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Mazatlán Port of Mazatlan
Nickname(s): Pacific Pearl
Coordinates: 23°13′12″N 106°25′12″W / 23.22°N 106.42°W / 23.22; -106.42
Country	Mexico
State	Sinaloa
Municipality	Mazatlán
Settled	May 14, 1531
Government
- Mayor	Jorge Abel López Sánchez
Area
- Municipality	3,068.5 km2 (1,184.75 sq mi)
Population (2005)
- Total	352,471
- Demonym	Mazatleco(a)
Time zone	MST (UTC-7)
Postal code	82000-
Area code(s)	669
Website	www.mazatlan.gob.mx

Mazatlán (Spanish pronunciation: [masaˈtlan]) is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa; the surrounding municipio (municipality) for which the city serves as the municipal seat is also called Mazatlán. It is located at 23°13′N 106°25′W / 23.217°N 106.417°W / 23.217; -106.417 on the Pacific coast, just across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula.

Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning "place of the deer." The city was founded in 1531. By the mid-1800s a large group of immigrants had arrived from Germany. These new citizens developed Mazatlán into a thriving commercial seaport, importing equipment for the nearby gold and silver mines. It served as the capital of Sinaloa from 1859 to 1873. They also influenced the music, banda, which is an alteration of Bavarian folk music, and also started the Pacifico Brewery on March 14, 1900.

Mazatlán, with a population of 352,471 (city) and 403,888 (municipality) as of the 2005 census, is the second-largest city in the state (after Culiacán) and Mexico's largest commercial port. It is also a popular tourist destination,with its beaches lined with resort hotels. A car ferry plies its trade across the Gulf of California from Mazatlán to La Paz, Baja California Sur. The municipality has a land area of 3,068.48 km² (1,184.75 sq mi) and includes smaller outlying communities such as Villa Unión, La Noria, El Quelite, El Habal and many other small villages.

Mazatlán is served by Gral. Rafael Buelna International Airport.

History

Until the early 19th century, Mazatlán was a humble collection of huts inhabited by indios whose major occupation was fishing, according to Abel Aubert du Petit-Thouars, a French explorer. In 1829 a Filipino banker named Machado arrived and established commercial relations with vessels coming to Mazatlán from far off places such as Chile, Peru, the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. By 1836 the city had a population of between 4000 and 5000.

The city has seen some turbulent times. During the Mexican-American War (1846-48) the U.S. Army took the city and, in order to avoid the shelling of the city, the Mexican army abandoned it. Almost twenty years later, on the morning of November 13, 1864, a French man-of-war fired on the city twelve times but there were no casualties; Mazatlán then became part of the Mexican Empire under Maximilian (vestiges of French influence may still be found in the architecture of many buildings in Centro Historico). On November 13, 1866, the Mexican general Ramon Corona expelled the imperialists from Mazatlán.

On June 18, 1868, William H. Bridge, captain of HMS Chanticleer, blockaded the port and threatened to shell the city on June 22. The captain had taken umbrage after local Customs Authorities seized 23 ounces of gold from the paymaster of the ship.

The City of Mazatlán has the dubious distinction of being the second city in the world after Tripoli, Libya, to suffer aerial bombardment (although the local historical display at the plazuela affirms that Mazatlán was the first). During the Mexican revolution of 1910-17 General Venustiano Carranza (later president), intent on taking the city of Mazatlán, ordered a bi-plane to drop a crude bomb of nails and dynamite wrapped in leather on the target of Neveria Hill adjacent to the downtown area of Mazatlán. The crude bomb landed off target on the city streets of Mazatlán, killing two citizens and wounding several others.

The lighthouse "El Faro"

During the Gold Rush, fortune hunters from the United States East Coast sailed from New York Harbor and other Atlantic ports to Mexican ports in the Gulf of Mexico. Debarking, the aspiring miners travelled overland for weeks to Mazatlán, where they would embark from the port to arrive in San Francisco in another four to five weeks.

