Mazatlán On Your Own

The 10 Top Things to do in Mazatlán

Mazatlán is a fun city to visit, and they're lots to do. Enjoy your day in Mexico's shrimp capital!

1. Enjoy a great meal. Mazatlán is one of the culinary meccas of Mexico.


2. Do the Salsa & Salsa Tour. You start off learning how to make salsa, then segue into learning how to dance the Salsa.


3. Spend the day on Stone Island. You can hang out on the beach, swim, ride horses and ATVs, enjoy a meal and down a few adult beverages.


4. Exercise your shopping gene. Shopkeepers are awaiting your visit in Old Town Mazatlán and in the Golden Zone.


5. Work on your tan at the beach. There's a lot of beach to enjoy in Mazatlán.


6. Take a canopy tour. A perennial favorite of visitors to Mazatlán.


7. Take a trip into the Colonial Villages of Sinaloa. Whether you're visiting Concordia, Comala or El Quelite, you'll be transformed 200 years back in time.


8. Take in a round of golf. Two of the best courses in Mexico can be found in Mazatlán.


9. Go on a Sportsfishing safari. Mazatlán has some of the best fishing on the Pacific Coast.


10. Take a walk around the Old Town area of Mazatlán. There's some interesting buildings in the Old Town that shouldn't be missed.

Getting Around

Orientation

Your ship will dock at the commercial port, and you will be taken to the adjacent Cruise Terminal via tram. All of the day's excursions will depart from the Cruise Terminal.

Taxis. In Mazatlán taxis are inexpensive and can be found everywhere. There are two taxi companies in Mazatlán: one has red and white taxis and the other has green and white taxis. They are comfortable, have air conditioning, and are pretty cheap. The cost of a taxi will range from $30 to $50 pesos. Make sure you negotiate a price before boarding the taxi.

Open Air Taxis. For something a little more offbeat, take one of the pulmonias, which are open air taxis. Note that the pulmonias are a little more expensive than a regular taxi, and should be avoided if you're sensitive to exhaust fumes.

Bus Service. The cheapest way to get around Mazatlán is to take a bus. Most buses will cost between 3-7 pesos. They pretty much run along all the main streets, which means you can get anywhere you need to go. At certain times of the day they are crowded.

Car Rental. We don't recommend renting a car in Mazatlán, because public transportation is cheaper and tends to be a lot more convenient. If you're looking to get around town in your own vehicle, hire a car and driver for the day.

Shopping

The Golden Zone is Mazatlán's primary shopping venue. The shops and boutiques on avenidas Playa las Gaviotas and Camaron Sabalo feature the usual assortment of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, Mexican handicrafts and leather goods.

Shopping in the Central Market (mercado) at avenidas Ocampo and Juarez in Old Mazatlán offers a more authentic shopping experience, where hunting for shoes, hats, pottery, handicrafts and leather goods amid the piles of shrimp and seafood can be an adventure.

What's Special in Mazatlán

Unique folk art and other artworks.

Recommended Shops in the Golden Zone

See our Map of Recommended Mazatlán Shops for the locations of the shops listed below.

Sea Shell City
A virtual sea shell extravaganza, with shells from around the world. Both a museum and a shop where you can buy the shells and Mexican handicrafts. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
Open daily 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Avenida Playa las Gaviotas, across from the Playa Mazatlán hotel

Mazatlán Arts and Crafts Center
This shop sells clothing, rugs, pottery and footwear. Cash only.
Open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
On Avenida Playa las Gaviotas

Gallery Michael
Sells Tlaquepaque crafts and fine silver jewelry.
Open daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Avenida Las Garzas 18, just off Avenida Camaron Sabalo, near the Dairy Queen.

Recommended Shops in Old Mazatlán

Nidart (Nido de Artesanos)
Arts and crafts made by local artisans.
Open daily 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Next to the Angela Peralta Theater in Old Mazatlán

La Gran Plaza
An American-style mall
On Avenida de los Deportes, three blocks inland from the Malecon

Recommended Pharmacies in Mazatlán

Pharmacies (or "Farmacias") can be found on almost every street or street corner in Mazatlán. If you're thinking about buying your prescription drugs in Mexico (where they can be up to 50% cheaper than in the United States), this helpful article is a good primer on what to look for and what to expect.

