Mazatlán, Mexico
Information
Known as the "Pearl of the Pacific" for its beautiful beaches and rich marine fauna that have become home to major fishing tournaments like the Bisbee's Billfish Classic, this destination combines Traditional architecture of its historic center, known as Old Mazatlan, where you can admire the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and tour its beautiful streets decorated with old buildings of s.XIX-, with modern hotels and restaurants that make the spectacular Golden Zone.
It has a great infrastructure of tourist services and superb communications network. Has Rafael Buelna International Airport, ferry service to the city of La Paz, the port area for cargo ships and cruise ships, a railway station and two bus terminals. The development Tarpon Marina Yacht offers good facilities at Marina El Cid Marina Mazatlan and excellent docking facilities for those traveling on their own yachts. It also has shopping centers and places for lunch or dinner of all kinds. Nightlife in Mazatlan can find various options to enjoy the night, from strolling along the boardwalk while enjoying the fresh sea breeze, to visit places where you can not only dance to the rhythm of pop music and electronics, but also enjoy a refreshing cocktail while watching the play of light surrounding environment.
We recommend to visit the nightclubs that are located in the Zona Dorada, the most exclusive part of the port, especially on Av. Camaron Sabalo.
Playa Olas Altas. It is located in Old Mazatlan, up to the middle of the harbor. This picturesque beach is unique because its sands are moved from place depending on the season, giving the appearance that the rocks change position. In its waters you can practice a variety of water sports like surfing and diving. Following the seafront drive from here around the jagged coast under the Cerro de la Nevería brings you to the Mirador – an outcrop from which local daredevil youths or clavadistas plunge into the sea. At a little over 10m, it’s nowhere near as spectacular as the high-diving in Acapulco, but is exciting and dangerous nonetheless. You’ll see them performing whenever there are enough tourists to raise a collection, generally starting at 10am or 11am – especially during the summer and Semana Santa – and again in the late afternoon (around 5pm) when the tour buses roll through. You’ll also find an arts and craft market here most days (though it’s mostly touristy stuff ), along with several popular raspados (shaved ice flavoured with syrup) stalls, especially in summer when the evenings are very busy.
North Beach. Begins at the edge of the city and ends at the Golden Zone, about 60 km west of downtown Mazatlan is one of the longest beaches in the country with an area of more than 16 km; The south end has moderate waves ideal for swimming. The beaches right in front of the hotels are clean and sheltered by little offshore islands, while further on they’re wilder but emptier. The more populous area does have its advantages – the beach never gets too crowded (most people stay by their pools and bars) and there’s always a lot going on: water-skiing, sailing, parasailing, you name it. Among the dozens of artesanía markets and shopping malls here, Sea Shell City, on Rodolfo Loaiza in the heart of the Zona, stands out as the kitschiest of all – a two-storey emporium of seashells that describes itself as a museum and is definitely worth a look.
Playa Gaviotas. It is located 60 km north of Mazatlan, in the heart of the Golden Zone. It has a large expanse of soft white sand. It is ideal for sunbathing or playing volleyball, washed by blue waters of moderate swell place.
Playa Venados. It is located 2 km west of Mazatlan, in the island of the same name. This beach surrounded by lush vegetation can be reached by sailboat or motorboat; the waves are suitable for water activities such as swimming, sailing and snorkeling. Here also you have the chance to see petroglyphs and stone carvings done by the ancient inhabitants of the Sinaloa coast.
Playa Cerritos. It is located 42 km northwest of Mazatlan. This beach is easily accessible by local public transport. His strong currents and waves require caution when in the water. Surrounded by small hills that give it its name, coarse sand and moderate slope.
Playa Camaron Chad. It is located 65 km north of Mazatlan in the hotel zone. This pristine beach stretches over 2 km and offers entertainment as parachute and banana ride.
Beaches of Isla La Piedra. It is located 4 km south of the port, crossing the navigation channel. It is made up of virgin beaches surrounded by coconut trees on them with restaurants and stalls that offer delicious seafood. Actually a long peninsula with a Caribbean feel and a very good palm-fringed beach that stretches for miles and is excellent for swimming. It is possible to sleep out or sling a hammock on the terrace of one of the small restaurants – ask the owner first. Once a very basic community, the Isla is now included in many tour itineraries and can become crowded, especially on Sunday afternoons, when locals congregate for live music and dancing.
Nature Reserves
Cerro Creston. It is located 2 km south of the port of Mazatlan, along with sport fishing fleets, on top of this hill the highest natural lighthouse in the world is located. Surrounded by 75% of the sea in her skirt can be observed mollusks and small fish when the tide rises, they are taken to small puddles among the stones.
The three islands. Located 3 km west of Mazatlan. Symbol of Mazatlan, this group comprises the islands of birds, deer and wolves. In these islands the preservation of the flora and fauna of the region and therefore constitutes an important ecological center is encouraged.
Rancho El Venado. Located 10 km north of the historic city center of Mazatlan.
Must Know
As befits a proper Mexican town, Mazatlán’s Plaza República is very much the commercial heart of the city and the centro histórico, harbouring the cathedral, post office, dour modern government offices, main bank branches and travel agencies. Always animated, it’s especially lively on Sunday evening from 6 to 8pm, when there’s a free folklórico show with singing and dancing. The twin-towered Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción is the only real building of note, completed in 1899 in an eclectic style incorporating neo-Gothic, Spanish and Romanesque elements, with a particularly grand interior and main altar.
