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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Duck?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Duck? 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 historical, cultural, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Duck is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Duck travel costs.

Mazatlan and Duck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Duck?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Duck are popular destinations, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Duck attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mazatlan makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Mazatlan or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Mazatlan or Duck Better for Resorts?

Duck is a popular place for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Duck Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Duck Better for Beaches?

Duck is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Duck Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Duck 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.

Duck does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Duck Better for Hiking?

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

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Duck?

Duck is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Duck is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Mazatlan or Duck More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Duck is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Duck Better for Families?

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

Duck is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck Better for Couples?

Duck is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Duck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Mazatlan or Duck a more walkable city?

Duck is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Duck or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Duck?

Both Mazatlan and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Mazatlan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

Families should spend more time in Duck than Mazatlan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Duck, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

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.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Duck?

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.

Duck 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.

Five days in Mazatlan or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic 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.

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Duck?

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.

Duck is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. This beach 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 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 Duck, we can see that Duck 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 Duck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Duck 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 Duck Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Duck?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Duck, 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 Duck?

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 Duck in the Summer?

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

In July, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Duck during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck 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 Duck. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Duck. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Duck in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Duck. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Duck. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Duck in the Winter?

Both Duck 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 Duck in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Duck can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Duck. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Duck averages at about 41°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Duck during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Duck. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Duck. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Duck and Mazatlan