A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park? 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 authentic, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Mazatlan and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Death Valley National Park are both popular with visitors, Mazatlan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Mazatlan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Mazatlan is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Death Valley National Park offers a few options. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park?

Mazatlan is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to go 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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Death Valley National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

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 Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Death Valley National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mazatlan is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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 quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mazatlan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this historical destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park offers . 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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Death Valley National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Death Valley National Park?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Mazatlan. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park 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 national park 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Mazatlan and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Death Valley National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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