Mazatlan, additionally generally referred to as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” is one among Mexico’s main vacationer locations, identified greatest for its lovely seashores, implausible landmarks and sights, and hotel-filled coasts. Don’t fear, there’s loads of margaritas and tacos too!
Despite the fact that it’s typically overshadowed by a few of Mexico’s different cities, vacationers who likelihood upon it are stunned by the various enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan. From visiting the outdated Historic Middle to partying with the locals throughout Carnaval to strolling alongside the town has rather a lot to supply on your subsequent bucket record journey.
Table of Contents
1. Take up the Centro Historico/Historic District
What higher technique to begin your Mazatlan journey than on the beating coronary heart of the town, Centro Historico? Standing since 1842, this historic heart has been a witness to Mazatlan’s progress, in addition to present process its personal “revival” through the begin of the twenty first century. The neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures, greatest identified for its historic buildings and aptitude.
Being the heartbeat of the town, you’ll get to grasp and fall in love with it much more when you discover its streets. Artwork galleries, boutiques, eating places (don’t miss dinner at Casa 46!), and historic sights just like the Angela Peralta Theater and Plaza Machado are simply among the many stuff you’ll discover right here.
2. Cross the Baluarte Bridge
Some sights are undoubtedly there to take your breath away, and the Baluarte Bridge does simply that. It’s the highest cable-stayed bridge in Latin America, suspended at 403 meters (1322 ft) above the Baluarte River between the states of Sinaloa and Durango.
This spectacular bridge is a part of the Durango-Mazatlan freeway, a building undertaking connecting Durango and Mazatlan via the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain vary. And whereas the bridge itself is a spectacular sight, particularly from afar, the roads and views resulting in it are simply as splendid. One such highway is the Tunel El Sinaloense, the freeway’s longest tunnel.
3. See Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción
Sightseeing in Mazatlan is rarely full with out a go to to its towering Baroque-Revival-style church, the Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción (Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.) Situated on the metropolis’s historic heart, the church was constructed between 1856 and 1899 and serves as its principal non secular constructing.
When you suppose its exterior is already lovely, you higher head inside. Completely different architectural types, akin to Renaissance and Gothic, give the inside an ethereal, non secular really feel. The town’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, will be seen over the principle altar.
On the entrance of the church is the Plaza Republica, the place you’ll be able to quietly sit down and take within the church’s majestic view and surrounding space.
4. Catch The Ferry To La Paz
These on the lookout for extra issues to do throughout their journey ought to take a look at La Paz. Very like Mazatlan, it’s a vibrant port metropolis alongside the coast of the Gulf of California, a few hundred miles throughout the ocean from Mazatlan. It’s best identified for its laid-back ambiance, world-class seashores, and islands.
Baja Ferries is presently the one ferry firm providing journeys to and from the cities within the space. They cross the ocean thrice every week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), with every journey lasting for about 13 hours. Whereas it’s certainly an extended journey, there are simply sufficient issues to do on the ferry to maintain you occupied, like ingesting/consuming at their bar and restaurant, or watching the sundown of their outside space. In addition they have totally different cabins, however they run out quick, so it’s greatest to e book upfront (ideally per week earlier than).
5. Climb To The Lighthouse (El Faro)
The El Faro Lighthouse is likely one of the metropolis’s basic vacationer sights. It’s the highest lighthouse within the Americas, positioned on the high of Cerro del Creston. And climbing to the highest is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Mazatlan.
The hike uphill consists of climbing a complete of 336 stairs (which will be fairly exhausting,) however all these steps meant one heck of a view when you attain the highest. From right here, you’ll be able to see the shoreline, the town, and the Sierra Madre mountain vary.
As a bonus (and for a small price), you’ll be able to head over to their glass-floored pier referred to as the Mirador de Cristal (which we did!). Speak about a singular bucket record expertise!
6. Go to Deer Island/Isla de Venados
Deer Island is the biggest of three islands discovered close to Mazatlan. It is usually the preferred of the three, identified for its totally different watersports, nice climbing alternatives, and beautiful seashore. You will get right here by boat or by renting one of many native ferry boats the Mazatlecos name an ‘amphibious.’
A number of the actions you’ll be able to get pleasure from right here embody driving a banana boat or kayak, snorkeling inside its crystal-clear waters, or simply basking below the solar by the seashore. When you desire one thing out of the water, you’ll be able to hike up the hill, the place you’ll see the island’s pure magnificence in all its glory.
