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In 2026, Mazatlán continues to strengthen its position as one of the most important tourist destinations on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

This is largely thanks to the constant arrival of international cruise ships throughout the year, making 2026 one of the most promising and beneficial years for the port’s maritime tourism industry.

This not only represents a brief stop at the port, but it also allows international tourists to experience the local culture and begin discovering the hotels in Mazatlán for future visits with longer stays.

According to tourism projections, Mazatlán expects to receive around 160 cruise ships throughout 2026, representing an increase of nearly 20% compared to 2025, when 124 cruise ships arrived carrying more than 436,000 passengers.

Cruise ships that have already arrived in Mazatlán in 2026.

In January 2026, Mazatlán welcomed 15 international cruise ships with a total of 51,920 passengers, generating an estimated economic impact of more than 82 million pesos for the port.

Among the cruise lines that visited the port at the beginning of the year are Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line, further consolidating Mazatlán as a key stop along the Mexican Pacific cruise routes.

In February 2026, the port welcomed 13 cruise ships carrying nearly 50,000 cruise passengers. During this month, Mazatlán experienced a surge in tourism activity as the arrival of visitors coincided with the Mazatlán International Carnival.

The cruise ships that arrived in February included Norwegian Bliss, Royal Princess, Carnival Panorama, and Zuiderdam.

For March 2026, the arrival of 15 cruise ships is scheduled, with more than 7,500 tourists during the first arrivals of the month. An estimated economic impact of over 82 million pesos is expected.

The month began with the arrival of two large ships: Royal Princess with 3,433 passengers and Carnival Panorama with 4,106 passengers, both vessels arriving from Los Cabos and bringing thousands of visitors to the city.

The constant arrival of cruise ships over the years not only benefits local businesses and tour operators, but also helps promote the destination internationally.

Many visitors who arrive for the first time to the Pearl of the Pacific aboard cruise ships later decide to return to enjoy a longer stay at beachfront hotels in Mazatlán.

Some cruise tourists choose to extend their visit before or after their maritime journey, which creates a greater demand for accommodations in Mazatlán’s hotels, especially those located near the beach and the historic center.

For visitors who want to enjoy the port for a longer time, all-inclusive hotels in Mazatlán offer the perfect opportunity to experience everything the destination has to offer, from its beautiful beaches and gastronomy to its tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife.

The Mazatlán International Carnival 2026 will take place from February 12 to 17, 2026, days during which the entire city is expected to come alive with nonstop celebration.

The official theme for this year’s carnival is “¡Arriba la Tambora!”, a vibrant tribute to rhythm, identity, and Mazatlán’s musical tradition. This theme is represented by the tambora—a large drum with two heads and a cymbal on top—which symbolizes the very heart of the carnival.

Everything is practically ready to experience this great Mazatlán celebration, which in 2026 will mark its 128th edition. Hundreds of national and international tourists are expected to arrive at Mazatlán’s hotels to enjoy the port’s biggest and most iconic festival.

The kings and queens of Mazatlán Carnival 2026 have already been chosen, the lineups for the coronation ceremonies have been confirmed, and the full schedule of events has been officially set.

Below, we share the names of the elected carnival royalty and the calendar of activities that will take place throughout the Mazatlán International Carnival 2026.

Thursday, February 12:

Festivities begin with the Coronation of the King of Joy, Javier Osuna “El Chiras,” featuring a headline performance by Sinaloa-born singer Edén Muñoz at Teodoro Mariscal Stadium.

Friday, February 13:

The Coronation of the Queen of the Floral Games, Mariana Guerrero, will take place alongside a historic tribute to Germán Lizárraga, celebrating 75 years of musical career. The event will feature the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra of the Arts (OSSLA), as well as performances by Julio Preciado, El Mimoso, Germán Montero, and Saúl “El Jaguar.”

Saturday, February 14:

This day includes three major events. Festivities begin with the Coronation of the Carnival Queen, Anahí Esparza, with a spectacular performance by Mexican singer Yuridia. Later, the traditional Burning of Bad Humor will take place in Olas Altas, followed by the iconic Naval Combat, held at the same location.

Sunday, February 15:

One of the most anticipated days of the Mazatlán Carnival, featuring the First Carnival Parade along Avenida del Mar (Malecón).

Monday, February 16:

The Coronation of the Children’s Queen, Eileen Cruz, will be celebrated with a musical performance by Lara Campos, followed by a closing performance from popular Spanish singer Belinda.

Tuesday, February 17:

To close the festivities in grand style, the Second Carnival Parade will take place, officially marking the end of the Mazatlán International Carnival 2026.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the port’s greatest celebration. One of the best ways to fully enjoy it is by staying at beachfront hotels in Mazatlán, allowing you to experience this iconic festival at its fullest.

A new year has begun, and with it, new opportunities to travel to Mazatlan are on the way.

As 2026 gets underway, Mazatlan is shaping up to remain one of Mexico’s most attractive tourist destinations.

Mazatlan is a sensational travel destination that combines nature (sea and beach), culture (history), entertainment and social events (Carnival, Holy Week, and concerts), along with excellent connectivity by air, land, or sea.

One of the best options for 2026 is to stay at beachfront hotels in Mazatlan or properties located right on the beach, allowing you to fully experience and enjoy the ultimate beach vacation.

More and more visitors are arriving to discover the beautiful port of Mazatlan. In 2025, the destination closed the year with strong tourism numbers, and for this new year 2026, expectations continue to rise.

All of this growth has been reinforced by the opening of new domestic air routes, which have made access to the destination even easier from different parts of the country.

Over time, enjoying a stay in the Pearl of the Pacific has become an increasingly exciting experience, as Mazatlan’s hotels offer a wide variety of accommodation plans and tours that make vacations in the port even more complete.