Mazatlán's lighthouse (El Faro) began to shine by mid-1879. The lamp had been handcrafted in Paris, containing a big oil lamp with mirrors and a Fresnel lens to enhance the light. Since the light was static, in the distance it was often mistaken for a star. By 1905 this lamp was converted to a revolving lamp. Today, the 1000 watt bulb can be seen for 30 nautical miles (60 km). Near the lighthouse shore, famous "divers" (called this even by the Spanish speaking inhabitants of Mazatlán) perform daring jumps off high rocks into the Pacific Ocean for tips from onlooking tourists.

Angela Peralta (1845-1883), a Mexican opera diva famed throughout the world, died of yellow fever in Mazatlán shortly after her arrival in the port. Legend has it she sang one last aria from her hotel balcony overlooking the Plazuela Machado. Her memory is held dear by Mazatlécos to this day, and the restored Teatro Angela Peralta by the Plazuela keeps her memory alive.

Mazatlán is also the hometown of Pedro Infante, one of the most popular actors and singers of the golden years of the Cinema of Mexico.

Mazatlán was well regarded by film stars such as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, John Huston, and others of their generation as a sportfishing mecca. The hotels along Olas Altas flourished during the 40's, 50's and 60's supporting this vibrant trade.

In the 70's, tourism in Old Mazatlán declined as other, newer venues opened on the expanses of beach to the north of the city. As an example of Mazatlán's tourism expansion, one of the largest timeshare providers in Mexico, Mayan Resorts was founded in 1975 with the inauguration of Paraíso Mazatlán (Mazatlán Paradise). This time also saw the expansion of the Hotel Playa Mazatlán and the construction of many others, a trend that continues to this day.

As the 21st Century begins, the Centro Histórico has been rediscovered by newcomers and locals alike, spurring a renaissance of restoration and entrepreneurial endeavors. Once-fine homes that had fallen into literal ruin have been restored to their former glory and house families and boutique businesses. The city has assisted in upgrading infrastructure, such as better water, sewer and electrical services.

Climate

The climate regime of the municipality of Mazatlán is transitional Tropical wet and dry (Köppen climate classification Aw),^[1] with a marked dry season in the winter; however, as it is at the transition zone with the semi-arid climate to the north (BSh), the dry season is longer than most areas of similar classification. The wet season (July to September) is short, very rainy, and very humid.

During the 1940-1980 period, the municipality saw an average annual rainfall of 748 mm, a maximum of 215.4 mm in 24 hours, and 90.4 millimeters in one hour. During this same period, the average annual rate of evaporation was 2146.80 mm. The prevailing winds are from the northwest at an average speed of 5.0 meters per second.

Sister towns

• Hamm,  Germany since 1978
• Santa Monica, California  United States
• Seattle, Washington  United States
• Puntarenas,  Costa Rica
• Grande Prairie, Alberta  Canada

Cityscape

Communities and neighborhoods

Beaches and parks

Sunset at Monument El Pescador Playa Norte

Viejo Mazatlan & Centro area:

• • Olas Altas
  • Playa Norte
  • Los Pinitos

Zona Dorada (Golden Zone):

• • Gaviotas
  • Sabalos
  • Playa Camaron

Nuevo Mazatlan area:

• • Cerritos
  • Playa Bruja
  • El Delfin
  • Marmol

Isla de la Piedra:

Culture and contemporary life

View overlooking Centro Histórico

Mazatlan is home to the Teatro Angela Peralta, located on the Plazuela Machado. Originally built from 1869 to 1874, the Teatro, completely restored from 1987 to 1992 to its 19th-century splendor, houses a concert hall, galleries, an art school and a highly regarded conservatory of music and dance.

Artists such as classical musician Enrique Patron de Rueda and the Machado Orchestra perform regularly. The Sinaloa Symphony, local productions and a diverse program of touring artists keep the Teatro busy throughout the year.

