It is not without reason that Mazatlan is called the «Pearl of the Pacific». This city is one of the best places in Mexico for a perfect vacation. In Mazatlán you will not only enjoy the beautiful nature, paradisiacal beaches and climate, but also appreciate the amazing natural monuments, get an unforgettable experience of entertainment and gastronomic experience in local restaurants.

How to get to Mazatlan

Direct flights from the United States, Canada and Mexico are operated by 11 airlines:

• Westjet.
• Swoop.
• Aeromar.
• American Airlines.
• TAR Aerolineas.
• Alaska Airlines.
• Sun Country Airlines.
• Volaris.
• Sunwing Airlines.
• Air Niamey.
• VivaAerobus.

Upon arrival at Mazatlan International Airport you can rent a car, order a cab or take public transportation to the hotel of your choice for check-in (in case shuttle service is not included in the list of services provided by the hotel).

In addition, you can get to Mazatlan from nearby cities that have airports. These include:

1. Puerto Vallarta (183 mi to Mazatlan).
2. Tepik (144 mi to Mazatlan).
3. Culiacan (133.5 mi to Mazatlan).
4. Durango (128 mi to Mazatlan).

The climate in Mazatlán. Best time to visit the resort

Mazatlán has a tropical humid climate. The resort is always warm and sunny, regardless of the season. The maximum annual average air temperature in some months reaches about +89 °F during the day, +79 °F at night, and the water temperature is +86 °F. The beach season in Mazatlán lasts at least 11 months.

The best hotels in Mazatlán* and room rates

The *rating is based on an analysis of the star ratings of Cancun hotels, as well as ratings and reviews by tourists.

Best 5* hotels in Mazatlán:

The best all-inclusive hotels in Mazatlan?

The best family hotels for vacations with children:

Top 5 Best Restaurants and Bars in Mazatlan

Mazatlan is one of the largest ports in the world. In this regard, going on vacation in Mazatlan, you can not only buy fresh wild and farmed shrimp, sea fish (mahi-mahi, tuna, swordfish and others) at affordable prices, but also try the seafood in local restaurants. Shrimp are added to tacos, salads, omelets, and pasta. They are separately grilled and fried with spices. In addition, you can enjoy the taste of various dishes of chicken, vegetables, and desserts with the addition of tropical fruits (mango, papaya, pineapple).

Most of Mazatlan’s restaurants are located in the Golden Zone tourist area, which is known for its busy day and nightlife.

1.TOPOLO (the restaurant is located in the Historic Center of Mazatlan)

Rating: 4.5 on TripAdvisor

Kitchen:

• Mexican.
• Latin American.
• Seafood.
• The restaurant menu is suitable for vegetarians.

Cost (per guest) from $5.

Amenities:

• Outdoor tables.
• Patio tables.
• Live music.
• Takeaway service.

Popular dishes:

• Salmon with mango sauce.
• Mexican Caprese salad.
• Pork knuckle with adobo sauce.
• Fish fillet with cilantro.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

2.ANGELINA’S KITCHEN

Rating: 4.5 on TripAdvisor

Kitchen:

• Latin American.
• Mexican food.
• Italian cuisine.
• Seafood.
• The restaurant menu is suitable for vegetarians.

Cost (per guest) from $6.

Amenities:

• Location next to the Malecon promenade.
• There are tables outdoors.
• There is a takeaway service.
• Live music.
• Free internet.

Popular dishes:

• Fish tacos.
• Chicken piccata.
• Tomato and avocado tower.
• Pizza Margarita.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

3.ZASSHI JAPANESE BISTRO

Rating: 4.5 on TripAdvisor

Kitchen:

• Japanese.
• Sushi.

Cost (per guest) from $3.

Amenities:

• Location in the vibrant «Golden Zone» of Mazatlan.
• There is a takeaway service.
• There is delivery.
• There is parking.

Popular dishes:

• Delicious sushi and rolls.
• Ramen Tokyo.
• Tuna sashimi.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

4.PANCHO’S (located on the beach in the Golden Zone)

Rating: 4.5 on TripAdvisor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkUzbfRlhwM

Kitchen:

• Mexican.
• The restaurant menu is suitable for vegetarians.

Cost (per guest) from $24.

Amenities:

• Restaurant location.
• There are outdoor tables.
• There is a takeaway service.
• Live music.

Popular dishes:

• Coconut shrimp.
• Chilaquiles.
• Fish fillet.
• Shrimp aguachile.
• Chicharron de pescado.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

5.PRESIDIO (the restaurant is located in the Historic Center of Mazatlan)

Rating: 4.5 on TripAdvisor

Kitchen:

• Mexican.
• Latin American.
• Grill.
• The restaurant menu is suitable for vegetarians.

Cost (per guest) from $10.

Amenities:

• Have tables outdoors.
• live music.
• There is parking next to the restaurant.

Popular dishes:

• Shrimp burger.
• Steaks.
• Sea bass.
• Ahi-Poke.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

The most popular beaches in Mazatlan

It should be noted that most of the beaches of Mazatlan are designated with a valuable environmental award called the «Blue Flag». It indicates the high level of the beach.

On top of everything else, many beaches in Mazatlan have everything for water sports enthusiasts (surfing, water skiing, diving, etc.), fishing and underwater hunting.

1.Las Gaviotas Beach:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5jmZHN02wY

The beach is part of the Dorada Zone (the busiest tourist area of the resort).

Las Gaviotas is an ideal place for those who like to combine the usual beach holiday with other activities, such as shopping in shopping malls or visiting local bars, cafes and restaurants.

On the beach there is a great opportunity to do your favorite water sports, to rent the necessary equipment, to go coastal fishing, as well as to book tours to neighboring islands (Venados, Pajaros and Chivos).

