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Mazatlan travel information.
Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mazatlán is situated
on Mexico’s northern Pacific coast in the state of Sinaloa.
Visitors to Mazatlán appreciate the chance to experience a
flourishing seaport, as well as authentic Mexican culture.
Mazatlecos love the opportunity to share their heritage,
traditions and pride in their jewel on the Mexican Gold Coast.
Mazatlán provides a wide range of options for visitors. Take a
stroll around Old Mazatlán (Centro) with its colorful colonial-style
architecture, stop at an outdoor café for a fresh limonada, or
hike up to Cerro de Vigia (Lookout Hill) for an unforgettable
view.
Just 745 miles south of the Arizona border, Mazatlán is the
closest major Mexican resort to the United States. Mazatlán is
an ideal, affordable vacation choice with endless possibilities:
aquatic sports, kid activities, fishing, bird-watching, golf,
tennis, horseback riding, fine dining, shopping and nightlife.
With seven major airlines and numerous charter flights serving
Mazatlán daily, it’s easy to plan a vacation in Mazatlán. Well-established
ground transportation, including buses, taxis and rental cars,
enable visitors to relax as soon as they arrive.
Airlines
Please contact individual airlines, tour operators or your
travel agent for the most current information regarding air
travel to Mazatlán.
History
For thousands of years prior to the first Spanish arrival, the
Native Americans Nahua Tribes migrated through this region they
called "land of the deer" after the herds that once migrated
along the beautiful countryside. In the early 16th century, the
Spaniards founded this port, which gained prominence due to the
nearby gold and silver mines of Rosario, Copala and Panuco.
Frequent pirate attacks stifled early development. The pirates
disappeared by 1800, but legends of buried treasures in the
caves along the coast still circulate today. In the 1840s,
hordes of American settlers passed through Mazatlán on their way
to the gold fields of California. By the end of the 19th century,
Mazatlán was a thriving international seaport, leveraging its
natural resources to trade with countries as far away as China
and Japan. In the 1940s, Hollywood discovered Mazatlán and
visitors flocked to the Mexican Riviera. Mazatlán’s luxury
accommodations and diverse vacation options continue to attract
visitors from all over the world.
Past visitors will tell you that the best way to soak up its
rich history is to stroll through Old Mazatlán’s winding streets
and plazas, pass by its colonial mansions and visit its renowned
landmarks and attractions.
Mazatlán’s diverse accommodations are designed with you in mind.
Newlyweds, families and seasoned beachgoers alike feel at home
in Mazatlán’s luxury resorts, villas, vacation rentals and beach
hotels.
Your only problem in Mazatlán is figuring out how to fit in all
of the fun things to do. From fishing, sailing, surfing,
parasailing and kayaking to shopping, fine dining and dancing,
Mazatlán provides something for everyone to enjoy
Your only problem in Mazatlán is figuring out how to fit in all
of the fun things to do. From fishing, sailing, surfing,
parasailing and kayaking to shopping, fine dining and dancing,
Mazatlán provides something for everyone to enjoy
Mazatlán’s seaport sits at the juncture of the Pacific and the
Sea of Cortes, forming what has been called the world’s greatest
natural fish trap. Fishermen from around the globe refer to
Mazatlán as the billfish capital of the world. Mazatlán is the
best place on the planet to catch swordfish, marlin, sailfish,
mahi–mahi, tuna and wahoo.
Sailfish typically run from March to December, blue/black marlin
from May to December and swordfish/striped marlin from December
through April. Our experienced crews specialize in practical
conservation methods
When you arrive in Mazatlán, be prepared for endless fun on the
beach. Try parasailing for a unique view of the city or sail to
a neighboring island for a change of pace. No matter what your
preference, from SCUBA diving, sailing to kayaking and jet
skiing, our resorts are poised to meet your needs. Mazatlán is
famous for its magnificent waves and even hosts an international
surfing tournament each year at Playa Bruja, just north of the
city
Mazatlán is a fantastic destination for visitors interested in
conservation. Highlights include bird watching hikes Sierra
Madre Mountains and kayak adventures through mangrove–lined
coastal flats. Tours are offered to the El Verde Sea Turtle
Conservation Center, as well as to Teacapán, El Caimanero and
Stone Island. The adventurous visitor may want to take a jungle
tour of San Blas or Guayabitos for the chance to come face to
face with a crocodile or iguana
After a long, relaxing day on the beach, it’s time to hit the
vast selection of contemporary clubs, bars and lounges that
Mazatlán’s nightlife offers. Pick one of these establishments to
visit during your vacation to see why it’s a favorite in
Mazatlán:
•Bali Hai
•Bora Bora
•Canta Bar
•El Caracol Tango Palace
•Tequila’s Sport Bar & Restaurant
•The Lobby Bar
•Mikonos
•Valentino
•Seõr Frog's
•Mambo Café
•Caracol
•Sumbawa Beach Club
•Oyster Bar
•Area 352
•Mango's
•Latitud 23
Monuments and Historical Sights
Pergola Centennial Way (Paseo del Centenario Pérgola). The paseo
is located on El Cerro de Vigia (Lookout Hill) and was
constructed at the end of the last century for the defense of
the port. It possesses one of three English cannons that
defended the port from foreign invasions. The pergola was
constructed during the mayorship of Ramon Ponzo Pena, 1948-49.
