Mazatlan, the city of the future in Mexico

Since 2005, Mazatlan has been the most growing destination in Mexico

Mazatlán is a unique tourist resort of México due to the unusual combination of its natural and manmade attractions. The hospitality, simplicity and friendliness are the trademark of its people. Besides beach and sun, an array of activities all year long such as the world famous “Carnaval” (Mardi Gras), night life, sports and cultural events, tours to colonial towns in the vicinity, adventure tourism and its traditions, give Mazatlán an appealing flare.

A list of emblematic features that make Mazatlán the preferred place to visit:

•    Ulama, a prehispanic ballgame.
•    The “tambora sinaloense” a traditional music band.
•    The “pulmonía” a long-established tourist city transport.
•    Art crafts filled with beauty, quality, magic and history.
•    “Sinaloense” cuisine, limitless flavor.
•    Folklore dance, the merging of reality and mysticism
•    Historic Center
•    Olas Altas drive
•    Natural attractions
•    Leisure centers
•    Malecón (ocean front drive)
•    Monuments
•    Church buildings
•    Public plazas
•    Museums
•    Shopping centers

ACCESIBILITY

Mazatlán is one of the few beach destinations of México that features every kind of transportation possible today, from air and train to a huge passenger ship or the most modern rental cars, of course if you wish to drive your own vehicle, you may do so using our safe and modern toll roads, paying a very reasonable toll fee. In addition, there is a ferryboat that connects to the great Baja California Sur and also, great cruise liners, such as Carnival, Norwegian and Princess Cruise lines, among others.

The climate in Mazatlán is truly exceptional all year long, with an average temperature of 71.5 ºF from October to May, and 84.2 ºF during the June to September period. This is due to its geographical location being right at the rim of the greatest natural laboratory of the most important and abundant sea life, namely, the Gulf of California -otherwise known as Sea of Cortéz- and its proximity to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.

While in a large part of the world, winter time is like living in a refrigerator, in Mazatlán, this time of the year, is like paradise; summer time there, is a sensuous experience amid the cozy warmth.

he greatest asset, part of the natural beauty that makes Mazatlán so splendid, is the amazing 21 km. long soft sand beach, along with the spectacular serene turquoise shades of the ocean, makes up the main component of the bliss experience in Mazatlán. This amazing natural attraction delights visitors looking for relaxation and to be in tune with nature. Within its vicinity, plenty lagoons, rivers and estuaries are found, rich in wild life that make an ideal place to practice eco-tourism.

Besides the abundance of species reserved for this practice, the aficionados to this exciting sport may capture six of the seven species considered exclusive to sport fishing -which has given Mazatlán world records –moreover, Mazatlán adopted the worldwide measure to preserve species named “catch and release” (optional) which favorably impact Mazatlán to be placed among the seven most ideal places in the world to practice this sport.
Mazatlán’s “malecón”(ocean front drive) is remarkable and unique, it’s approximately 17 Km. long, beginning at the “Castle of Fun” and “Golden Zone” south boundary,  and ending at the fishermen’s monument, it’s important to mention that the “malecón” is second to the longest in Latin America.

This is a very popular site for tourists and locals, where one may enjoy the stunning sunsets, and appreciate the representative landmarks symbols of the people’s customs and characteristics. There, one may relish the fabulous panoramic views regardless of the time of day, it’s truly an ideal place to shoot photos, or simply to delight in family strolls or to take the dog for a walk and even practice sports.

•    The “Viejo Mazatlán” (Old Mazatlán) is one of the most outstanding landmarks in our city, where we can take leisurely walks to enjoy the narrow nostalgic streets and appreciate de magnificent historic buildings that date back to the first part of the XIX, and early XX Centuries; influenced by French, Spanish and German architecture, due to the fact that this city was built by people from Germany, Spain, England, North America, Italy and Asia with no disregard to the local population back then.

•    In the Historic Center we find extraordinary arts and crafts, clothing, and art shops, museums and a beautiful theater; also, art events, bookstores, hotel, schools, libraries, plazas, cafés, bars and typical  restaurants.

The “Olas Altas” drive is located in “Viejo Mazatlán”, one of the most visited tourists spots throughout the year, specially on February at the celebration of Mazatlán’s “Carnaval” (Mardi Gras), regarded as the best in the world and the oldest in México, having started back in 1898.
Early morning, the Olas Altas drive is proudly visited by people of all ages and nationalities, in this exceptional area, locals and tourists may be seen working out, taking strolls, jogging, swimming, roller skating, walking their dogs or just enjoying the fabulous sunsets that mother nature regale us with at this unique place, anytime.

The strikingly powerful ocean waves in Olas Altas contrast with the peaceful surroundings, where one can appreciate  the landmarks and monuments that convey the essence of this unique city, the warmth and friendliness of its people invites tourists to explore the culture a bit more, the fun of shopping, and the pleasant ocean front restaurants where one can take time to read or to enjoy the tasteful foods of the region along with live music -featured in some of them- make this site an alluring place to visit.

Once in “Olas Altas”, we strongly suggest to visit the very much worthwhile attractions close by, like the Historic Center and “Centenario” drive. Taking a “pulmonía” drive up the hill on “Centenario” and “Cerro de La Nevería” drives, is truly a must, where the magnificent scenic views, are fascinating, day or night