Why to visit MAZATLAN instead of CANCUN

Cancun is by far the most popular vacation destination in Mexico, but it´s not the best. This is why you should consider Mazatlan instead of Cancun.

First, your Mexico vacation is going to be so much more affordable when visiting Mazatlan. By switching destinations, with all the money you are saving, you might be able to take 3 Mexico vacations per year instead of just one.

But, the benefits of heading over to the west coast of Mexico don´t end there. Watch this video to learn all of the reasons why there are much better choices for a Mexico vacation than Cancun.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ABOUT ME
I'm Jordan, an American living in Mexico with my Husky, Laska. In January of 2018 I left the US to start traveling Mexico. Since then, I've been making travel videos about my life in Mexico, travel tips, Las Vegas tips videos, and advice for those considering moving abroad.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tangerine Travels perks & apparel!

Things I mention in my videos!

Follow me on social media!
► INSTAGRAM: tangerinetravelsjordan

We ONLY include affiliate links for products we use, love, and trust. If you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us continue our travels and produce more videos.

#Mexico #Cancun #Mazatlan

[gtoify]

My wife and I lived in Mazatlan for 8 years, your videos bring back many good memories. If you get a chance, just give us a tour of the city etc. If we weren't so old and out of money and if we could get one of our grand kids to go with us, we would move back to Mazatlan in a minute.

[afaves]

I haven’t even started this yet and I am already loving it. Leaving in two weeks for MZT and cannot wait!!! It is my favorite resort town by far!! Thanks for the content!

[dangmannn]

I prefer the west coast to the east. Something about the afternoon sun (and the sun set!) that gives it such a good atmosphere and aesthetic. Also feels much more Mexican and chill.

[anainmazatlan]

I'm so glad that you finally made it back to Mazatlan! I moved here on my own from Canada 12 years ago and have never regretted it once. Mazatlan is a great and diverse community welcoming to everyone. And yes, while prices are significantly cheaper than the East side, those of us that live here full time have really felt the changes being brought about with the construction boom going on. Some good and others not so good. But that's progress I suppose!
If you're still here, make sure you don't miss a visit to La Isla de la Piedra. Even better beaches than in the tourist zone.

[safari]

I really like your style of narrating the comparison between both cities, you are pleasant and concise. You researched thoroughly. Very good job.

[gloryrich]

Great video Jordan. I agree 100% we lived in Playa del Carmen for 5 years and still own a home there. But we now live in the central highlands. I just went back and I was so anxious about using taxis. I despise them and always have. We got tired of being on high alert constantly.

[cj]

Drove down from Canada a couple months ago, I stayed in Mazatlan for 5 days on the way down. People were so friendly there and I loved the food as well. I’m in Lake Chapala now and the people here are not that friendly and seem to have a hate on for gringos. I came here to get my temp residency card process done and then I think I will head back to Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta. I miss the ocean and being able to walk on the beach everyday. Lake Chapala isn’t what I thought it would be. Kind of disappointing.

[vilee]

I had a layover in Cancun last year and I needed to get to another terminal in a hurry. The taxi guide tried to charge me 600 pesos just to go to another terminal that was a 5 min drive! I turned and started to walk away then he dropped the price to 300 (still a ripoff but I was in a bind). They print the prices on a laminated piece of paper to make is seem legit but it's still a scam. Going to Mazatlan in a couple weeks. Can't wait!

[brucesanborn]

Very good information. I spent a month in Cancun and a month in Mazatlan in 2022 in Air B and B’s!!! I now live in Mazatlan! I love it there!!!

[troy]

I'm glad you are traveling again. I like the Mexico travel videos the best.

[gretchenlutz]

I live in the Riviera Maya (I know you did too) and I so miss how it all was 10 to 15 years ago! Thank you for this video as I think it is important that people know that it is not "cheap" down here anymore. With the exponential growth and popularity of these cities (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum) it has also increased the amount of scams, drugs, robberies, shootings. Its a beautiful part of the world and my husband was born and raised here and it will always be "home." But the aggression and numbers of the taxi mafia, and how much the tourists are lied to and overcharged (by 100's of dollars!) quite honestly is so embarrassing. You have sold me on a trip to Mazatlan!

[derekstephens]

Great video! Information was spot on for future expats. Keep us in the loop my friend. Thx for sharing. Free Agent From Washington DC

[mannyljr]

I am so happy to see you finally make it to Mazatlan. I have lived here since 2016, originally from San Diego, California. I moved here after my divorce to live and restart my life. It is so inexpensive here compared to San Diego and the other main tourist areas of Mexico, like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. The main reason I believe here is so I inexpensive to other resort areas, is that here they cater to the Mexican tourist, who is very budget conscious. They normally arrive on bus tours, so that is one of the reasons for the disparity in traffic at the airport. If you are still in town, I suggest visiting one of the palapas on the beach for some of the freshest seafood anywhere. If you like craft beer, there is Cerveceria Navegante on the malecón or Cerveceria Tres Islas near the cruise ship pier or Bichola in Zona Dorada.

[JM-iged]

Great comparison and good tips - thanks. I went to Mazatlan many years ago and have good memories of it.

[r.c.salyer]

Oh we have all forgotten one of the main reasons that MAZ. feels so different, THE PEOPLE! The Sinaloan people are known to be a little bit crazy and wild fun loving people, unlike anywhere else in Mexico. They used to introduce you to that crazyness at Sr. Frogs years ago. The Sinaloans bring partying to whole new level! I salute them!

[no_soy_rubio]

Superb video! I've been in Mexico the last 4 months and Cancún is my least favourite place in the country (I even made a video about it) whereas I loved Mazatlán! Such a fun town, and so much less artificial and expensive than the Riviera Maya.

[doingtime]

May estaba viendo su stream pero ahí ya no se posible comentar, un consejo, te justificas demasiado con los haters, simplemente no hagas caso. Cuando tienes una audiencia suficientemente grande hay un número de gente que simplemente te va a cuestionar todo, o de plano te va a criticar cada pequeña cosa que haces. No importa cuanto te justififiques o cuantas veces les pidas que no lo hagan, van a seguir, especialmente si se dan cuenta que captan tu atención. Cuando sientas que necesitas justificar o explicar algo hazlo corto y hazlo una sola vez, no es necesario más. Recuerda tu (y Jordan) son los que tienen el control. Saludos.

[DaisysWorld]

Excellent video! I won't visit the Riviera Maya due to the Sargasso problem. It damn near ruined my month-long stay last May and we were forced to visit Cozumel and Isla Mujeres to find clean Beaches. Mazatlan here I come!

[b]

Thx for your info. We usually travel to Playa and Holbox but decided to try Mazatlan for the 1st time. W

e are here now since January and I can tell you we are impressed! once you settle in and get used to the different climate and what the area has to offer you will be Happy. Oh and I didn't mention the Shrimp Ladies experience> Seafood and prices are Fantastic. Keep up the good work we enjoy your videos!

[mariobruyere]

Thanks for the video. Another great thing about Mazatlan is that it has a charming centro historico, and it feels much more Mexican than Cancun, which I like to compare as the Mexican version of Miami Beach.