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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Everglades 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. Everglades National Park is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Mazatlan and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Everglades 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 Everglades National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan is a great city for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


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

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

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

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

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

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades 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.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Everglades 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.

Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Everglades 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 Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park More Beautiful?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park is a beautiful place to visit, too. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Everglades National Park.

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.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.


Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Everglades National Park make for a good 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.

Everglades National Park is a good city for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan and Everglades National Park are great places to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park 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 limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Mazatlan or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Mazatlan
Everglades National Park

Mazatlan is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

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

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Everglades National Park or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Everglades 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 Everglades 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 Everglades 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.


  • How many days in Mazatlan or Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mazatlan 3-5 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

With nightlife and food around the authentic city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The national park of Everglades 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 Everglades National Park?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic destination of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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


Five days in Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural city of Mazatlan, there's plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Everglades 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 Everglades National Park?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Everglades 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Everglades National Park or Mazatlan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Mazatlan Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mazatlan $94
    Everglades National Park $169

The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $94, while the average daily cost in Everglades National Park is $169. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mazatlan and Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mazatlan $29
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mazatlan $58
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan or Everglades National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mazatlan


Hotels in Everglades National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mazatlan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mazatlan $19
    Everglades National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park and Mazatlan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mazatlan $54
    Everglades National Park $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mazatlan $8.67
    Everglades National Park $28

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mazatlan $16
    Everglades National Park $7.86


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



When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Everglades National Park?

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 Everglades National Park in the Summer?

Both Everglades National Park and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Everglades National Park averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Everglades National Park. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Everglades National Park receives 316 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F) 
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Everglades National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Everglades National Park. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Everglades National Park. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Everglades National Park during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Everglades National Park receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Everglades National Park. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F) 
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Everglades National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Everglades National Park. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Everglades National Park. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Everglades National Park receives 243 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Everglades National Park. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F) 
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Everglades National Park in the Spring?

Both Everglades National Park and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Everglades National Park averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Everglades National Park during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Everglades National Park receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Everglades National Park. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F) 
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Everglades National Park and Mazatlan

Mazatlan Everglades National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)