A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Charlottesville for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlottesville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a southern, proud, and traditional university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Mazatlan and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Charlottesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mazatlan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Charlottesville is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mazatlan is more touristy than Charlottesville and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon. Charlottesville is well known for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Mazatlan different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mazatlan has a huge number of terrific 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Charlottesville.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great city for the beach. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great city for its old town. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its historic old town charm.

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.

Charlottesville offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville More Beautiful?

Charlottesville is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Charlottesville.

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.

Charlottesville offers lots of family activities. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Charlottesville make for a notable place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Charlottesville is a good city for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Many 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is a world-class destination for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Mazatlan or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Charlottesville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Charlottesville. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Charlottesville.

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

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

The cultural destination of Mazatlan offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

The city of Mazatlan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Charlottesville 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.

A week in Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mazatlan. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This university town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Charlottesville?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Charlottesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Charlottesville. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Charlottesville. The autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Charlottesville averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Charlottesville. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Charlottesville. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Charlottesville in the Spring?

Both Charlottesville and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Charlottesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Mazatlan