7. Benefit from the Nightlife
Mazatlan’s nightlife is certainly alive and kicking. And when it’s time to get together, the locals know the right way to get together onerous, so you need to too!
Whether or not or not it’s having fun with some music and grub at Joe’s Oyster Bar, ingesting locally-brewed beers at Cerveceria Tres Islas, or dancing the evening away at Valentino’s, you’ll discover numerous bars and eating places to hop into at their Golden Zone/Zona Dorada district (discovered alongside the coast, north of the town’s historic heart.)
8. Expertise Carnaval
Carnaval de Mazatlan is a centuries-old pre-Lenten carnival celebration in Mazatlan that takes place a few days earlier than the primary day of Lent (Ash Wednesday.) It is usually mentioned to be one of many largest carnivals on the planet, with over 1,000,000 folks becoming a member of in on the celebration every year.
With its colourful parades, brass bands, and carnival royalty coronations (and lots of extra,) it’s undoubtedly one of the vital anticipated occasions in Mazatlan.
9. Discover Plaza Machado
Situated on the coronary heart of Centro Historico, Plaza Machado is one among Mazatlan’s principal squares. It’s best identified for the various vintage buildings and eating places surrounding it, in addition to its native musicians.
In fact, the plaza itself is a scenic one. Completely different bushes and benches dot the place, good for a stroll or sitting down whereas sightseeing/people-watching. Serving as its centerpiece is its lovely iron gazebo, which is usually utilized by native performers.
PS: A few of Mazatlan’s historic sights, just like the Angela Peralta Theater and the Cathedral, are additionally only a stone’s throw away from there.
10. Go On A Huana Coa Cover Journey
Flying over a lush, tropical jungle in a zipline? Adrenaline-filled ATV journey via roads greatest taken? Sure, please! The parents over at Huana Coa Canopy Adventure will take you on a singular and thrilling journey that may make your Mazatlan journey an unforgettable one.
The journey park presents totally different excursions, relying on what you’re within the temper for. The Cover Tour will zip you thru the tree strains with its sequence of (12) platforms, (9) zip strains, a versatile strolling bridge, in addition to a nature trek. The ATV tour takes you up shut with the wild, jungly outside on an ATV, traversing via trails, ranches, the village of La Noria, and a leather-based manufacturing unit.
Can’t determine between the 2? Why not attempt them each on their ATV+Cover Tour? You too can take to the seas aboard a conventional panga or kayak on a Kayak Island Tour. And final however not least, uncover and style Sinaloa-made tequilas on a Viewers Tour on the solely blue agave distillery within the state (additionally included within the Cover and ATV excursions).
11. Go SCUBA Diving
Those that wish to go for some implausible underwater adventures will discover Mazatlan simply the right place to be, particularly with regards to scuba diving. With a various marine life, which embody puffer fish, lobsters, whales, dolphins, and turtles, it can actually be a deal with for the eyes.
A number of the greatest locations for scuba diving embody the islands of Hen (Pajaros), Deer (Venados), and Wolf (Lobos). You too can e book one of many tour operators within the metropolis, like Aqua Sports Center and Mazatlan Tours, who can take you to Mazatlan’s hidden underwater gems and diving spots.
12. Pose on the Mazatlan Signal
There’s no higher technique to commemorate your journey to Mazatlan than placing a pose on the metropolis’s colourful monumental letters. With the attractive sea because the backdrop, it actually is an Instagrammable spot for vacationers.
You could find the signal on the Malecon (a 13ish-mile esplanade, one of many longest on the planet!) close to the Golden Zone and Valentinos constructing. Completely satisfied snapping!
13. Spot a Whale
Whereas the ocean has its fair proportion of gorgeous creatures and sights to see, one mammal that has certainly taken folks’s breath away again and again are its light giants: the whale.
Throughout the months of December to April, large whale pods make their technique to the Gulf of California to breed. Fortunate for us, Mazatlan simply occurs to be alongside the trail of this annual whale migration, so there’s likelihood to identify these large underwater mammals throughout that point.
Tour operators like Onca Explorations are a implausible technique to watch these whales whereas additionally studying some enjoyable information about them on the identical time.
14. Hit the Seashore
Spend a day at one among Mazatlan’s seashores, and also you’ll see why it is likely one of the metropolis’s principal promoting factors. Though they don’t seem to be that well-known, their comparatively unspoiled sandy seashores and azure waters are a welcome shock to guests.
