Mazatlán
Mazatlán at a Glance
Mazatlán is located in the northwest Mexican state of Sinaloa, directly at the entrance to the Sea of Cortez. It is an agricultural and industrial area since it is home to the country’s largest tuna canning enterprises.
Its name is derived from the Nahuatl word “Mazatl,” which means “place of deer,” and refers to the route followed by hunters, to track the movements of migrating animals in the area, hundreds of years before the conquest of indigenous tribes by the Spaniards.
Brief overview of the area's history
The port was founded on May 14, 1531 by Spanish expeditionaries sent to the area after the founding of the city of Culiacán. The port had considerable growth when gold and silver deposits were discovered in the mountains, also as a supply, protection and landing point for the Manila Galleon on its trade trips with the Philippine islands. In the mid-twentieth century, Mazatlán was a prominent tourist destination that, compared to Acapulco, Cancun or Los Cabos, manages to maintain that traditional Mexican atmosphere today.
Mazatlán Higlights
Old Mazatlán
This traditional area of town is distinguished by its structures, the most of which were erected in the nineteenth century in a style known as Tropical Neoclassical, Read More
Zona Dorada
Mazatlán´s main destination and where the party begins, varied options for visitors and locals. You will find beaches, activities and sports, golf, hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. Read More
Practice water sports on the different beaches in the area such as windsurfing, Sup paddle boarding, kayaking or if golf is your hobby there is a beautiful 27-hole championship course in the area, with several game variants that you will love.
You will also find that the area is the starting point for boats, to visit the Island of the Deer, the Island of the Birds or Lobos Island.
Las Labradas
Archeological zone located about 60 km from the port, you will find there more than 600 petroglyphs on the beach which are presumed to have been made between 750 to 1150 BC. Read More
The worldview of the ancient inhabitants of the area is reflected in them, as well as their view of marine and terrestrial life of the region. You can tour it on your own, but if you are interested in learning more about the place and the discoveries, we recommend that you go accompanied by a guide. The most impressive stone engravings are: the stingray emerging from the water, a pelican head, a compass and a number of figures that will awaken your imagination. We recommend bringing sunscreen and drinking water. Open from 9 am to 5 pm all year.
Teatro Angela Peralta
This City Theater was erected during the Porfirian era; it opened its doors on February 15th, 1874 as Teatro Rubio, and was officially inaugurated on February 6th, 1881 with the name it still bears today. Read More
An architectural marvel named for the Mexican Nightingale of the time, singer Angela Peralta. Rebuilt twice and inaugurated three times, it was finally completed in 1992, roughly 123 years after the first stone was set.
A building that functioned as a site for revolutionary rallies throughout time and in the heart of the revolution’s convulsive circumstances, years later for boxing contests, and during World War II as a people’s cinema and workshop for the city carnival. Cyclone Olivia wreaked havoc on the building, transforming it into a jumble of ruins with trees tearing down the walls with their roots, until the enclosure’s repair was resumed in 1986, as seen now. A neoclassical jewel with a baroque interior that now hosts a variety of cultural events, recitals, ballet, plays, and opera, as well as a dance school, it is a source of pride for Mazatlán residents and visitors alike.
Archeological Museum
The archeological museum is located in Mazatlan’s historic center and is built in a late-nineteenth-century building with four permanent exhibition galleries Read More
In addition, there is one temporary display hall for conferences and educational activities.
Calle Sixto Ozuna 76, Esq. Venustiano Carranza
Centro Historico
Mazatlan, Sinaloa, C.P 82000
Email: museomazatlan.inah@gmail.com
Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
90 pesos for access
El Faro
This lighthouse was built on the top of the Crestón island and is part of Mazatlan’s cultural and historical heritage. Its origins can be traced back to primitive bonfires. Read More
In 1879 an oil lamp, mirrors, and a fresnel lens were put in place. Years later, in 1905, a rotating lamp with hydrogen-based lighting was installed, which lasted until 1933, when electricity was implemented at the lighthouse. Today, it is outfitted with cutting-edge technology that transforms the lighthouse into a guide for safely arriving at the port.