Monument to the Fisherman (Monumento al Pescador). This monument,
on Avenida del Mar and Gutierrez Najera, is a symbol of the port,
and displays much of the traditional equipment used by valiant
and energetic fishermen. It was started during the mayoral term
of General Gabriel Levya in 1958 and completed during the term
of Gen. Gabriel Leyva Velazquez. A plaque at the base of the
monument was added during a renovation containing the thoughts
of poet Charles MacGregor – "Profound where the nest is
supported, more immense is the sea for its beauty, for immense
is the lighthouse of life, for profound the work and the
grandeur."
Shield of Sinaloa and Mazatlan (Escudo de Sinaloa y Mazatlan).
The shield, which is located at the end of Olas Altas road,
illustrates the four most important historical cities in the
state: Culiacan, El Fuerte, Rosario and Mazatlan. On the reverse
side of the structure is Mazatlan’s shield, which manifests the
city’s geography, astrology, ethnic traditions and economy.
Archeological Museum (Museo Arquelógico). The museum, at Sixto
Osuna 76 near Olas Altas road, is replete with relics and
information about Mazatlan’s pre-Hispanic roots. It blends
gothic exterior architecture, particularly on the facade, with
neoclassic and baroque influences.
The Meteorological House (La casa del Meteorólogo). On top of
Lookout Hill. Also known as the observatory. It was constructed
in 1874.
Maritime Customs (Aduana Marítima). Avenida Alemán and Batería.
This building was constructed in 1828 along the old pier.
The March 3lst Fort (Fuerte 31 de Marzo). Paseo Claussen and Las
Palmas. Today this structure is known as "The House of the
Sailor." It was constructed in 1892 to defend the port. It was
armed with top quality English cannons.
Rubio Theater (Teatro Rubio). On Carnaval Street in Machado Park.
This is the oldest theater in Mazatlan. (Its cost at
construction was 80 Mexican pesos.) The European-style Theater
was later named the Angela Peralta Theater, in honor of the
famous Diva.
Machado Plaza (Plazuela Machado). Constitucion and Sixto Osuna,
near Carnaval. This plaza is named after the Filipino, Juan
Nepomuceno Machado, who donated the land to build what is now
the city’s second oldest plaza. It is the traditional site of
Carnaval and it has been the heart of old Mazatlan during the
last century.
Canobbio Arcade (Portales de Canobbio.). Heriberto Frias (no
street number). This estate dates to the l9th century and forms
part of the block belonging to the Italian Luis Canobbio. It
frames the Machado Plaza and is an essential part of the
landscape architecture of old Mazatlan.
Lighthouse (Faro). Creston Hill. This is found on Creston
Island, next to the sport fishing fleets. It is 152 meters
(almost 500 feet) above sea level and thought to be the highest
lighthouse in the world after the one in Gibraltar. The building
housing the lighthouse was constructed during the term of
Porfirio Diaz. Work performed on Creston Island in the 1930’s
linked the island with the city of Mazatlan by use of an
elaborate breakwater.
Natural Attractions
Icehouse Hill (Cerro de la Nevería). Snowy Hill. The Spaniards
first settled on this hill, which was originally known as
"Lookout Hill." It was used at one time to store ice brought by
ship from San Francisco for consumption by Mazatlan families and
as a kind of freezer for food and fish products.
The Three Islands (Las Tres Islas). These islands, Island of the
Birds, Island of the Deer, and Island of the Wolves, are
trademarks of Mazatlan. Each has tranquil beaches of fine sand
tempting the visitor to stay all day. Transportation to the
islands is provided by panga, or small boat. Great botanical
paintings have been found on these islands.
Island of tbe Stone (Isla de la Piedra). Beaches covered by
coconut trees are one of the prime reasons this region is being
developed into one of the world’s first-class tourist resorts.
The Seals (Los Lobos Marinos). Like many other mammals,
including homo sapiens, from October to May ever year, a colony
of seals makes its regular sea journey to Mazatlan to enjoy the
climate.
Other Points of Interest
Sporting fleets (Flotas deportivas). Initially, tourists were
attracted to Mazatlan for the sport of fishing exotic species
such as marlin and sailfish. Today, it is still common to see
tourists walking out to the docks early in the morning in search
of a famous and flavorful trophy offered by the sea. The best
season is from January to May, although there is excellent
fishing year-round.
Mazatlan Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlan). This fine exhibition shows
more than 200 distinct multi-colored varieties of marine species
from ah over the world. It is considered one of Latin America’s
finest aquariums. Be certain to visit the film room where
documentaries of maritime themes are shown. There is also a show
of trained seals. Don’t miss the botanical gardens there,
either.
The Market (El Mercado). Typical Mexican market where one can
admire the produce of the country side, old structures and local
ironwork.
Arts and Crafts Center (Centro de Artesanías). This is the
largest commercial craft center in Mexico. Inside, the shopper
will find the finest artistic work not only from Sinaloa, hut
from throughout Mexico’s 31 states.
Maritime Docks (Muelles marítimos). Tourists from all over the
world arrive here in the midst of their luxury cruises and there
is ample to see and do in a promenade down the docks. Taking a
cruise is an excellent manner of getting to Mazatlan from Los
Angeles.
Come to Mazatlán and discover your passion. You’ll be here
before you know it. |