Being within the Pacific, the seashores can vary from family-friendly to adrenaline-rushing (some are a no-no, although,) so that you’ll undoubtedly discover one which fits you. Probably the greatest locations consists of Playa Brujas (Witches Seashore), a surfer’s paradise with nice waves (warning: robust undertow,) scrumptious seafood, and wealthy native lore.
One other favourite is Playa las Gaviotas (Seagulls Seashore), which is a energetic spot with loads of beach-related actions: watersports, seashore events, beach-combing, title it! It’s additionally close to accommodations and eating places, making it an ideal place to remain or catch some grub.
15. Go to the Mazatlan Aquarium/Acuario Mazatlan
The Mazatlan Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlan) is likely one of the largest aquariums in Latin America. Sitting a few minutes away from the shoreline, it showcases what the world’s waters has to supply, that includes 52 tanks with over 250 saltwater and freshwater species like clownfish, octopus, sea turtles, seahorses, stingrays, and extra.
If that’s not wonderful sufficient, the aquarium additionally hosts fowl, sea lion, and diving/feeding reveals (good for folks of all ages!) There’s even a beautiful botanical backyard and aviary the place you’ll be able to see and listen to the birds as you’re taking a breath out of your sightseeing.
The Mazatlan Aquarium can also be nicely on its technique to finishing a bigger and grander aquarium devoted to the Gulf of Mexico (Sea of Cortez) referred to as Acuario Mar de Cortes. It’s anticipated to be accomplished a while in 2023.
Simply to tease you to a few of what this new aquarium has to supply: a viewing semi-tunnel and feeding cage for friends, a big 18-feet excessive window showcasing a recreation of the seafloor referred to as “The Aquarium of the World,” and an interactive house the place you’ll use your 5 senses because the animals do.
16. Play Golf At Estrella del Mar
Look after a spherical or two of golf? Estrella del Mar has obtained you coated. Situated 6.6 miles (10.7 km) from Mazatlan Airport, the resort includes a beautiful 18-hole championship world-class golf course that golfers of all ranges will get pleasure from. Six of the holes are positioned proper off the seashore, including a contact of the ocean as you play. You possibly can take a look at their charges and e book some ‘tee’ time on their web site.
17. Get Marshmallows at Suave’s
Suaves are coconut-covered marshmallows which have made a reputation for themselves because the Candy Pleasure of Mazatlan. Not like common marshmallows, suaves are softer and are usually not as sticky, with a particular coconut taste that’s to die for. You could find these at nearly any store within the metropolis, so that you’ll get your fingers on one very quickly. However that might be too simple, proper? If it’s your first time tasting one, let’s make it a bit extra particular by visiting the place the place all of it started.
The Suave Marshmallow Manufacturing unit (which is definitely a home) is a family-owned enterprise positioned in Centro Historico. It’s run by the Garcia household, who’ve been making these candy treats for greater than 50 years.
Inside, you’ll see how they flip easy, all-natural substances into the yummy marshmallow cherished by the Mazatlecos and vacationers. What’s extra, you should purchase your self a freshly-made pack of suaves to take with you on the highway (or again dwelling, IF you managed to avoid wasting!).
18. Journey in a Pulmonia
First-time guests to Mazatlan will certainly see one thing eye-catching working on the town’s roads. They’re referred to as pulmonias, open-air taxis that are just like golf carts. They arrive in all shapes and designs and are one of many fashionable methods to get across the metropolis whereas cruising with some basic tunes.
As for the fare, it tends to differ from driver to driver. Quick rides price round 100 pesos or decrease, whereas an hour’s value of driving prices at the very least 300+ pesos. rule of thumb is to barter the value with the motive force first earlier than driving.
“P.S. It is usually doable to rent some pulmonias for half/full day journeys, with some providing their very own itineraries and excursions of the town.
19. See A Present At Teatro Angela Peralta
One in every of Mazatlan’s most necessary cultural landmarks, the Teatro Angela Peralta (Angela Peralta Theater) is likely one of the go-to premier venues in Mexico for watching totally different reveals and musical performances from each native and internationally identified artists. It’s named after Angela Peralta, a famend nineteenth century Mexican opera singer generally known as the “Mexican Nightingale.” You could find the theater close to Plaza Machado on the Centro Historico.
The theater boasts a 21,000-square-foot, 1,366 seating capability and excellent acoustics, so you might be certainly in for present. When you occur to catch a present throughout your go to, you’ll want to watch one. It’s completely value it! You too can take a look at their FB page (albeit in Spanish) for any upcoming reveals so you’ll be able to plan forward.
