A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Mazatlan vs. Ensenada for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mazatlan or Ensenada?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Ensenada? 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ensenada travel costs.

Mazatlan and Ensenada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Ensenada?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Ensenada. Mazatlan is bigger than Ensenada, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ensenada is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Ensenada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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 Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Ensenada both to be high quality destinations.

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.

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great destination for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its old town. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Ensenada?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ensenada 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.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Ensenada.

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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Is Mazatlan or Ensenada a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Ensenada both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Ensenada is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ensenada or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Ensenada?

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

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

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 Ensenada offers food and shopping. 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 Ensenada?

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.

Ensenada 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 Ensenada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Ensenada?

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.

Ensenada 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 Ensenada?

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.

Ensenada 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 Luxury Tours to Mexico, and The Best Budget Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Ensenada, we can see that Ensenada 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 Ensenada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ensenada 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 Ensenada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Ensenada?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Ensenada, 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.