlan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salvador or Mazatlan.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salvador can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the main sights are found in the historic part of town. In this area you'll find the Museu da Cidade, the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, and the Casa do Benin. There are many ornate churches as well such as the São Francisco and the Carmelite Church.

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 Salvador or Mazatlan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Salvador and Mazatlan can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Salvador is an experience not to be missed. The city has rich African roots that are noticeable in the cuisine around town. Buffets have become popular in restaurants and many places offer a lunch buffet. They range in price and quality and you often pay by the weight. Common dishes include moqueca (seafood stew), vatapá (a type of curry), and acarajé (fried balls of beans and shrimp).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Salvador or Mazatlan Better for Nightlife?

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

Salvador is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to the old city for a mix of local music and authentic Brazilian activities. Further out, along the stretches of beach, you'll find larger music venues and dance clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed throughout the city and you'll find a very local vibe in many neighborhoods.

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 Salvador or Mazatlan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Salvador is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salvador or Mazatlan Better for Beaches?

Both Salvador and Mazatlan have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Salvador. Many of the beaches are sandy with warm water and tidal pools to explore. The most popular beach is Praia Farol da Barra, which can get crowded. North of the city is the more relaxed Praia Farol de Itapuã and if you want to learn to surf, head to Praia da Jaguaribe, which is home to several surfing schools.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Salvador or Mazatlan Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Salvador is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Salvador is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city served as the first Portuguese capital and today it still has colonial architecture and a historic atmosphere. At the historic heart of the city is the Pelourinho neighborhood, which has nice squares and cobblestone streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Salvador or Mazatlan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Mazatlan and Salvador.

Many visitors go to Salvador to go shopping. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Mazatlan. 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 Salvador or Mazatlan Better for Families?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Salvador is not always the best place to visit. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so many families don't plan to spend much time here, but the city has parks, recreational activities like climbing, and a number of kid-friendly museums to explore. There are also many ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants.

Is Salvador or Mazatlan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Salvador frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The historical center is charming and the perfect place to explore as a couple. There are also parks around town and many cultural experiences that visitors truly enjoy.

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 Salvador or Mazatlan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salvador and Mazatlan are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salvador is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the historical architecture and the authenticity that this city offers. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Mazatlan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Salvador or Mazatlan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Salvador and Mazatlan.

You'll find some public transit in Salvador, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.

While Mazatlan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses around town.

Is Salvador or Mazatlan a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Salvador is generally not a very walkable city. While it's possible to walk around town, you should really understand which areas are safe and which parts of town are dangerous. Sometimes the dangerous areas are just a couple of blocks that are surrounded by an otherwise safe neighborhood, so you should really understand where you are before heading out on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mazatlan or Salvador?

How long in Salvador or Mazatlan?

In either Salvador or Mazatlan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than Salvador because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Salvador, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mazatlan.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Salvador. 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.

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

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

The city of Salvador offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Salvador or Mazatlan?

Salvador 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.

Mazatlan 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 Salvador or Mazatlan?

Salvador 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.

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mazatlan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salvador or Mazatlan?

Salvador 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 city offers something for everyone.

Mazatlan 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan than you might in Salvador.

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

Which is Bigger, Salvador or Mazatlan?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Mazatlan?

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

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

In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlanin July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°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 Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. Salvador gets 246 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 Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.

Should I visit Salvador or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

Both Mazatlan and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Salvador for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°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, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin October. Salvador gets 190 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 Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlanin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salvador or Mazatlan in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Salvador is a little warmer than Mazatlan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°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. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.

Should I visit Salvador or Mazatlan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Mazatlan. The beaches are the main draw to Salvador this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In October, Salvador is generally a little warmer than Mazatlanin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°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 Salvador this time of the year. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlanin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Salvador