Farmacias Guadalajara
Farmacias Guadalajara is a large, well-known and respected pharmacy in Mazatlán with offices throughout Mexico.
Open 24 hours
Location: 21 de Marzo 820, in Old Town just one block from the Cathedral
Tel: (669) 981-5233

Farmacia Benavides
Part of a large chain pharmaceutical store with locations throughout northwestern Mexico.
Open 24 hours
Location: Camaron Sabalo 216, in the Golden Zone.
Tel: (669) 986-5760

Farmacia Moderna
One of the oldest and most reliable pharmacy in Mazatlán.
Open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Location: On the corner of Bugambilia and Camaron Sabalo, in the Golden Zone.
Tel: (669) 916-5233

Farmacia Cruz Verde
Another long established pharmacy with several locations in Mazatlán.
Open daily from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Location: Camaron Sabalo 1306, in the Golden Zone
Tel: (669) 981-2225

Sinaloan Cuisine

Sinaloan cuisine is renown in Mexico for its variety of flavors, the delicious specialties created by local chefs and the high quality of the ingredients.

Here are some of the more typical and popular Sinaloan dishes. (We've linked a few of the dishes to recipes you can make at home.)

• Camarones: fresh shrimp, whether grilled, fried, sauteed, baked or served in a soup or stew, they'll be very tasty!


• Chilorio: a traditional dish made of seasoned pork cut into small pieces and accompanied with flour tortillas


• Mochomo: dried meat that's roasted, macerated and fried, and seasoned only with salt and onion


• Tamales de camaron: shrimp tamales with peas, wrapped in corn husks


• Pescado Zarandeado: the fish is split in half and char-grilled, and served with rice and vegetables


• Pescado Ahumado: smoked fish using laurel leaves


• Caldo Sudador: fish soup based on porgy (pargo)


• Mangos: more than 30 varieties of mango can be found in Sinaloa


• Empanadas de fruta: "pies" filled with guava (guayaba), pumpkin (calabaza), pineapple (pina) or other fruits


• Quesos Caseros de Mocorito: the famous cheeses made in the town of Mocorito


• Damiana: a fermented drink using the plant called Damiana


• Jamoncillo: milk candy


• Piloncillos: candy made from ground sugar cane


• Tacuarines: corn and flour cookies often made in the shape of doughnuts

Mazatlán Specialties

Mazatlán cuisine is legendary in Mexico. As the shrimp capital of Mexico, you'll be able to find this tasty crustacean in virtually all of Mazatlán's restaurants, prepared in a myriad of ways. You'll also find excellent seafood and beef dishes. If you've had your fill of shrimp, try the pescado zarandeado, a delicious charcoal grilled fish; you won't be disappointed.

Restaurants

Recommended Restaurants in Mazatlán

One word of caution about eating out in Mazatlán: if the restaurant's not crowded, don't eat there.

Restaurants in Downtown Mazatlán:

See our Recommended Mazatlán Restaurants Map for the locations of the restaurants listed below.

Cafe Pacifico
Seafood
Cafe Pacifico is a fixture in downtown Mazatlán. This restaurant is a local favorite, especially among those with deep roots in the town. Try the Pacifico Sunset, a house specialty.
At the north end of Plaza Machado, in downtown Mazatlán

El Shrimp Bucket
Seafood
Opened in 1963, El Shrimp Bucket was the first restaurant created by the Anderson chain, owner of Carlos 'n Charlie's and Senor Frogs. Full bar. Accepts Amex, Visa and Mastercard.
Olas Atlas #11, in downtown Mazatlán about 5 blocks southwest of Plaza de la Republica
Tel: (669) 981 6350

Il Mosto
International
The menu is Northern Mediterranean, with a Mexican flair. Offering mainly freshly made pizza and pasta, and homemade bread with chopped olive pesto. While you can sit inside, most people elect to dine al fresco on the square. Accepts most major credit cards.
1510 Calle Sixto Osuna, on the Plazuela Machado
Open daily for late lunch and dinner
Tel: (669) 985 4366

Restaurants in the Golden Zone:

Guadalajara Grill
Mexican
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a fun, colorful atmosphere. Another restaurant in the Anderson chain. Try the camarones mango (mango shrimps) or the traditional Pollo relleno en mole (stuffed chicken with mole sauce).
Ave. Camaron Sabalo #335
Open daily 1:00 pm to midnight
Tel: (669) 913-5065

Gus y Gus
Mexican
With live music and excellent food, Gus Gus is a good place to stop for a light lunch or for dinner. The drinks are good and the prices are reasonable. It's also a good spot to sit and have a few beers while your spouse is across the street shopping.
Ave. Camaron Sabalo #1730 in the north end of the Golden Zone
Tel: (669) 914-4501