20. Surf At Playa Olas Altas
Playa Olas Altas is likely one of the greatest surf spots to go to in Mazatlan. If its English title has not given it away (which is Excessive Waves Seashore, by the way in which,) it’s identified for its rolling waves that go as much as 6+ toes, particularly through the months of April to October (extremely doubtless in August.) It’s positioned on the Malecon’s southern finish, simply a few blocks from the town’s historic heart.
21. Have Enjoyable at Mazagua Water Park
Mazagua is a water park positioned within the metropolis’s Cerritos space, close to the Lodge Riu Emerald Bay. It options 13 totally different swimming pools and slides that youngsters of all ages will certainly get pleasure from, from twisting loops to a wave pool to a lazy river to even a zipper line.
There are a number of outlets within the water park the place you’ll be able to seize fast bites like tacos, if in case you haven’t introduced any meals with you. Rental inflatable tubes are additionally accessible.
22. Day Journey to El Quelite
Located 21 miles (33.7 km) northwest of Mazatlan is the small, picturesque farming city of El Quelite. I at all times make it some extent to find and discover hidden gems like these every time I go to someplace new, and I used to be fortunate sufficient to find out about this one.
Colourful homes and streets, in addition to boutique arts and crafts galleries, are simply among the issues that may draw you to El Quelite. The meals can also be one thing you shouldn’t miss out on, from contemporary tortillas proper off the press to genuine Mexican delicacies (we ate at Los Laureanos.) There are even chickens working round at your toes!
General, it was a GREAT expertise, and undoubtedly well worth the day journey throughout your Mazatlan journey.
23. Go to Stone Island/Isla de la Piedra
Stone Island (which is definitely an 8.6-mile peninsula) is a brief boat journey from Mazatlan’s Centro Historico. It’s a favourite among the many locals, who like to loosen up on the island with its laid-back ambiance, coconut bushes, seashores, and open-air eating places.
You possibly can spend a day on the seashore having fun with a drink at hand or dipping into the light waves. For one thing extra adventurous, there’s kayaking, horseback driving, and even driving an ATV. There are additionally numerous palapa eating places to select from the place you’ll be able to style conventional dishes like aguachile or contemporary seafood.
24. Go to the El Verde Camacho Turtle Sanctuary
Sea turtles are one of the vital beloved sea creatures on the planet, and there’s a spot a few miles northwest from Mazatlan the place you’ll be able to see these lovely turtles of their pure habitat.
El Verde Camacho Turtle Sanctuary goals to guard the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles and protect their nesting grounds on Mazatlan’s northern seashores. They provide excursions to guests, the place you’ll be able to find out about these sea turtles, in addition to the prospect to see a child turtle launch.
There are additionally different actions like climbing, boat driving, and climbing if you wish to add just a little one thing to your journey.
25. Stroll alongside the Malecon
Mazatlan is understood for a lot of issues, and that features its (roughly) 13-mile esplanade referred to as the Malecon. It runs the size of Mazatlan’s principal bay, and can also be one of many longest seafront walkways on the planet.
The Malecon is at all times buzzing with exercise, from folks strolling the walkway to distributors and eating places promoting scrumptious meals to vacationers visiting a few of its sights just like the Mazatlan Signal and the Monument to the Household. And the sunsets? Merely breathtaking!
26. See a Baseball Recreation
Baseball is likely one of the hottest sports activities in Mazatlan, and the locals don’t have any issues displaying their love and assist for the native baseball crew, the Venados of Mazatlan (Mazatlan Deer.)
You possibly can catch a sport of this skilled baseball crew on the Estadio Teodoro Mariscal through the Mexican Pacific League season (October to December.) The stadium is positioned a number of blocks from the Malecon and Golden Zone.
27. Watch The Cliff Divers
What began out as a guess within the mid-1900s is now a long-standing custom in Mazatlan. A number of instances a day, courageous cliff divers soar off a 50-foot excessive platform on the El Clavadista (formally generally known as Parque Glorieta Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada.)
The waters across the spot can generally go as little as six toes deep, so the divers should time their jumps with the waves. Despite the fact that watching it’s free, they do settle for donations, so don’t neglect to go away a tip!
