Mazatlan city information

Our Opinion of Mazatlan

Vacations to Mazatlan are a great way to experience authentic Mexico because it is both a bustling city and resort town all in one. Resting on a peninsula fringed by miles of sandy beaches around a sheltered harbour, Mazatlan enjoys idyllic weather and spectacular sunsets... and visitors enjoy some of the best value vacations to be found in Mexico!

The beaches are not as nice as the Caribbean side, but the prices are also not as high. The RIU Emerald Bay and the El Cid Resort are our two most popular resorts for Mazatlan vacations.

More Mazatlan Vacation Information

Just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan is the most important port on Mexico's Pacific Coast. Full of contrasts, this city is one of the country's oldest tourist resorts and the site of one of the world's three major carnivals, comparable only to those in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro.

Tourists in search of deep-sea fishing first put Mazatlan on the map - and the sailfish and marlin fishing is excellent, especially between November and May. However today it's a great choice for anyone looking for an atmosphere less crowded and international than found at some of the newer resort towns.

Mazatlan vacations always have a surprises in store. Wandering through the city and its historic center, sunbathing on its magnificent beaches, traveling to the islands using every imaginable form of transport, gazing at the horizon from hills such as El Faro and El Cerro de la Nevería, enjoying one of the most elaborate regional seafood cuisines, participating in the carnival, and sailing or sport fishing are some of the things that have made Mazatlan vacations famous the world over.

Mazatlan Hotels

Top Picks in Mazatlan

Riu Emerald Bay

All hotels in Mazatlan

Azteca Inn

Costa de Oro

El Cid Castilla Resort

El Cid El Moro Beach

El Cid Granada Hotel

El Cid Marina Beach

Hotel Don Pelayo

Las Flores

Luna Palace Resort

Margaritas Hotel and Tennis Club

Oceano Palace

Playa Mazatlan

Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay

Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan

Ramada Resort Mazatlan

Riu Emerald Bay

Royal Villas Resort

The Inn at Mazatlan

Mazatlan Destination Reviews

Been to this destination?

Rating:

"Beautiful weather, beautiful beaches. Friendly people. Great seafood restaurants located along the beach."
Reviewer: mavschicc
Date: Nov. 27, 2009

Rating:

"We loved Mazatlan - people were very friendly (managed to avoid the time share folks). Weather was great and some wonderful restaurants with excellent prices. Recommend Fat Fish for the 2 for 1 Rib Dinner!"
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 22, 2009

Rating:

"Mazatlan isn't near the top of my travel list but found it has more of a combined city/beach resort side of it. I enjoyed my stay, it offers everything that the regular traps offer and great value for canadians, must admit didn't hear 1 american..mostly prairie folks from cdn. I would return for a "break" which I was on, but not a holiday."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 15, 2009

Rating:

"We love Mazatlan, going out to a different restaurant every night."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Mar. 13, 2008

Rating:

"Mazatlan is beautiful and very interesting to see. People are of most friendly people I have ever met. They have great clubs that are open until 7 am right on the beach, the taxies are awsome and prices are excellent. We had alot of fun and made some real good local friends. We already miss Mazatlan and its people,"
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 13, 2008

Rating:

"Theres a lot to see in Mazatlan, and plenty to do. A great getaway vacation."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Aug. 05, 2007

Rating:

"Enjoyed Mazatlan - nice beaches, lots of good restaurants in the Golden Zone and most were reasonably priced. Shopping was typical of any Mexican vacation resort and deals were to be had even if one wasn't the toughest bargainer."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Apr. 18, 2007

Rating:

"good place for kids, boogie boarding and parasailing"
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Apr. 01, 2007

Things to know about Mazatlan Vacations

Activities & Sports

As a major fishing port, Mazatlan has superlative sportfishing, as well as many other watersports like surfing, parasailing, scuba diving, and kayaking. Eco-tourism outings, rocking climbing, and mountain biking are also available.

Dining & Nightlife

Fresh seafood, especially shrimp can be found at restaurants like long-time favourites El Shrimp Bucket and Cafe Pacifico. Lots of diverse menus to fit every taste and budget are available in Mazatlan.

The discotheques of Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) come alive in the evening. Hotspots like Bora Bora, Joe's Oyster Bar, and Senor Frog's are always popular.

Shopping

The indoor central market is a must-see, with everything from jewelry to live chickens. You can also try La Gran Plaza shopping mall or NidArt, a unique place to buy handicrafts.

Flying time from:

Toronto:

Montreal:

Calgary: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

Vancouver: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

Languages: Spanish

Currency: Mexican Pesos. U.S. currency widely accepted.

Climate: Sub-tropical with average tempuratures of 25'C

Electricity: Same as Canada and the U.S.

Documents

Canadian citizens require a valid passport or birth certificate and government issued photo ID (ie. drivers licences). All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Mexican consulate.

Note: Some hotels require credit card imprint upon check-in for any incidental charges. Hotel check-in is typically between 3pm and 4pm. If your flight arrives early, it is a good idea to pack essential items in your carry-on luggage (i.e. bathing suit, suntan lotion, medications, etc.), so you do not miss any valuable vacation time.

Mexican tourist cards are supplied & validated with vacation packages. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when travelling without parents. Contact the Mexican Government Tourist Office toll free at 1-800-446-3942.

Mazatlan Vacation Tips

Getting around on your Mazatlan vacation is easy with Mazatlan's "pulmonias". These little open air taxi's are exclusive to Mazatlan and are an inexpensive way to get around the city. Just make sure to negotiate the fare before you start your journey. Trips around town shouldn't cost more that 10-15 pesos.

The local market in downtown Mazatlan is an excellent way to see real city live in Mexico. This market is bustling with people and sells everything from clothing to produce to souvenirs. Beware, the butcher area is a sight that most vegetarians or squeamish people will want to avoid.

Bora Bora open air nightclub is the most popular in Mazatlan. If disco's are apart of your Mazatlan vacation, be sure to check out this popular spot.

Mazatlan Weather Averages

Avg. °C	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
High	25	25	26	27	29	31	32	32	32	32	29	26
Low	16	16	17	19	22	25	26	26	26	24	20	17
Rain (mm)	10	3	1	-	-	1	6	8	7	2	1	1

Information from MSN weather website

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Mazatlan Vacations

Our Opinion of Mazatlan

More Mazatlan Vacation Information

Mazatlan Hotels

Mazatlan Destination Reviews

Things to know about Mazatlan Vacations

Mazatlan Vacation Tips

Mazatlan Weather Averages

Map of Mazatlan

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