It is now part of the Faro Mazatlán natural park, with modern adaptations to enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean, cliffs and islands, and the magnificent bay from a cantilevered metal and glass tower.
ALL ABOUT MAZATLÁN
Mexico’s tourism season runs from the beginning of November through the middle of March.
Depending on the style of vacation you seek, keep in mind that there are several weeks during this time period when Mazatlan is also a popular tourist destination for nationals, and you may find the city quite congested.
Since Mazatlán is very close to the Tropic of Cancer, the conditions in the destination can be somewhat extreme depending on which part of the area you visit. Read More
Easter week or Semana Santa is a high tourist season, and we do not recommend booking your stay during that time frame.
In terms of temperature, May to October is the rainy season and the weather becomes much hotter and very humid. The hurricane season in the Pacific officially begins in mid-May and ends in late November, so the weather can change suddenly in these months.
Temperatures fluctuate very little during the year, in the rainy season it is humid and extreme, during the dry season it is warm and cloudy. The average temperature is 90 F during the day and 55 F at night.
The hot season covers the months of June to October, being July the warmest month.
The cold weather season is from December to March, with daytime temperatures of 80 F it does get chilly during the night, but nothing like what you might experience back home so those are good months to consider visiting the town.
The coldest month is January, with temperatures between 70 F during the day and 50 F at night.
When you arrive you will notice that Mazatlan is quite different from destinations like Cancún, Riviera Maya or Los Cabos.
The city has maintained a mixed identity with part of the town being an industrial port, and the old town with its colonial XIX century allure and a very laid back ambiance.
That is not to say that Mazatlan is a dull place; far from it, as the city has kept its charm while modernizing its services and infrastructure to provide every visitor with a diverse range of activities, natural areas, bars, restaurants, and cafes, golf, cultural and sporting events, and fishing tournaments throughout the year, all of which will keep you smiling from ear to ear.
This was the Tourism mega star during the 1930’s and it’s coming back in the XXIst century with a bang!!
Arriving to Mazatlan, Mexico can be done in different ways.
AIRPORT
Traveling to the destination via air is one of the easiest ways, as you will find flights that connect from different hubs in the United States.
When arriving at The General Rafael Buelna International Airport, make your check in immigration. You´ll find a taxi desk or a transport offered by your travel company which will have a sign with the name of the company on it. It will take about 30 minutes to reach the town, which is 20 kms away. Rates will range from 20 to 60usd depending on the area you are going. Please note that transportation is only cash payment.
UBER
The service will be allowed to drop you off at the airport, and services around town. You can also use apps such as DiDi and Bolt.
DRIVING TO MAZATLÁN
Driving down to the state of Sinaloa is something you need to be cautious about, from Arizona it takes about 15 hours and you should only drive during daytime, arrange your papers for temporary importation permit. Transport in town is quite inexpensive so consider using cabs from the hotel and arrange the fair before starting your ride. Also you can take a Sábalo bus, they run from the port to the old town and are very affordable.
FERRY TO MAZATLAN
If you are driving from California and decide to take the ferry from La Paz to Topolobampo or to Mazatlan using BAJA FERRIES it will take you around 7 hours to Topolobampo and around 15 hrs. to Mazatlan. www.bajaferries.com
Mazatlán is a Pacific coast resort with beautiful beaches that draws visitors from all over the world every year to enjoy the best that Mexico has to offer. Mazatlan is a safe place to visit since thousands of tourists enjoy its beauty, flavors, and activities while being treated so graciously by the Mazatlecos. As a tourist site, the authorities place a strong focus on safety, keeping the areas well-policed at all times. Downtown, the Golden Zone, and the beaches are regularly patrolled by security personnel, preventing incidents.
However, as in all regions of the world, employing common sense is essential, and staying out of unknown locations or outside of tourist hotspots is strongly advised.