La Cebolla Morada
International
La Cebolla Morada (the Purple Onion) is a favorite for tourists and locals alike. They offer excellent international cuisine, including barbecue ribs, rib-eye steaks and seafood. They also have live music daily and a well stocked bar--the longest in the state of Sinaloa. Accepts Visa and Mastercard.
Ave. Camaron Sabalo #2024, in the Golden Zone
Open daily from 8:00 am to midnight, and until 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays
Tel: (669) 913 2082

Los Zarapes
International
Located in the Golden Zone, Los Zarapes offers a traditional Mexican atmosphere with excellent food. Full bar. Accepts Amex, Visa and Mastercard.
Ave. Camaron Sabalo, in the Golden Zone
Open daily from noon to 2:00 am
(669) 913-1400

Los Arcos
Seafood
If you like fresh shrimp, this is the restaurant where you want to go in Mazatlán. The shrimp here come prepared in a seemingly unending variety of dishes. Very popular with the locals. Accepts Visa and Mastercard.
Ave. Camaron Sabalo 1019, in the Golden Zone
Open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
(669) 913 9577

Activities

Tour Operators & Guides

There are several local tour operators that can take you on excursions in Mazatlán and the surrounding areas. You can also pre-book your tours via the internet. These companies include Vista Tours, the largest in the city, and Ole Tours.

You can also hire a personal tour guide. These include Mazatlán Frank and the Drive & Guide Tour Service, an association of English-speaking drivers who own their own vehicles. They are also certified by the Federal Tourism Department as qualified Tour Guides for Mazatlán.

Sights in Old Mazatlán

Angela Peralta Theater Construction of the Angela Peralta Theater was begun in 1869, and was completed in the early 1870's. It was originally named the Teatro Rubio, after its first owner.

In 1883, the famous opera singer Angela Peralta, "the Nightingale of Mexico," arrived in Mazatlán to perform. The enthusiastic crowd that had gathered to meet her unhitched the horses from her carriage and carried her to her hotel. According to local legend, she was so taken aback by their enthusiasm that she performed for her fans from the balcony of her hotel.

Unfortunately, the ship on which she had arrived carried yellow fever, and she died before she could ever perform in the theater. The theater was soon thereafter renamed in her honor, and a plaque commemorates her tragic death.

In the subsequent years, the theater went through many changes. In the early years of the 20th century, the theater was turned into a vaudeville stage, and later into a movie theater, then a boxing ring and finally into a parking garage.

In 1975, hurricane Olivia hit Mazatlán and destroyed the inside of the theater. Standing in ruin for years, the theater underwent a restoration starting in 1987, and reopened in 1992.

Today, the Angela Peralta Theater is a principal cultural and tourist attraction in Mazatlán. It is one of the few opera houses of its type and age in Mexico that still functions as a working theater.

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Basilica de la Immaculada Concepcion)
Although the exterior is somewhat plain, the interior is well-preserved and very ornate; worth a visit.
Open daily, no cost to enter
Located on the north side of Plaza Principal, at avenidas Juarez and 21 de Marzo.

Mazatlán Archaeological Museum (Museo Arquelogico de Mazatlán)
Open Tuesday though Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Admission is around $20 pesos
Calle Sixto Osuna #76, just east of Paseo Claussen

Mazatlán Art Museum (Museo de Arte de Mazatlán) This museum features works by Mazatleco artists as well as nationally-known artists such as Jose Luis Cuevas.
Calle Sixto Osuna and Avenida Venustiano Carranza

Beaches in Mazatlán

Mazatlán has one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted beach in Mexico. The water temperatures typically ranges between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit year round.

On the Golden Zone beaches, vendors are a pain in the neck, approaching you every few minutes. To avoid them, sit away from the hotel chairs and closer to the water.

Going from south to north:

• Stone Island is actually a peninsula that has miles of undeveloped beaches. There are a few things to do, like horseback riding and swimming, but the water's colder here than in Mazatlán proper, and the horseback ride is fairly short for the money.


• Playa Olas Atlas was the city's first tourist beach, and is where Mazatlán's malecon begins. Good for surfers, but not for swimmers.


• Playa Los Pinos is where the local fishermen sell their catch.


• Playa Norte, just north of the Fishermen's Monument, is popular with the locals, and is used for impromptu sporting events like soccer and baseball.