The Plazuela Machado, located in Centro Histórico, serves as the cultural hub of the city featuring open air restaurants, pageants, public art exhibits, a weekly craft fair and nightly entertainment. Calle Constitución, the only through street, is closed to vehicle traffic in the evenings from Thursday through Sunday.

Mazatlán hosts one of the largest celebrations of Carnaval in the world. Culminating on Fat Tuesday, this weeklong bacchanal attracts visitors from all over the world with its parades, cultural events and partying.

Transportation

Airports

Mazatlan is served by Gral. Rafael Buelna International Airport with flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Mexico City, Guadalajara, La Paz and San Jose del Cabo B.C.S., Tijuana B.C., and Puerto Vallarta. In addition, numerous bus lines provide transportation to all points in Mexico and to the United States. There is also ferry service to La Paz B.C.S.

Port of Mazatlan

Public transportation

Road and rail

Bicycling

Medical services

Trivia

In 2005, Mazatlán hosted and won the "Serie del Caribe" (Caribbean Series), which is an annual baseball tournament with teams from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.

Gallery

Sunset at Playa Gaviotas	Easter Sunset	Easter Sunset at Playa Mazatlan	Valentinos from Playa Mazatlan
‎ Parasailing near the Hotel Playa Mazatlan	Main entrance to the Hotel Playa Mazatlan	Church El Centro Mazatlan	Cliff diver, Mazatlan Mexico.

References

Spanish

• Link to tables of population data from Census of 2005 INEGI: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática
• Sinaloa Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México

External links

• Mazatlán at the Open Directory Project

Official websites

• Instituto de Cultura
• Carnaval of Mazatlan
• Ayuntamiento de Mazatlán

Spanish

• Mazatlán History in the XIX Century

From Wikitravel

Overlooking the historical downtown section.

Mazatlán is a city in Sinaloa state, Mexico, known for its fine beaches.

Understand

Mazatlán is a socially and economically diverse city, with more than 350,000 welcoming people of all races. It is a popular vacation and retirement destination for Europeans, Canadians and Americans, and also provides opportunities for working immigrants. It has several distinct inner city districts, as well as outlying suburbs that are mainly inhabited by poor and middle-class Mexicans, but there are two primary areas of interest to visitors: the Zona Dorada where the tourists go and the Centro Historico with several lovely plazas and many recently renovated 18th century commercial buildings and private residences.

Get in

By plane

Mazatlán has an international airport - General Rafael Buelna International Airport (IATA: MZT) (ICAO: MMMZ), also known as Mazatlán International Airport. It receives international travelers from: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Houston, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, Minneapolis, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto-Pearson, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. You can reach Mazatlán from many other international origins via Mexico City.

By train

Mexico's passenger rail system including the old Nogales-Guadalajara route that passed through Mazatlán went out of service in the late 90's.

By car

Mazatlán is approximately 18 hr. drive from Phoenix, AZ (Amerocentric, please fix). There are many considerations when bringing an car into Mexico, see the main wikitravel page about this Mexico.

By bus

Mexico has an extremely well developed bus route system and one can easily find a bus to wherever one needs to go. Mazatlán is about 12 hours away from Mexico City (~$90 one way), 6 hours from Guadalajara (~$40 one way), 15 hours from Nogales (~$50 one way), and only about 2 hours from Culiacán. Note: for whatever reason, the bus companies crank up the A/C, so bring a sweater!

By boat

Sematur Transbordadores Ferry lines runs a ferry between Mazatlan and La Paz in Baja California. The trip takes 16 hours or more and leaves Mazatlan almost daily (check for weekend departures). Also, Mazatlán has a busy port which accommodates a number of cruise ships that sail up and down the western coast of the Americas. From the port, it's a five-minute taxi ride to the southernmost hotels or fifteen minutes to the more modern (and more expensive) places to the north.