28. Discover Zona Dorada/Golden Zone
Mazatlan’s Zona Dorada (or Golden Zone) is legendary for its many accommodations and resorts, seashores, and bars/eating places/nightclubs, positioned a few miles north of Centro Historico. An enormous slice of the town’s nightlife may also be discovered right here, so it’s the prime vacation spot for individuals who wish to have enjoyable and get together.
Pancho’s, Cerveceria Tres Islas, and Sea Shell City are simply among the many eating places, bars, and outlets you’ll come throughout right here. Go on just a little little bit of exploring, and also you’ll certainly discover one thing you’ll love.
29. Take the Funicular to Observatorio 1873
Observatorio 1873 was as soon as a army remark put up positioned on the high of Cerro del Vigia. It now serves as Mazatlan’s vacationer attraction, the place you’ll get an inside look of the observatory’s historical past, in addition to expertise a complete record of thrilling actions.
Proper from the get-go, you’ll get the prospect to board a funicular, Sinaloa’s first incline elevator. On the way in which up, you’ll have a style of the implausible views of the panorama.
On the high, you’ll discover the observatory, in addition to a fowl sanctuary, museum, Skybar, and lots of extra. In fact, the views from up excessive merely can’t be beat!
30. Store at Central Market
Mazatlan’s Central Market (also referred to as Mercado Pino Suarez) is the oldest and largest market within the metropolis, positioned north of the Cathedral in Centro Historico. The market is dwelling to over 250 distributors and is the most effective place to expertise the ambiance of a real Mexican market with how busy and energetic it will probably get.
For the reason that 1900s, it has catered to the wants of the folks with its extensive number of gadgets starting from meals (particularly upstairs) to memento gadgets and extra. When you go to right here, you’ll be carrying extra luggage in your manner again dwelling.
31. Pose in Liverpool Alley
The Liverpool Alley on the west/southwest a part of Centro Historico is not only every other alley. In an effort to attract in European guests (and extra vacationers) to its shores, they’ve reworked the place right into a British-inspired vacationer spot.
First off, you’ll see a recreation of The Beatles’ Abbey Street album cowl, full with life-size statues of the quartet and the marked crosswalk. You’ll additionally discover a pink phone sales space, a yellow submarine, and a basic pink British-style automotive.
The place to Keep in Mazatlan
Mazatlan has tons of choices with regards to a calming and fulfilling keep within the metropolis, so there’s actually one that may fit your wants (and your price range!) Listed here are two that I like to recommend:
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan is an all-inclusive resort positioned alongside Mazatlan’s Zona Dorada (and the place I stayed!). Though smaller in comparison with its luxurious sister resort, the place is uniquely enjoyable and enjoyable, the place the resort model’s signature basic appeal meets a refreshingly trendy take that may make your vacation getaway an unforgettable expertise.
There are 9 various kinds of rooms within the resort, seven of which supply scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Getting an ocean view room is value it as a result of the sunsets are completely breathtaking!
Outdoors, they’ve two outside swimming pools you’ll be able to plunge into and revel in a drink on the bars. You’ll even have direct entry to the seashore, the place you’ll be able to go for water actions like browsing and crusing.
Foodwise, you’ll be able to indulge in several culinary types at one among their 5 eating places or decide your poison at two of their bars. For a sublime night of artisanal eating, you may make a dinner reservation and costume up for his or her Casa 46 which is positioned within the historic district.
Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay
If you wish to make your Mazatlan keep an opulent and thrilling one, then Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay gained’t disappoint. This 20-acre resort sits on a personal seashore, positioned a few miles northwest within the Cerritos neighborhood of Mazatlan.
They solely have two varieties of rooms (junior and grasp suites!), however they’re fairly spacious and comfy, with their very own personal balcony overlooking the seashore and ocean. As for the opposite facilities, they take those from their sister resort at Zona Dorada and convey it up a notch: two further bars, a state-of-the-art spa/health heart/salon (I had the BEST facial there!), areas in swimming pools for kids, a lighted tennis courtroom, and a lot extra.
The grounds are merely lovely and ideal for a morning stroll. Strolling via them it’s possible you’ll be fortunate sufficient to bump into some fairly flamingos or their coy pond.
. . .
One in every of Mexico’s high vacationer locations, the issues to do in Mazatlan are plentiful. From beautiful seashores, historic landmarks, and hotel-lined coastlines simply proves that the town deserves being referred to as the “Pearl of the Pacific.”
Who is aware of what different surprises are in retailer for us right here? There’s just one technique to go about it: let your journey to Mazatlan, Mexico aid you discover out!
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