A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Fortuna vs. Mazatlan for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for La Fortuna and Mazatlan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a scenic, popular, and stunning town. The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Mazatlan

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

La Fortuna and Mazatlan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Fortuna than Mazatlan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Fortuna is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. La Fortuna is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. Also, La Fortuna is famous for Arenal Volcano. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas.

How is La Fortuna different from Mazatlan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan is notable for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

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

Mazatlan is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both La Fortuna and Mazatlan.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mazatlan. 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, La Fortuna is a great choice. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is notable for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is notable for its old town. However, La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around La Fortuna. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Families?

La Fortuna is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

La Fortuna is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

La Fortuna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Mazatlan is a good town 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Fortuna and Mazatlan are superb destinations for backpackers.

La Fortuna is a great town to visit for backpackers. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both La Fortuna and Mazatlan offer notable public transit options.

La Fortuna has a few public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

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

Is La Fortuna or Mazatlan a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable town. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Mazatlan or La Fortuna?

How long in La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

In either La Fortuna or Mazatlan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than La Fortuna because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Fortuna, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mazatlan.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than La Fortuna. 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 La Fortuna. 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 La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

The beautiful town of La Fortuna offers food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

La Fortuna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Fortuna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

La Fortuna 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

La Fortuna is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna or Mazatlan?

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

Should I visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. La Fortuna usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Mazatlan. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Fortuna in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the autumn, La Fortuna often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. La Fortuna usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November.

Should I visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Winter?

Both Mazatlan and La Fortuna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, La Fortuna is generally a little warmer than Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. La Fortuna usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Fortuna or Mazatlan in the Spring?

Both Mazatlan and La Fortuna during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.

La Fortuna is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. In the spring, La Fortuna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.

La Fortuna usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlan. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna.

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and La Fortuna