Get around

By taxi

Besides normal taxis, the tourist areas (Zona Dorada and Centro Historico) always have many small white open-topped taxis called pulmonías that look like dodgem cars. These are unique to Mazatlan. Although you'll never have to wait long for one (they're always whizzing back and forth) ask the price before you get in and then bargain. The correct price will usually be about 30% less than the original quote. Don't overdo the haggling, though. It'll cost you less than $4 US to go between downtown and the tourist district. You may want to give the driver a little tip as appreciation for a safe and enjoyable journey.

By bus

There are two different types of public transport buses that run in Mazatlán. The larger green ones run along the main tourist strip right along the water and either turn off at Rafael Buelna Anvenue or continue on along the Malecon to downtown. These are the equivalent of coach buses, they are very well air-conditioned and in great shape. They cost around $.60 US (8 pesos) per trip. The city is also served by regular local buses which are cheaper and only cost around US $.45 per trip (5 or 6 pesos). Be sure to check the windshield of the bus as the bus route is typically written on it. These buses serve the entire city well but can be confusing without a thorough knowledge of the system. The buses that go along the Malecon between downtown and the tourist district are the "Sabalo-Centro" buses.

By car

Mazatlán is approximately on the intersection of highway 15 and highway 40. In-town transportation is mainly motorized, except for the Centro Histórico, which is a very nice walking district. For tourists, cabs can be found in sparse supply compared to the number of pulmonías in town. Pulmonías are essentially open-air taxis, many of them old Volkswagens. They're as safe as any cab, just as cheap, and offer a far better view of the city on a nice day.

• AGA Rent a Car, Av. Camaron Sabalo #312-A, Zona Dorada, [1]. AGA Rent-A-Car has been renting vehicles to travelers and local renters since 1989. Their first location opened in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico and they have since expanded to serve Los Mochis and Culiacan, with locations both at the the airport and in town. There are the usual competing companies (Hertz, Avis, etc), but AGA may be the least expensive.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

• The Lighthouse—look for the signs that say "Faro" around town. Now the highest natural lighthouse in the world (Gibraltar was the highest, but now not in operation), it is 515 feet above sea level. You will have the best view in Mazatlan if you hike up. Don't attempt the hike up unless you're in shape.

• Cliff divers - These daredevils do something similar as in Acapulco, but it is lower and more shallow. The rock formation that they climb up is about 45 feet high and it is only 5 to 6 ft deep. They wait for the right wave to make the dive. They are there all day long, but the best time to see them is in the morning.

• The Acuario Mazatlan—with bird, seal, and diving shows. Adjacent to the Parque de la Ciudad and Parque Infantil. Between Del Mar and Internacional, north of Deportes.

• El Mercado—A large marketplace located in the historic center of town where they sell everything from t-shirts to traditional Mexican handcrafts. In the center is the meat and fruit market that serves the local residents. The name is Mercado Pino Suarez and it was finished in 1899.

• Machado Square (Plazuela)—The jewel of the restored Centro Histórico. The west side of the square is flanked by the Teatro Angela Peralta, originally built in the 1800's, a beautifully restored building (1987 to 1992) which regularly offers many types of drama and music. Adjacent to the Teatro is a Spanish-language exhibit explaining the history of Mazatlán. The north side has Pedro y Lola's restaurant, a favorite among locals and tourists. On the south side is a hotel restored to its original beauty. A decent (Spanish-language) bookstore is only a couple of blocks away near the Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa on Constitución. Keep your eyes open for shops with interesting (high-end) local art. The restaurants on the Plazuela have great food, some a little nicer and pricier than others. El Patio and Café Pacífico line the northeast corner of the plaza, and regularly have a fantastic acoustic guitarist playing at night for the diners and the square. Along the north side are three great spots for lunch or dinner. With offers of cheap, ice-cold beer all day, it isn't hard to be lured in to try a little of their food. All these restaurants have both indoor and outdoor, on the sidewalk, seating. It reminds one a bit of Paris.

• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception—This lovely building was finished in 1899 and is being gently restored to its original beauty, although to a visitor it is already beautiful to behold. Its exterior displays a beauty that needs no extras or frills, its inner beauty is juxtaposed to its outside. With all interior light coming through stained glass, it takes on a lovely color, and its reflection off gold statues and other images is quite something. A unique detail is that, at the time of the construction, there was a Jewish family living in Mazatlan, and they donated money towards the construction. People were so happy that they decided to set the Star of David in the top windows of this cathedral. One of the only Catholic churches with this Jewish symbol.

• Olas Altas Beach--This lovely curving beach with its popular Malecon and many restaurants serves the residents of the Centro Historico. Don't miss it. It's only four blocks west of the Plazuela Machado.

• A graveyard. There is one on Barragan, a block north of Najera. Beautiful and interesting.

• The miles of beach have plenty to keep most people occupied. Jet skiing, waterskiing, and parascending are all available, but always haggle on price.

• Enjoy the nightlife. Mazatlán is known as a party city and has an exceptionally good night life. Some popular destinations include Sumbawa, Joe's Oyster, Valentino's, and Señor Frog's. The city gets crazy around American Spring Break when all city is flooded with American students looking for fun. Mazatlán also has a five-day festival (which is purported to be one of the largest in the world) near the end of February. During this festival, a large portion of the street in Old Mazatlán is closed down and live bands and vendors fill the streets. During the week of Semana Santa (Easter week), Mazatlán is flooded with Mexican tourists from all around the country who are escaping the heat to come to the beach. The miles of beach are literally jam-packed for the entire week. The atmosphere is wild, and you can have a lot of fun, but be very careful.

• Surfing. Mazatlán has several prime locations where you can try out your surfing skills. The most popular spot is a beach called Playa Bruja to the North of the city. The waves easily reach heights of 8-10 feet and there is almost always a vendor from whom you can rent surfboards. This is a remote beach that is usually fairly empty. Not only is the surf great, but the lack of annoying vendors makes it even better. Another surfing location is right next to Valentino's (this is the largest landmark in the city). There are several places to rent boards right on the beach, however the waves are not nearly as good as Playa Bruja.

Learn

The more Spanish you know, the richer your experience will be. Mazatlán's language school is considered to be one of the best in northern Mexico. The people of Mazatlan are very friendly, so you'll have opportunities to practice what you learn.

Make sure to visit all of the Mazatlan beaches. High waves (Olas Altas). The beach is in the Centro Historico of Mazatlan, in the southern part of the city, a few blocks west of the Plaza Machado. Along the boardwalk, the (Malecon)which runs of Olas Altas north into the tourist zone, can be seen several monuments, including The Shield, the coat of arms of Sinaloa state and Mazatlan, a statue of a deer ("Mazatland" in the language of the precolombian natives meant "place of the deer", a monument to the famouse Mexican singer Pedro Infante, a monument to the continuity of life, and a monument dedicated to Mazatlan Women.

• North Beach. Located just north of Downtown. Along the boardwalk you'll find the Fishermen's Memorial, better known as monkeys bichis; a bronze replica of a pulmonia txi and a monument to the Pacific Brewery. This is great swimming and has a number of palm-roofed fish restaurants right on the beach. The southern end of this beach is dedicated to fishermen and their boats.

• Playa Sabalo. Located in the north of the city. This is tourist country!

• Beach Cerritos. Is an extension of the Sábalo Playa. This is tourist country!

• The Dolphin Beach. Located north of the tourist area of the city.

• Stone Island Beach. located in the southern part of the city and accessed easily by any of the ferries that leave from just off the road to El Faro.

• Centro Histórico Most of the shops and vendors down here are trying to make a living selling their wares. You can get fantastic product, at far cheaper prices than if you go to the "Golden District" or to the Mall. It's also a great district to walk through, giving you more to do than just spend money all day.