Mazatlán has the same traditional charm as similar places such as Puerto Vallarta, but with greater history and culture. The irony is that many visitors to this area say it is safer than most cities in their native nations. Remember that as a tourist destination, one should take precautions, such as not handling large sums of cash in plain sight, not wearing very expensive jewelry when visiting beaches or crowded areas, not carrying expensive electronic equipment or leaving it unsupervised on the beach, and exercising caution late at night. Reserve activities, hotels, and transportation in advance or through a reputable source. Mazatlán has four consular representations: Canada, Denmark, the United States, and France.
It is safe to take public transportation in Mazatlán; however, it is recommended that you use on-site cab services or private transfer vehicles from the airport to your accommodation and back.
Don’t forget to take a ride in a “Pulmonia,” the town’s traditional form of transportation.
To avoid service charge differences, take cabs or shuttles from the resorts, and when taking a taxi outside the hotel, agree on a price with the driver before getting in the car. Another secure option is private transportation, which you may order in advance through us.
In Mazatlán, you’ll discover the major international car rental companies, as well as a few local ones; the offer is similar in most of them, with clean, fresh cars. The price gap will be the difference; we encourage making your reservation in advance to get better prices and the model you want. Consider comprehensive auto insurance for all hazards, including liability, when renting a car. Some agencies may run out of automobiles during peak season. Here you will find the most competitive automobile rental rates.
Best Beaches
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Playa el Camarón
Located in the Golden Zone of Mazatlán, Camarón beach is one of the best in the destination, particularly narrow at high tide, this beach has short and strong waves which allows the practice of bodysurfing in a very entertaining way. Read More
Golden sand in conjunction with the beautiful Pacific Ocean, is a place where you can enjoy the day resting or practicing sports and activities. -
Playa Isla Venados
A beauty of nature in the region, this beach can only be visited by boat since it is located on Venados Island. Designated a nature reserve, with crystalline and clear waters ideal for water activities such as swimming or snorkeling.
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Playa Gaviotas
Playa Camarón continues to Las Flores hotel and becomes Playa Gaviotas, at this point it transforms changing the type of sand to a finer consistency, greater depth of the sea, lower slope of the terrain and waves accompanied by a wonderful breeze. Considered the best and most popular beach in the destination.
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Playa Cerritos
Cerritos is located at the northern end of the district. It is one of the most remote but beautiful beaches in the town, it has countless establishments where you can spend the day in a palapa and enjoy an excellent seafood-based meal. It is a rarely frequented beach so, if what you want is space, this is perfect for you. Read More
When the tide is higher, the waves are suitable for surfing or bodyboarding. You will find rock formations that become little calmer pools of water. It is also an excellent place to practice fishing on the beach or in one of the pangas that stop to fish in the area. -
Playa Olas Altas
The best known and most popular beach in the port of Mazatlán, one of the best for practicing surfing during summer. Located where the boardwalk ends, a few steps from the historic center of the port, this was the first touristic beach of the area just after the Second World War, when foreigners began to visit the destination. Read More
It has cafes, restaurants and establishments around it, it is not considered a safe beach for swimming since the waves and currents are stronger than in other locations, but it still a source of pride for the local people and icon of Mazatlán.
Beach Gallery
Photos by: MazatlanMexico Drones, Adrián Ibarra, Discover the World, Travel Drone Blog, Andreas Vega, ViajeFest, Alpha Drones, Jesús Milán, Mariel de Viaje, Israel Plata, Victor por la Ciudad, Sin Postal, William Taudien, Angler Chronicles and other authors.
Nature
Ecosystems
Mazatlán is known worldwide for its natural areas and the incredible opportunity to admire and study migrating birds. One can travel the “Cacaxtla Plateau” or Teacapan which are outside the city, there is also the Estero del Yugo ecological reserve, which is located within the port of Mazatlán very close to the Mazagua water park. The estuary is a combination of fresh and brackish water lagoons, with an approximate area of 27 acres with a fauna and flora that will surprise the most demanding.
