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.

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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

which lends appeal to its buildings and squares. The area has regained its luster thanks to a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative that has revitalized the attractiveness and charm of Olas Altas beach. Here you can Enjoy the city’s retro cafes, restaurants, taverns, and galleries.

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

that include more than 200 representative objects of this land’s ancient prehispanic tribes, ceramics, tools and weaponry, and burial offerings are on display.
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

Best Beaches

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

A natural wonder that allows you to unwind and enjoy yourself with family and friends.
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

since access is restricted due to human impact on the ecosystem, it has been preserved as an unspoiled refuge, where wonderful bird sightings can be enjoyed.
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.

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 !!!