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About the city of Mazatlan in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico

Picture
Courtesy of visitmexico
Mazatlan is in the Mexican state of Sinaloa and is located on the Pacific coast and just east of the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. This pacific coast resort town has over 20 miles of beaches and dozens of high end resorts. Mazatlan is known as Mexico’s gold coast and boasts long stretches of palm lined beaches which are ideal for experiencing sunsets.

Mazatlan past, present and future

In the pre-Hispanic times Mazatlan which means “place of the deer” was populated by Totorames, who lived by hunting, gathering, fishing and agriculture. A group of 25 Spaniards led by Nuno de Guzman officially founded a settlement here on Easter Sunday in 1531, but almost three centuries elapsed before a permanent colony was established in the early 1820’s. The port was blockaded by US forces in 1847 and by the French in 1864, but Mazatlan was little more then a fishing village for the next 80 years. Old Mazatlan, the traditional town center dates back to the early 19th century. Tourists started coming in the 1930’s mainly for fishing and hunting, and some hotels appeared along Playa Olas Atlas, which was Mazatlan's first tourist beach in the 1950’s. From the 1970’s onward, a long strip of modern hotels and tourist facilities has spread along the north coast.

Mazatlan's tourism industry

Mazatlan is home to the Teatro Angela Peralta, located on the Plazuela Machado. Originally built from 1869 to 1874. The Teatro was completely restored from 1987 to 1992 to its 19th century splendor, and houses a concert hall, galleries, art school and a highly regarded conservatory of music and dance. Mazatlan hosts one of the largest celebrations of Carnaval in the world. This starts on Fat Tuesday and is a week long celebration that attracts visitors from all over the world with it’s parades, cultural events and parties. Travel to Mazatlan is easy, the city is served by Gral Rafael Buelna International Airport and has flights from many different cities daily.  

Mazatlan is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Pacific” because of endless shorelines that are sprinkled with beckoning islands, lovely seaside promenades, miles of golden beaches and blue lagoons. Mazatlan can offer sun, sand, culture and history all in one during your trip. You can visit an amazing open air museum which provides artifacts and clues to Mexico’s ancient roots, Las Labradas shows it’s artwork on the shores of the beach. Located only 745 miles south of Arizona, Mazatlan is an authentic non tourist type beach destination which is appropriate for couples, singles and families.

Mazatlan is comprises two zones; Old Mazatlan and Zona Dorada. Zona Dorada is a modern area with beach hotels and restaurants. If you are looking to learn or practice water sports the beaches of Mazatlan are a perfect place to do this. You can practice anything from kayaking to windsurfing. Some of the popular beaches in Mazatlan are Playa Olas Atlas and a bit further from the city is Playa Brujas and Playa Cerritos. When you are looking for places to stay you will have many choices that range from modern high end resorts to authentic hotels and bed and breakfasts. There are also many condominiums available to rent through travel agencies and private owners in the area. Whether you are looking for a fun filled vacation or something more relaxing where you can take your time to learn the history of the city Mazatlan has all that you are looking for.

Travel information for Mazatlan

Airport: General Rafael Buelna International Airport
Address: Carretera Internacional al Sur s/n, 82229 Mazatlán, SIN, Mexico
Local phone number: +52 669 982 2399

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know exactly what you require to travel to Mazatlan.
Read about the next beach destination > or read about another beach destination, quick links below:

Cancun | Cabo San Lucas | Puerto Escondido | Puerto Vallarta | Zihuatanejo | Ensenada | Mazatlan | Playa Del Carmen | Guaymas

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Other beach destinations

  • Cancun
  • Cabo San Lucas
  • Puerto Escondido
  • Puerto Vallarta
  • Zihuatanejo
  • Ensenada
  • Mazatlan
  • Playa Del Carmen
  • Guaymas
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Photos used under Creative Commons from Julio Cesar Sánchez, no rain corp.