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

Should you visit Jaco or Mazatlan?

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

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

Jaco

Jaco is a popular, touristy, and laid back town. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Jaco travel costs.

Mazatlan

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

Jaco and Mazatlan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jaco or Mazatlan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Jaco and Mazatlan are both popular with visitors, Mazatlan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and historical sights, while Jaco is known for its nightlife. Jaco is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Jaco different from Mazatlan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mazatlan can be an interesting and educational experience. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

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

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Jaco or Mazatlan Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Jaco just to party. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

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 Jaco or Mazatlan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Jaco and Mazatlan.

Jaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Is Jaco or Mazatlan Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Jaco. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Is Jaco or Mazatlan Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Jaco does not have a 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.

Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jaco or Mazatlan?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Jaco and Mazatlan.

Jaco has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Mazatlan is a great destination for shopping. 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 Jaco or Mazatlan Better for Families?

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

Jaco is a family-friendly town. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

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 Jaco or Mazatlan Better for Couples?

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

Jaco is a good town for couples to visit. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

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 Jaco or Mazatlan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco and Mazatlan are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

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

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Jaco or Mazatlan a more walkable city?

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

Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Mazatlan or Jaco?

How long in Jaco or Mazatlan?

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

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

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

The town of Jaco offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mazatlan. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jaco or Mazatlan?

Jaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Jaco or Mazatlan?

Jaco is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Mazatlan. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Jaco or Mazatlan?

Jaco is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

The historical city of Mazatlan offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, 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 Jaco and Mazatlan, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco 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 Jaco Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jaco or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco 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 Jaco or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Jaco or Mazatlan in the Summer?

Both Mazatlan and Jaco during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 28°C (82°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Jaco often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. Jaco gets 164 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually gets less rain in July than Mazatlan. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jaco or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.

Jaco is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 27°C (81°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. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Jaco usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to May in Jaco is the dry season. The hurricane season in Jaco is June to October.

Should I visit Jaco or Mazatlan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Mazatlan. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

In the winter, Jaco is a little warmer than Mazatlan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jaco in January average around 27°C (81°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 Jaco this time of the year. In the winter, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Mazatlan. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.

Jaco usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlan. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jaco or Mazatlan in the Spring?

Both Mazatlan and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In April, Jaco is generally a little warmer than Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 29°C (85°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 Jaco. Jaco usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan during spring. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jaco usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco.

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Jaco