• Playa Martin passes in front of the malecon along Avenida del Mar.


• Punta Camaron is a rocky outcropping between Playa Martin and Playa Gaviota.


• Playa Gaviota is north of Punta Camaron, and is a favorite of the tourist crowd.


• Playa Sabalo has a wide white sand beach, and is also a favorite of the tourist crowd. It is protected from the high surf by the three offshore islands.


• Playa Brujas and Playa Los Cerritos are north of Playa Sabalo, and are less populated and not as popular as the more southerly beaches.

Canopy/Ziplines

Shore Trips offers a Zipline Canopy Adventure that will take you to the Huana Coa canopy near the village of La Noria, a 45-minute drive from Mazatlán. The canopy features twelve platforms mounted in the trees and hilltops of the semi-desert tropical forest. you'll zip from platform to platform by means of nine horizontal traverses, a nature walk, a flexible, elevated walkway and even a vertical descent. After completing the Canopy Adventure participants will enjoy a tour of the Los Osuna Blue Agave Distillery. The 4½-hour tour operates Monday through Saturday, leaves Mazatlán at 11:30 am and runs $78 for participants, and $53 for observers.

Offer Tours offers a Huana Coa Canopy Adventure that will take you to the Huana Coa canopy near the village of La Noria, a 45-minute drive from Mazatlán. The canopy features twelve platforms mounted in the trees and hilltops of the semi-desert tropical forest. you'll zip from platform to platform by means of nine horizontal traverses, a nature walk, a flexible, elevated walkway and even a vertical descent. After completing the Canopy Adventure participants will enjoy a tour of the Los Osuna Blue Agave Distillery, and the tour includes a jungle-desert trek in the "Pinzgaur" 6X6 ATV. The 3-hour tour operates Monday through Saturday, leaves Mazatlán at 11:00 am and runs $75 for participants, and $45 for observers.

City Tours

Vista Tours Mazatlán offers a Mazatlán City Tour that takes you along the malecon to see the high divers, and continues to the top of the Lookout Hill to take in a panoramic view of the whole city. The next stop is in the enchanting historical center, with its narrow streets and colonial buildings. Here you'll see art galleries, the Angela Peralta theater, as well as the archeological museum. Enough time will be given at the main market to do some souvenir shopping, which is near the majestic Cathedral and the city hall. Tours leave twice a day, at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm. The tour runs $25 per person.

Shore Trips offers a Charming City Tour of Mazatlán in which you'll visit the Old Town area of the city, take a ride up the coast road and see the cliff divers, then head into the Golden Zone to see the new marina and a lovely residential area before completing your tour. You'll be given the option of returning directly to the cruise ship pier or being dropped off and lunching in town at your expense before your return. The 3-hour tour operates daily, leaves Mazatlán at 10:00 am and runs $38.

Colonial Villages

Vista Tours Mazatlán offers a Copala Colonial Tour that takes you to a brick factory, a visit to the village of Malpica, then to the colonial cities of Concordia--noted for the pink stone Saint Sebastian temple, the French-style city hall and the zocalo--and Copala, complete with charming cobblestone streets, small houses with red roofs and wide adobe walls covered with different kind of flowers. A Mexican-style lunch is served at Daniel's Restaurant, complete with their famous banana coconut cream pie. Tours leave daily at 10:00 am. The tour runs $55 per person (including lunch), and $45 per person (without lunch).

Ole Tours offers a Copala Colonial Tour that takes you to Concordia--where the entire village is dedicated to the manufacture of handmade furniture, bricks and pottery--and Copala, where you'll take a walking tour includes the old prison, San Jose Church and its colonial style streets and houses. A stop for lunch is made at Chalva's Restaurant. The 6-hour tours leave Monday through Saturday at 9:00 am. The tour runs $55 per person.

Ole Tours offers a Rosario Tour that takes you to the village of Rosario. Rosario was founded in 1655 and is most famous for its Nuestra Senora del Rosario Church with a golden alter. This charming village also offers church ruins, the city hall, the main plaza, bakery, Spanish cemetery and a local market, giving clients a chance to buy belts, sandals, T-shirts and other curios at reasonable prices. A The 6-hour tours leave Monday through Saturday at 9:00 am. The tour runs $55 per person.

