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.
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.
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 |
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.
Costa de Oro Beach Hotel
- One of Mazatlan's original beachfront hotels; the Costa de Oro's beautiful facilities will go beyond the expected. Whether relaxing or taking advantage of the nearby sights, this hotel is the perfect setting for your vacation. Location: Beachfront in the Golden… more
El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
- This 720-acre all-inclusive is practically a city unto itself, with its own Golf & Country Club, huge swimming pools and Aqua Sports Centre, along with a diverse selection of restaurants and bars including nightly dinner shows at the La Pergola… more
El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel
- Overlooking the beach and Pacific Ocean, this fetching oasis appeals to families, couples and golf and spa-lovers wishing to stay in the heart of Mazatlán's Golden Zone. Here, sparkling swimming pools provide the ideal place to cool down with dramatic… more
El Cid Granada
- El Cid Granada is located in the Golden Zone, within walking distance from the main shopping and dining district. You'll love the pleasant comfort of this three story, Mexican-style, low-rise hotel built around beautiful gardens. The serenity and beauty of… more
El Cid Marina Beach Hotel
- Located in the marina area of Mazatlan, this full-service, all-suites hotel with convenient kitchenettes, boasts two pools and a fabulous restaurant. A shuttle will take you across the marina to the beach two minutes away, and guests can also enjoy… more
Las Flores Beach Resort
- Located on a wide strech of beach in the heart of the 'Golden Zone'. This hotel features a great bonus credit. The Kitchenette units offer charming traditional decor. Relax by the brand new pool which leads you directly to a… more
Luna Palace Resort
- This all-suites condo resort features a beachfront location, balconies with ocean views, spacious and colourful accommodation, and elaborate nightly shows ranging from cabarets to a Mexican fiesta. Plus, you enjoy access to the Italian a la carte restaurant and disco… more
Oceano Palace Beach Hotel
- A casual, beachfront resort with good service and great value. The Oceano Palace Mazatlan is located just north for the Golden Zone close to shopping and restaurants, A short Pulmonia cab ride to center of the Golden Zone will bring… more
Playa Mazatlan Beach Hotel
- A Mazatlan favorite! This resort offers loads of atmosphere and superb service. The hotel's 418 rooms are nestled among lush, colourful gardens and towering palm trees. Enjoy the great stretch of beach or relax poolside at one of 3 different… more
Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort And Spa
- Set on twenty pristine acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the beautifully landscaped Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay is popular with adults and families alike. This all-suite resort was designed as a Mediterranean village set amongst mangrove trees. Enjoy meals at one… more
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort
- Fashioned after a quaint Mexican village, this resort offers a unique blend of resort facilities and all the comforts of home. Angelo's Restaurant is considered Mazatlan's best international cuisine, with live piano music and select wines from their own wine cellar.… more
Riu Emerald Bay
- The Riu Emerald Bay is an elegant resort located in Mazatlan, a lively coastal vacation destination bathed by the warm waters of the Pacific. Guests will be able to enjoy their holiday in a delightful atmosphere on a wide stretch… more
Royal Villas Resort
- Royal Villas Resort, located on the best beach in Mazatlán, is within walking distance to many restaurants, bars and shopping. Rising above the beach, this 12-story hotel offers a host of water sports and beach activities along with a lagoon-style pool… more