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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Columbia? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Columbia travel costs.

Mazatlan and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Columbia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Columbia. Mazatlan is bigger than Columbia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mazatlan is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Mazatlan different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia 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 Columbia?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Columbia has a few options to choose from. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few good snorkeling spots. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for the beach. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its old town. However, Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Columbia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia and Mazatlan.

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.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Columbia.

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.

Columbia offers lots of family activities. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for Couples?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Mazatlan or Columbia a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Columbia. 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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia?

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.

The city of Columbia offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Columbia?

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.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Columbia?

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.

Columbia 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 Columbia?

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.

Columbia 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 city 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Columbia, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Columbia?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Columbia. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Columbia. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Columbia. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Columbia. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches.

Mazatlan is a little warmer than Columbia in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Columbia. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Mazatlan