The ecosystem is a tropical deciduous forest that has 1.5 miles of trails and elevated roads over the humid parts of the reserve where you can admire more than 200 species of both, endemic and migratory birds, that make the estuary their home at various times of the year. The Estero is also home to a large number of terrestrial and amphibian species like foxes, ocelots, deer, turtles and crocodiles. During some seasons of the year, the conditions of the estuary change and adapt to the environmental conditions, the transformation between seasons will make it difficult to recognize the same place on two different dates. A real gem in the port of Mazatlán !!
Islands Near Mazatlán
Isla de los Venados
One of the most well-known islands in town for its pure and translucent seas, suitable for water sports such as diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding, to mention a few. Read More
You can get there by pangas, kayaking, renting a yacht, or swimming if you are courageous enough. The cost of transportation to the island is between $8 and $15.
Isla de los Pájaros
The Mazatlán Islands Ecological Reserve, established in 1991, includes this island. One of the most pristine islands in the Harbour, going there is like entering another universe; Read More
The island is slightly more than 120 acres in size, largely volcanic, and has an elevation of no more than 400 feet above sea level. It is home to a large colony of seals as well as vast colonies of endemic birds that dwell and hatch on it throughout the year, including pelicans, seagulls, and several duck species.
Isla de los Lobos
This small rock formation is part of The Mazatlán Islands Ecological Reserve, located right behind Isla Los Venados and connected by a beach and rocky road of volcanic origin, is home to various species of birds and mammals.
Mazatlán has all you need for a wonderful holiday, including ocean activities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing and surfing. Try also land activities such as hiking, zip lines, atv’s and buggy tours, adventure sports and golf. Everything you’ll need for a great vacation full of adventure, leisure, or engagement with nature.
Check out our list of activities; we’re confident you’ll find something that meets your needs.
Discover Mazatlán is a fantastic destination!!!
Mazatlán offers a fantastic opportunity for diving enthusiasts; there are two sites that are ideal for this sport, Las Islas and Los Gemelos, where you will find a wide variety of marine fauna coexisting among reefs and volcanic forms.
The island of the birds is one of the best diving locations; the marine fauna lives on the edge of the island’s reef, which has an average temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year; the other location is Isla Venados, whose conditions make it excellent for snorkeling and diving.
Puffer fish, crustaceans of various varieties, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, mollusks, urchins, sea cucumbers, jeweled eels, and stone fish will be seen. Excellent locations to visit.
Mazatlán’s beautiful coastal walkway stretches for 20 kilometers, passing through bars and restaurants, stores, and resorts, it is considered one of the longest in the world and this is also where most of the daytime activities take place, beginning in the Zona Dorada (where the majority of the high-end hotels are located), winding through Old Mazatlán until concluding at Playa Olas Altas. Mazatlecos and visitors alike use this stretch for jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying the sights. During the last week of February The malecon is also the starting point for the legendary Carnaval de Mazatlan, which is one of the most famous in Mexico.
If you wish to visit the Mazatlan island ecological reserve, here is the ideal location to take a boat out and enjoy a beautiful eco experience.
Mazatlan’s gorgeous islands: Isla Lobos, Venados, and Isla Pajaros, stand imposing in front of the city’s historic malecon. An ecological reserve established in 1991 to safeguard migrating and ocean bird species that mostly nest on Isla Pajaro.
Venados is the only one of the three islands where you can disembark for the day as it offers a restaurant, beach rentals and locations to swim and practice fantastic snorkeling.
There are also hiking trails to the top of the island, from which you can enjoy an incredible view over the city and its surroundings.
Fishing
The waters surrounding Mazatlán have some of the best fishing in North America, and various renowned fishing tournaments are held throughout the year, with the most sought-after trophy being the blue marlin, Pez Vela (sailfish), or swordfish. A blue marlin reaching more than 200 pounds is usual on a good day of deep sea fishing.