Take time to explore the Mercado Pino Suárez, two blocks north on Juárez, and the city’s newest museum, a block west from the market, the enlightening Museo Casa de los Pérez Meza (Tues–Sat 10am–6pm) at Melchor Ocampo 510. Opened in 2009 by legendary diva Elisa Pérez Meza, the museum honours the music of Sinaloa, particularly the state’s musica banda, which was pioneered by her equally famous father, El Trovador del Campo himself, from the 1930s. The museum houses a small collection of memorabilia, a video display, pleasant courtyard café and a performance space (where Elisa sometimes sings).
Plaza Machado, a few blocks southwest of the main plaza, is by far the most popular of the old town squares. It’s surrounded by fine nineteenth-century buildings, notably the Centro Municipal de las Artes and adjacent Teatro Angela Peralta, which opened in 1874 for what’s on. The theatre is named after the “Mexican Nightingale”, who died in the art center next door in 1882 (it was a hotel at the time). Incidentally, the same building served as the workshop for the “inventor” of the pulmonía in 1965.
Just off the plaza on Constitución is the Casa Machado, a captivating museum set in a house dating from 1846 and depicting life in nineteenth-century Mazatlán (daily 10am–6pm). Other attractions include the small Museo Arqueológico, Sixto Osuna 76 (Tues–Sun 10am–1pm & 4–7pm), just a couple of blocks towards Olas Altas, which is primarily notable for having English labelling – the museum charts the pre-Hispanic cultures of Sonora state, with highlights including beautifully crafted Maztatlán pottery (750–1200 AD) and a collection of figurines, pots and statues, ending with the Jorobado de la Nautical, a strange figure of a hunchback dug up by accident and thought to have magic powers. Across the street is the curious little Museo de Arte (Tues–Sat 10am–2pm & 4–7pm, Sun 10am–2pm; free) set around a pretty courtyard, with a permanent collection of modern work from the late 1970s on, and temporary exhibits of contemporary work.
The centro histórico has become a magnet for Mexican and international artists in recent years; you can get a taster of the scene on the First Friday Art Walks, held every first Friday of the month (Nov–May 4–8pm; free), when 21 galleries and over 35 artists open their doors for self-guided tours.
There are scintillating views of town from the top of the Cerro del Vigía or Cerro de la Nevería; if you’re not feeling very energetic, you can take a pulmonía or taxi up the latter. Likewise, the top of the Faro de Crestón at the southern edge of town is a good vantage point, though you’ll have to walk up – the views from the Sky Room bar in the Best Western are just as good.
Mazatlan Aquarium. Located on Av. Insurgentes, it is considered one of the best aquariums in Latin America. It has more than 200 marine species from various parts of the world, a botanical garden and aviary, both with a large collection of national and international species; It offers a spectacle of sea lions. Open from 9:30 to 18:00 hrs.
Mazagua Waterpark. It is located at Av. Sabalo Cerritos, north of Mazatlan. It has slides and several playgrounds. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs.
Entertainment and sports events Grand International Tennis Tournament. It is held annually during the month of June, in the premises of the Club Casa del Cid; professionals attending this event players internationally.
International Regatta Long Beach. It takes place during the month of November, on the banks of the port of Mazatlan, along the coast, spectacular sailboats gather to participate in this competition.
International Golf Tournament Jesus Arnoldo Millan. This important event is held annually the first days of December, in the Campo de Golf El Cid.
Sport Fishing Tournament Bisbee's Billfish Classic. This important tournament takes place in November, gathering fishermen from all over the world to get the largest fish swordfish, sailfish and marlin, which are released after the competition.
Sinaloa Arts Festival.It is held annually in the historic center of Mazatlan, for two weeks of October, here are performed plays, operas, classical music, ballet and concerts.
Mazatlan Cultural Festival. It is held every year between the months of October and December. During this festival, activities such as piano recitals, exhibitions, rope and rock concerts, ballet, theater and opera are developed.
Teatro Angela Peralta. It is located on the corner of Zaragoza and Benito Juarez. Its façade boasts five classical columns motifs of the arts. It is home to the Sinaloa Festival of Arts and Cultural Festival Mazatlan, among other cultural events.
Get There
Mazatlan offers all possible types of transport, from the air or rail to a huge passenger ship or newer buses today, of course if you come in your own vehicle, has modern super highways, with rates They are in line with the security they give you.
By Road:
By road, the No. 15 Mexico Nogales. This route gives you the opportunity to network with many road sections South - Central - West and North of the country 's Panamerican Highway or Not . 40: The road between Mazatlan with the lagoon area and the northern part and northeastern Mexico, this option is full of contrasts, as the stretch Mazatlan - Matamoros, down to the coastal plains of southern Sinaloa as the No. 15 this way, offers free and fee options. In Ferrocarril Chihuahua - Pacifico in the city of Los Mochis
By Air:
Mazatlan is within reach of everyone, the main international connections can be made in Mexico City Los Angeles Calif. USA certainly there are charter options, however, domestic airlines like Aeromexico, Mexicana Airlines, Aero California, connect Mazatlan with the main cities of the country and abroad.
By Sea:
Mazatlan: offers ferry connections to the great Baja California Sur, as well as cruise ship receives far-reaching. On the other hand calling at Mazatlan major cruise lines such as Carnival, Norwegian and Princess among others.