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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Victoria? 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.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Victoria travel costs.

Mazatlan and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Victoria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Victoria is known for its hiking. Victoria is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Mazatlan or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Victoria has a few options to choose from. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Mazatlan or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Victoria Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Victoria does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Victoria Better for Hiking?

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

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Victoria?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Victoria 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.

Victoria has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Mazatlan or Victoria Better for Families?

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

Victoria is a very kid-friendly city. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

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 Victoria Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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 Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Mazatlan or Victoria a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Victoria both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Victoria is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Mazatlan or Victoria. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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 Victoria 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Victoria?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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 Victoria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Victoria. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. Mazatlan is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Victoria. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In the spring, Mazatlan is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Victoria. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Mazatlan