Dorados, Tuna, Striped Marlin, Wahoos, and Roosterfish are among the other species found throughout the year.
Mazatlan has a multitude of areas for bottom fishing, including multiple wrecks, reefs, and flats. You can rent any sort of fishing vessel, ranging from 28 to 30 foot super or premium pangas or 36 to 40 foot yachts.
Golf
Golf in Mexico is a premium activity, a sport of strategies that unfolds based on the course designer’s vision.
Paseo Palmar S/n hoyo 13, Colonia Marina Mazatlan
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Phone: 669-225-8396 / 669-176-9733
www.golfmarinamazatlan.com
18-hole golf course designed by David Fleming opened in 2009 as a par 72. Course that invites the player of any level to give their maximum effort, this course has wide greens and undulating characteristics, with wonderful vegetation that agrees with the surroundings of the port.
Resort Estrella del Mar
Carretera Barron-Isla de la Piedra km. 10, Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
Phone: 888-587-0609 / 669-915-8320
Email: proshop@estrelladelmar.com
A jewel of design by Robert Trent Jones Jr, it is considered one of the most beautiful courses in Mexico, 18 holes Par -72 with beautiful and impressive vegetation has 7,015 yards.
Recently renovated, it has been home to four events sanctioned by the PGA Tour Latin America, one of the best courses in the destination.
Avenida Camaron Sabalo s/n Fracc. El Cid, 82110
Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
www.elcidgolfandcountryclub.com
El Cid is a 27-hole par -72 course that is host to the Canadian Tour and Mexico PGA tournaments, each 9-hole course has its own identity and challenges that make them a unique experience.
The original course consists of 18 holes and is followed by the Marina with 9 additional and excellent holes.
One of the destination’s most scenic courses was designed by PGA golf legend Lee Treviño in 1999.
It offers those who play on this course a nine-hole challenge no matter their level of play. The course has wide fairways, ponds and canals located around the marina.
A very scenic and demanding 9-hole course for those who play it.
The 7th and 8th holes are the most demanding of the port and played in succession lined with palms and beautiful vegetation that leads you to El Monstruo, a 611-yard par -5 hole rated as the best on the course.
The nine holes of Castilla are considered the most accessible of the three courses, surrounded by beautiful and exuberant vegetation which creates an atmosphere of calm play, a whole experience, its best hole is number 3, a par -3 with ponds. of water on the left side challenging each player to give their best.
Carretera Internacional Km 1195, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82070
Phone: 669-980-1570
Field located south of Mazatlán, 6597 yards par-72 built in 1978 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It is a demanding field that requires the best of those who play it.
Shopping
Mazatlán has a wide range of choices where you can buy everything from a family souvenir to a gorgeous piece of jewelry for that particular someone.
There are shopping centers, such as Galería Mazatlán, which stands out as the best place in the port for luxury brands, as well as places like the municipal market, which has a little bit of everything, and the arts and crafts center, which is located near Plaza Mazatlán and displays artisanal creations. Textiles, jewelry, and wood carvings are also available locally.
If what you are looking for is something with more Mexico style, Onilikan is the right option.
Located in the golden zone, they specialize in the creation of liqueurs and spirits of different flavors and with selected natural products of excellent quality.
Nightlife
Mazatlán is a party town, whether by day or night, the joy of the Mazatlecos is something to be enjoyed no matter the time. After the sun goes down, the golden zone or the marina area has plenty of entertainment; there are good nightclubs, some of which are enormous; entry rates and drinks in the various clubs are affordable; everything depends on the status of the establishment. You’ll also discover pubs with a variety of music genres close or on the beach, where you can enjoy a delicious drink, dance till dawn, or simply stroll down to the shore to take in the scenery. The majority of the clubs are within a few minutes of your hotel, making it quicker, safer, and more convenient to begin bar hopping in the region. Most clubs open their doors on weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays until the wee hours of the morning, usually at 4 AM. Have an amazing time and dance the night away !!!
www.thesandguide.com