About Mazatlan
Mazatlán is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city serves as the municipal seat for the surrounding municipio, known as the Mazatlán Municipality. It is located on the Pacific coast across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula.
Places to visit in Mazatlan
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El Faro Lighthouse
Viewpoint · 3 mi from centreOne of the highest working lighthouses in the world, sitting on Cerro del Crestón above the harbor. The steep climb takes 30 to 45 minutes, so start early in the morning before the heat and bring water.
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Malecón
LandmarkA seaside promenade that runs for miles along the Pacific, lined with monuments, cliff divers, and food stands. Rent a bike or hop in a pulmonía, the open-air local taxi, to cover more of it.
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Basilica Cathedral of Mazatlán
Religious · 1 mi from centreA 19th-century cathedral with twin yellow spires and an ornate gilded interior, facing the main square of the old town. Dress modestly and avoid wandering around during Mass.
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Plazuela Machado
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreA leafy square in the historic center surrounded by restored colonial buildings, cafes, and restaurants with outdoor tables. Come in the evening, when the square fills with diners and live music.
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Teatro Ángela Peralta
Entertainment · 2 mi from centreA restored 19th-century opera house named after a famous Mexican soprano, now the city's main stage for concerts, dance, and theater. Check the program ahead of time, since daytime visits inside are limited.
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Stone Island
BeachA long peninsula of sandy beaches and coconut palms just across the harbor from the city, popular for horseback rides and seafood shacks. Take the short water taxi from the dock near the ferry terminal.
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Observatorio 1873
ViewpointA hilltop lookout above the old town reached by a modern glass funicular, with sweeping views of the coast and city. Go around sunset for the best light and a quieter crowd.
Things to do in Mazatlan by type
22 tours, tickets and experiences across 6 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 8 experiences Copala colonial tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 6 experiences Barrio Bites - Half-Day Guided Tour -
Art & culture 4 experiences Mazatlan City Historical Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences Discover Mazatlan -
City tours 2 experiences El Quelite walking tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 2 experiences Gran Acuario Mazatlan - Ticket
- 1-3 hours 9
- 3-6 hours 1
- Flexible 1
- Senior 7
- Families 7
- Couples 7
- Youth 7
- Small group 2
Top experiences in Mazatlan
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 22 available.
Shekinah Beach Club
From $24 per adult
Mazatlan City Tour in Bus
From $19 per adult
Gran Acuario Mazatlan - Ticket
From $31 per adult
Stone island tour
From $48 per adult
Munba: National Whale Museum - Tour
From $19 per adult
Barrio Bites - Half-Day Guided Tour
From $85 per adult
Taste Mazatlan: The Mercado and neighborhood Guided Tour
From $85 per adult
Mazatlán Observatory Experience with Optional Mezcal Experience
From $34 per adult
Mazatlan Seafood Secrets - Half-Day Guided Tour
From $85 per adult
Taste of Mazatlán
From $91 per adult
Turtle Sanctuary
From $91 per adult
Discover Mazatlan
From $43 per adult
Where to stay in Mazatlan
Popular hotels in Mazatlan, out of 113 properties you can book.
El Cid Marina Beach Hotel
From $299 per night
El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
From $228 per night
El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel
From $237 per night
Sleep Inn Mazatlan
From $45 per night
Ocean View Beach Hotel
From $59 per night
El Cid Granada Hotel
From $207 per night
Costa de Oro Beach Hotel
From $55 per night
Luna Palace Hotel & Suites
From $99 per night
Wyndham Garden Mazatlan Marina
From $98 per night
The Palms Resorts of Mazatlan
From $70 per night
Azteca Inn
From $48 per night
Ibis Mazatlan Marina
From $67 per night
Best time to visit Mazatlan
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Mazatlan is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Mazatlan weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 92° 80° 4%
- Thu 22 Oct 92° 80° 8%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 77° 82%
- Sat 24 Oct 87° 77° 77%
- Sun 25 Oct 90° 77° 16%
- Mon 26 Oct 93° 76° 22%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/MazatlanUTC−7
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Mazatlan
These are the airports closest to central Mazatlan. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MZT General Rafael Buelna International Airport10 mi (16 km) from the city centre
Getting around Mazatlan
In-town transportation is mainly motorized, except for the Centro Histórico, which is a very nice walking district.
By taxi
Besides normal taxis, the tourist areas (Zona Dorada and Centro Historico) always have many small white open-topped taxis called pulmonías that look like bumper cars, many of them old Volkswagens. These are unique to Mazatlan. Although you'll never have to wait long for one (they're always whizzing back and forth) ask the price before you get in and then bargain. The correct price will usually be about 30% less than the original quote. Don't overdo the haggling, though.
By bus
There are two different types of public transport buses that run in Mazatlán. The larger green ones run along the main tourist strip right along the water and either turn off at Rafael Buelna Anvenue or continue on along the Malecon to downtown. These are the equivalent of coach buses, they are very well air-conditioned and in great shape. They cost around M$9 (pesos) per trip. The city is also served by regular local buses which are cheaper and only cost M$5-6.
Mazatlan travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Mazatlan?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Mazatlan is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
What is the weather like in Mazatlan?
July is usually the warmest month in Mazatlan, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 59°F (15°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 254 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Mazatlan?
General Rafael Buelna International Airport (MZT) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (16 km) from the centre of Mazatlan.
What currency is used in Mazatlan?
Mazatlan uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.
What time zone is Mazatlan in?
Mazatlan uses the America/Mazatlan time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Mazatlan?
In-town transportation is mainly motorized, except for the Centro Histórico, which is a very nice walking district.
What are the best places to visit in Mazatlan?
Top sights in Mazatlan include El Faro Lighthouse, Malecón, Basilica Cathedral of Mazatlán and Plazuela Machado. One of the highest working lighthouses in the world, sitting on Cerro del Crestón above the harbor. The steep climb takes 30 to 45 minutes, so start early in the morning before the heat and bring water.
What are the top things to do in Mazatlan?
Popular experiences you can book in Mazatlan include Shekinah Beach Club, Mazatlan City Tour in Bus and Gran Acuario Mazatlan - Ticket. Destina Holidays offers 22 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Mazatlan?
The most popular types of experiences in Mazatlan are day trips & excursions (8), gastronomy & nightlife (6), art & culture (4) and outdoor activities & adventure (3). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Mazatlan?
Popular areas for hotels in Mazatlan include Mazatlan. Well-reviewed options include El Cid Marina Beach Hotel and El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Mazatlan?
Destina Holidays currently lists 113 properties in and around Mazatlan, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
