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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Fairbanks? 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.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Mazatlan and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Fairbanks 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, and historical sights, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Fairbanks is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Mazatlan different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and Mazatlan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Mazatlan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Fairbanks?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Fairbanks.

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.

Fairbanks offers lots of family activities. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Fairbanks are high quality 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 Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

Mazatlan is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Mazatlan or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks.

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Fairbanks?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Fairbanks?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In the summer, Mazatlan is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. Mazatlan is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Mazatlan is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Mazatlan