• Golden Zone The name says it all. High class, high prices. Valentino's Disco is famous for its parties, no matter what time of the year.

• La Gran Plaza Mall You'll find the Mall largely empty but for a few middle class kids milling around looking for somewhere to spend their money. High prices in almost all the stores, bad food (well, I guess it's just mall food, like anywhere else), and absolutely no culture or feeling like you're anywhere but somewhere to waste money. The one bright spot? A really big video-game parlor that is great for kids big and small.

• Coconuts - Try it with lime, salt, chili powder, various hot sauces.

There's a restaurant to suit everyone's taste and budget. They're keen on seafood, especially prawns (camarones) and steaks.

• La Bahia - Amazing seafood.
• Tonys on the Beach - The best Seafood and Mexican food and right on the beach.
• Chili's Pepper - Good atmosphere and often busy (always a good sign).
• Chon, at Carnival and Flores. Crab, shrimp and marlin tacos, etc. 4 for a little over 50 pesos.
• Costanzas, Old Maz., at Serdan and 21 de Marzo. Comida corrida (daily special), prices vary, always good.
• La Mona, Centro Histórico. A great pizza place. Always filled with locals (a good sign), and they have salads that tourists can safely eat.
• Pedro y Lola's - Everyone knows where this is. On the Plaza Machado, a beautiful square that you must see. Eat here for dinner as it's not open for lunch. Live music. Come early as the locals will stay here all night long.
• Te Amo Lucy's - Great place for breakfast. Freshly squeezed OJ, all homemade food (Lucy makes it in the kitchen). Tony, her husband, works out front and is a bit weird, but you really do have to love the place, and he adds character.
• La Tromoya - Also on Plaza Machado and the best option next to Pedro y Lola's. Indifferent service, but good food (especially the tortilla soup).

There's also a restaurant in the middle of the Square located at Zaragoza and Nelson. Ham and eggs with tortillas, toast, and beans—30 pesos. The iguanas in the square are fun to watch, too (but terrible to eat).

• El Olivo Cafe, Deli & Boulangerie. The best cafe, delicious breakfasts, house-bread deli sandwiches, organic salads, pastas, unbelievable fresh fruit salads. And a wonderful variety of freshly baked pastries. Gaviotas and Camaron Sabalo, Fracc. Gaviotas Zona Dorada. Phone 913 2327.

• Topolos - A really fancy restaurant-outside in a beautiful courtyard with red walls and oil paintings from local artists. The food is amazing, the service is amazing, but the atmosphere beats all. Be prepared for a 5-star meal for 300-400 pesos per person with appetizer, wine, and a main course. Their main dishes range from 90-150 pesos. Try the cubos tementapec, or the shrimp.

Drink

Just like the restaurants, there are plenty of bars to choose from, depending upon taste, budget and comfort. Tourists occupy the seafront bars whereas locals head inland where the atmosphere can be excellent.

You must try Pacífico, a beautiful locally brewed beer. Sold everywhere for 15 pesos (about $1.50 or £0.75).

• Señor Frog's bar and restaurant (part of an international chain) is the place to be and be seen for locals on a Saturday night, and draws a huge tourist crowd as well.

• Bora Bora complex, which looks like an enormous white castle on the beach, has half a dozen bars and clubs overlooking the ocean and is always happening well into the dawn.

• Simon's Coffee Shop, in Centro Histórico [2].

Sleep

Mazatlán is well known for offering the best value of any of Mexico's major resorts. Both affordably priced lodging as well as food can be easily secured. Outside of January (when the city can be a little cold) it is one of the most attractive seaside destinations in Mexico.