Vista Tours Mazatlán offers a El Quelite Tour that takes you to the quaint village of El Quemado, where you'll visit a quail farm, a cheese factory and the ornamental fish tanks. Then, upon arriving in El Quelite, you'll take a stroll on narrow paving stone streets towards the Lady of Guadalupe's church, a rustic bakery and the cockfight training ranch. An optional lunch at Sinaloa's most famous restaurant, El Meson de los Laureanos, is available for purchase. Tours leave daily at 10:00 am. The tour runs $40 per person.

Dancing/Cooking

Two Dancing Chefs offer their Salsa and Salsa Tour, one of the most popular tours in Mazatlán. Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience with stunning island and beach views at a beach front resort, where you will learn to make six classic Salsas and Guacamole, an authentic Margarita and a frozen strawberry Margarita. Once you have mastered your cooking skills, your dance instructor will have you moving and swinging to the soulful sounds of Salsa Music! The tour is located in the heart of the Golden Zone Shopping District, so after your dance lessons, you will have the rest of the afternoon to yourself.

Stone Island

Ole Tours offers a Stone Island Tour that takes you to to the docks in an open-air taxi, wherein you'll transfer to a catamaran for a 1½-hour tour of Mazatlán's harbor. Then you'll board a tractor cart on Stone Island and transfer to the beach for three hours of fun and lunch. Extra activities offered at the beach include horseback and ATV riding, banana boat rides and snorkeling. The price includes transportation to and from the hotel, catamaran ride, lunch on the island and an open bar (serving coco locos once you arrive at the beach) all day. The 5-hour tours leave Monday through Saturday at 9:30 am, and runs $35 per person.

Deer Island

Ole Tours offers a Deer Island Kayak and Snorkel Tour that takes you to Deer Island via a single or double kayak. Just 15 minutes from the Mazatlán shore, you'll visit a cove only accessible by kayak. Then it's time for snorkeling. You can also enjoy an optional hike to the top of the Island, affording you a great view of Mazatlán and the Pacific Ocean. The tour includes transfer, light snacks, juices, bilingual guide, kayak, paddles and water. The tours leave Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and runs $40 per person.

Offer Tours offers a Deer Island Adventure that will take you to Deer Island on a trimaran sailboat. The tour begins with an tour of Mazatlán Bay, and upon arriving on Deer Island, you can relax on the golden sand beach, enjoy a cool drink and take in one of the best views of Mazatlán. Activities on the island include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking tours around the island, banana boats, hiking and volleyball. The tour includes lunch and drinks, a bilingual tour guide, all beach activities and equipment. The 5-hour tour operates Tuesday through Sunday, leaves Mazatlán at 9:30 am and runs $47 for adults, and $23 for kids.

Estuary Tour

Ole Tours offers a Jungle Tour that takes you on a panga (small fishing boat) through Mazatlán's estuaries. You'll pass by Navy ships, shrimp and tuna fleets and packing plants. After your cruise through the estuaries, you'll transfer to an tractor cart to a virgin beach for swimming. The tour includes transfer, panga ride, open bar all day (domestic drinks only), lunch and the ride on tractor cart The 5-hour tours leave Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 9:00 am, and runs $45 per person.

Golf

Estrella Del Mar Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the course at Estrella Del Mar is built alongside 3½ miles of stunning beach inside a gated community. Six fairways combine beachfront beauty with difficult drives, challenging even the most experienced players. The 18-hole course is rated at par 72, 7,003 yards.

El Cid Golf Resort This course features 27 holes, with the Lee Trevino nine being the most recent addition. The course is somewhat narrow, lined with trees and homes. The course can be a challenge to players of all skill levels. Carts are available, and you must use a caddy. The course is a par 72, 6,623 yards.

Sportsfishing

Mazatlán is one of Mexico's most popular sportsfishing destinations. There are several marinas where you can charter a boat for the day. The older Marina del Crestron is located near the El Faro lighthouse in Mazatlán harbor. The newer marinas, El Cid and Marina Mazatlán, are located at the northern end of the Golden Zone. Here are a few of the recommended operators:

• Aviles Bros., Paseo Claussen at 5 de Mayo. Tel: +52 (669) 981-6060


• Dorado Fleet, Marina del Crestron. Tel: +52 (669) 981-6204


• Escualo Fleet, Pier No. 10, New Marina Tel: +52 (669) 913-0303; From the US and Canada: (888) 800-9619


• Faro, Marina del Crestron. Tel: +52 (669) 982-4977


• Star Fleet, Marina del Crestron. Tel: +52 (669) 982-2665


• Vikings Fleet, Marina Mazatlán, Dock 10. Tel: +52 (669) 986-3484