• The main disadvantage of this beach is a large crowd, especially on weekends. If you are looking for a beach for solitude and tranquility, Las Gaviotas will not suit you.

2.Cerritos Beach:

Cerritos Beach is located in the northern part of the resort.

It is a great place for those who want to relax in peace and quiet, to enjoy the beauty of nature away from civilization, because near the beach there are no hotels, cafes and bars, as well as vendors offering food and handicrafts.

• The disadvantage of this beach is the lack of lifeguards on duty on the beach. In this regard, bathing should be done with extreme caution.

3.Sabalo Beach:

Sabalo beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mazatlán.

Like Las Gaviotas, it is located in the Dorada tourist area. The well-equipped beach of Sabalo attracts a huge number of tourists every year. Here can rest both children and adults: shallow water, lack of large waves, gentle entrance to the water.

The beach provides the following services: rental of sun umbrellas, sun loungers, as well as equipment for various water sports. There are also several restaurants with national cuisine.

The disadvantage of the beach is that during the spring break (during a large influx of students) sometimes there are not enough beds for everyone.

What to do in Mazatlan

• Take up ziplining:
  Veraneando Zipline is a tour for those who want to experience 12 cableways of different heights and lengths, as well as taste the best national cuisine in one of the local restaurants. The starting point is the village of Veranos (34 mi from Mazatlan). The cost is $109 (per adult). Children who are at least eight years old can also participate.
• Visit the Angela Peralta Theater:
  The theater is located near the historical center of Mazatlan. You have the opportunity to attend not only a play, but also a ballet opera, an exhibition of paintings, a jazz or symphony concert, a performance of the local dance company Delfos Danza Contemporanea, you just need to find out the exact schedule. The cost of admission does not exceed $0.78.
• Take a tour of Pacifico Brewery:
  Pacifico Brewery is a famous Mexican brewery that makes Pacífico beer. This product is used by locals as an accompaniment to the national cuisine. The beer goes well with seafood, grilled steaks and fish.

• Visit El Faro Lighthouse:
  El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán is considered the most romantic place. It is located on top of the Cerro del Creston hill, which is over 157 m above sea level. The ascent to the lighthouse observation deck is steep and takes at least half an hour, but believe me, it’s worth it.
• Visit one of Mexico’s largest aquariums, Acuario Mazatlan:
  This place is great for an excursion with children. Aquario Mazatlan is located on Mar Avenue. It is famous not only for its size, but also for its inhabitants: more than 250 species of freshwater and marine fish, jellyfish, birds, reptiles, mammals. Every day (3 times a day) there is an animal feeding show on the grounds. In addition, there is a museum on the territory with exhibitions of snails, divers, fishing methods used all over the world.
• Become a member of the Mazatlan Carnival:
  If your vacation in Mazatlan coincides with the period of the carnival, make sure to visit it. During the Mazatlan Carnival there are interesting events: the coronation of the king of joy, flower games, the coronation of the queen of the carnival, the battle of the ships, the ritual to burn the bad mood, raffle prizes, fairs with a huge variety of food and handmade souvenirs.

• Don’t miss the Museo de Conchas:
  The Museo de Conchas is one of the most unusual and surprising museums in all of Mazatlán, located near the popular beach of Las Gaviotas. In the museum you can admire a collection of shells from the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific Ocean, as well as see corals and fossils recovered from the depths of the sea, and examine the real suit of a 19th century U.S. Navy diver.
• Spend a day at Alfiland Water Park:
  Every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm you can visit the water park Alfiland, located near the airport in Mazatlan. To get there you will need to take a cab or rent a car. Alfiland has many pools (heated, artificial waves, etc.) and water multi-colored slides of different sizes for children and adults. Food and drinks are available for an additional fee. The cost of admission ticket from $ 7.
• Take a trip to Concordia and Copala:
  Concordia and Kopala are two villages located near Mazatlan. Concordia produces handmade furniture, sells pottery and bricks. In the village of Copala you will have a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding area, visit the church of San Jose, the old prison and silver mining sites.
• Swim with wild dolphins in the open sea:
  This 5-hour Mazatlan Wild Dolphins eco-tour not only includes wild dolphin sightings, but also a lot of information, swimming with them in their natural habitat, and snorkeling and exploring the underwater world. The cost is $109 for adults, $72 for children (ages 6-11).

Mazatlan nightlife

Best nightclubs in Mazatlan:

• Joe’s Oyster Bar is a huge beach club in the Zona Dorada overlooking the ocean (near the Ramada Resort Mazatlan) where all the tourists flock. If you’re looking for somewhere to party at night in Mazatlan, this is the first place to visit. Joe’s Oyster Bar has inexpensive drinks like beer, margaritas, cortados, and delicious seafood like shrimp, oysters, and ceviche. The club regularly hosts costume parties for various holidays: Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Mexican Independence Day, International Motorcycle Day, etc.

• Bora Bora is one of the most popular clubs in Mazatlán. It is located in the Zona Dorada. The nightclub accommodates up to two thousand people at a time. There are two dance floors where you can move to techno, pop and hip-hop music. Bora Bora is open until four in the morning. Weekends are Monday and Tuesday.

Is it safe in Mazatlan

1. Never exchange cash at the airport, as it is not safe. It is best to do it in one of the banks in the city.
2. To avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets, you should not flaunt credit cards, cash, and precious jewelry.
3. Do not attend parties in places you do not know.
4. Do not go out at night (the exception is the area of the hotel where you stay, as well as the Golden Zone, Old Town and the seafront Malecon, because there are 24-hour tourist police).