• Hotel Playa Mazatlan, [3]. Nice, beachfront hotel. 3 swimming pools, open-air restaurant, fitness center and volleyball court.  edit

• Hotel Lerma, Simon Bolivar 622 (Old Mazatlan), ☎ (69) 81 24 36. Prices range between $5 for a single without bath and $8 for a double with bath..  edit

• Casa de Huespedes Casillo, Jose Azueta.  edit

• Hotel Mexico, 201 Calle Mexico, Centro, ☎ 669 981 3806. checkin: 7:00; checkout: 12:00. 100 pesos per night, double during Carnaval..  edit

• El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel, Av. Camarón Sábalo S/N, Mazatlán, Mexico 82110 Phone: 011-52 (669) 913-3333, [4]. A modern, Spanish-style resort located on the beach and a member of El Cid Resorts. The amenities of the hotel include private balconies in every guest room, two connected free form pools, a swim-up bar, children’s club, spa, fitness center, and five on-site restaurants.

• El Cid Granada Hotel & Country Club, Av. Camarón Sábalo S/N, Mazatlán, Mexico 82110 Phone: 011-52 (669) 913-3333, [5]. Located 150 yards from the beach and surrounded by lush gardens, this hotel is a member of El Cid Resorts. This Mexican-style low rise hotel located on the golf course features a serene swimming pool, secluded areas for relaxing, and is within walking distance of the spa and tennis facilities.

• El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel, Av. Camarón Sábalo S/N, Mazatlán, Mexico 82110 Phone: 011-52 (669) 913-3333, [6]. The beachfront resort is a member of El Cid Resorts and features all suite accommodations, private balconies with ocean views, an oceanfront Jacuzzi and swimming pool, open-air restaurant, and on-site spa, fitness center, golf and fishing.

• El Cid Marina Beach Hotel, Av. Camarón Sábalo S/N, Mazatlán, Mexico 82110 Phone: 011-52 (669) 913-3333, [7]. A member of El Cid Resorts, this all suite oceanfront hotel features Mediterranean style accommodations, a private beach, swimming pools and on-site golf, water sports, tennis courts, and fitness center.

• Sea Garden Mazatlan, Av. Sábalo Cerritos s/n, ☎ +52-669-989 4000 (conciergemzt@seagarden.com.mx), [8]. Beach and Golf Luxury resort with 3 swimming pools, spa, tennis court, gym.  edit

• Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay, Ave Ernesto Coppel Compañia S/N, Zona Nuevo Mazatlán, Mexico 82110 Phone: +52(669) 989-0525, [9]. Set on 20 pristine acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Emerald Bay is in a new and unspoiled area that is known as "New Mazatlán." Each suite comes with a panoramic ocean view. Amidst the sound of native birds, you'll relax below 150-year-old mangroves that surround a free-form pool.

• Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, 2121 Ave Camaron Sabalo, Mazatlán, Mexico, Phone: +52(669) 989 8900, [10]. Authentic Mexican style unites with modern amenities. Resort features two pools, one of the longest stretches of beach in Latin America, and a number of nearby water activities. Each suite at the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán comes with an ocean view.

Stay safe

Generally speaking, Mazatlán is perfectly safe by day for all ages; still, Mazatlán has the problems that all cities do. It's wise to walk in groups or with someone else in any city after dark, including Mazatlán. The Centro Histórico is very well lit and is most alive at night. Don't be afraid to walk around the Cathedral or Plaza Machado until as late as 2:00-3:00 a.m., when restaurants start to close up. In other areas of the city (such as the Golden Zone) there's almost no activity at night, and it would be both uninteresting and possibly unsafe to be there after dark. Incidents of chain-snatching by juvenile delinquents have been reported, especially during the busy tourist seasons, so avoid wearing loose jewelry such as gold chains. With lifeguards on almost all main stretches of beach, you'll usually know if jellyfish are in the water by looking at the flags on the beach but stings are still possible(on rain season), you may want to bring a small container of vinegar to ease the sting. They will also warn you of other dangerous conditions, so be sure to look for them and heed their warnings.