Mazatlan
Mexican Pacific

Mazatlan

Photo by Vivid Pixels

Destination Overview

Mazatlan is closer to the USA than it is to Mexico City. Thanks to fabulous deep-sea fishing, it was one of the country’s first resorts to attract international visitors.

It is a “working” resort that doubles as one of the country’s busiest seaports doubles as home base for Mexico’s largest shrimp fleet, so guess what heads most menus!

Rough and ready, it attracts sports-minded travelers who like casual fun and a laid back lifestyle.

About Mazatlan

Must-see Attractions

  • The Aquarium: A visit to the tiny Aquarium which is one of the best in Mexico, and its tiny zoo and botanical garden.
  • Shrimp Bucket: Try lunch or dinner here. It’s a Mazatlan institution near the old part of town where the fun began.
  • Try Pacifico, the zesty local beer. Try it, you’ll like it.  There’s nothing better when you want to cool off on a hot day.
  • The Main Drag: Most hotels, restaurants, and discos can be found along or just off the broad coastal highway which changes names frequently.
  • Cool Ride: Try a “Pulmonia” or “Pneumonia” (jaunty golf cart contraptions with a fringe on top) instead of a taxi. One day, take a ride to see the old restored part of the downtown area and to the deep sea fishing port where Mazatlan began.
  • Crazy Carnival: Mazatlan’s rip-roaring February Carnival is considered to be one of the best in Mexico.  If you honeymoon here in February, reserve your hotel at least six months in advance.

Fast Facts

  • Distance from Airport to Downtown: 1.5 miles
  • City Code: 691
  • State‎: ‎Sinaloa
  • Demonym(s)‎: ‎Mazatleco, Mazatleca
  • Settled‎: ‎May 14, 1531
  • Area code(s)‎: ‎669