One of Mazatlan’s greatest natural wonders is its beautiful golden-sand beaches, which stretch along the length of the Mazatlan Malecon, considered the second-longest boardwalk in the world.

Mazatlan’s culture is truly unique, representing a vibrant blend of Indigenous, colonial, and modern influences. Among the highlights of Mazatlan’s gastronomy are seafood dishes such as shrimp, fish, aguachiles, zarandeado fish, shrimp ceviche, and marlin.

Year after year, Mazatlan hosts major social and cultural events, most notably the Mazatlán International Carnival and Holy Week celebrations. In addition, throughout the year, the city offers a variety of music concerts and themed events tied to special dates, such as Independence Day and Day of the Dead.

In conclusion, 2026 is the perfect year to discover this beautiful Mexican tourist destination, driven by the growth and momentum that Mazatlan has continued to build in recent years at both the national and international levels.

Mazatlan continues to grow at a national level with new air routes announced for 2025 and 2026.

The new air routes that will connect Mazatlán with national destinations starting December 1, 2025, are:

Direct Routes:

Mazatlán – Aguascalientes (Daily service)

Mazatlán – Torreón (Thursday and Sunday service)

Express Routes with Stopovers:

Mazatlán – Hermosillo (“Express stopover”)

Mazatlán – Chihuahua (With stopover) (Thursday and Sunday, via Torreón)

Additionally, one airline will increase frequency on existing routes:

Mazatlán – La Paz (From 16 to 24 weekly flights, a 50% increase)

Mazatlán – Querétaro (From 8 to 10 weekly flights, a 25% increase)

This strengthening also extends to another air route:

Mazatlán – Los Mochis (With a stopover in La Paz) (Operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays)

All of this aims to enhance the “From the Sea to the Mountains” concept, as Los Mochis is considered the “Gateway to the Copper Canyon” in Sinaloa.

The opening and expansion of these new air routes seek to primarily boost tourism—something that will greatly benefit hotels in Mazatlán, which expect to increase reservations throughout the year.

Furthermore, for 2026, everything is set for another airline to launch a new route to Mazatlán:

Guadalajara – Mazatlán (Beginning March 29, 2026, with three flights per week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)

This was announced by the Government of Jalisco, and the state’s Tourism Department reported that this new connection aims to expand regional connectivity, attract more visitors, and improve commercial flow between two key destinations in western Mexico.

This route undoubtedly aims to facilitate travel between Jalisco and Sinaloa—regions known for strong tourism, business, and economic activity.

All these new routes will significantly help boost Mazatlán, offering yet another option to enjoy the advantages of all-inclusive hotels in the city, where your stay will be unforgettable by the beach.

As has become a yearly tradition, Mazatlan prepares for the traditional Day of the Dead celebration.

It is a deeply special date for all Mexicans, a time to remember our loved ones who have gone before us on life’s journey.

One of Mexico’s most iconic traditions is the Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 2nd. On this date, the city of Mazatlan is adorned with marigold flowers, traditional sweet bread, music, altars, offerings, and Catrinas.

In 2025, the celebrations could not be left behind. During November 1st and 2nd, the port transforms into a vibrant stage filled with culture, art, and color, featuring various activities organized by the Mazatlan Institute of Culture, Tourism, and Art.

The decorations are not limited to the streets of the Pearl of the Pacific, hotels in Mazatlan also come alive with colors, altars, offerings, and ornaments, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience to enjoy during your stay by the sea.

The Day of the Dead is one of the most extraordinary, fantastic, mythical, and fascinating celebrations a festivity of the living to honor the departed with respect, creativity, and joy.

This year, the Day of the Dead activities will take place on Saturday, November 1st, mainly at Plazuela Machado and the Historic Center (which will transform into an otherworldly stage). These are the perfect places to experience a mesmerizing Mexican tradition full of color and life.

To commemorate the Day of the Dead, visitors to the Historic Center can attend the Museo Casa Haas to view the “Edible Catrinas” exhibition. This unique and delightful installation will be created by Mazatlan artist Luis Antonio Ríos.

Additionally, another highlight is a nighttime tour inside the Centro Municipal de las Artes and the iconic Teatro Angela Peralta. Artists from all disciplines at the CMA — music, singing, dance, theater, literature, and visual arts — will participate with thematic performances inspired by the celebration.

To cap off the evening, the most anticipated moment arrives: the traditional Day of the Dead “Callejoneada” along the main streets of the Historic Center. This event will unfold under the cover of night and the glow of creativity.

The Callejoneada will feature lively processions, firework shows, immersive music, costumes, Catrinas, and the iconic otherworldly characters. The parade will be led by the spectacular Catrina, created by Mazatlán artist Luis Antonio Ríos.

Hundreds of Mazatlan families, as well as national and international tourists — including visitors from the U.S. and Canada — are expected to attend, joining the tradition year after year, dressing and painting themselves in celebration-themed attire.

Of course, no Day of the Dead celebration would be complete without the traditional Altars of the Dead, which add to the mystical atmosphere surrounding Teatro Angela Peralta on this special occasion.

Some of the most popular offerings found on these Altars of the Dead include marigold flowers, candles, pan de muerto, water, salt, and papel picado.

Other personal and symbolic items commonly found on the altars include photographs of the deceased, their favorite foods and drinks, sugar skulls, copal or incense, personal belongings, and religious objects.

To fully enjoy your Day of the Dead experience in the Pearl of the Pacific, we recommend staying at an all-inclusive hotel in Mazatlan, so you can focus entirely on immersing yourself in the tradition.

When visiting Mazatlán, one of the most common alcoholic beverages you’ll find in restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and shops is Pacífico Beer.

A beer 100% from Mazatlán, it has earned the preference of both locals and visitors thanks to its flavor and wide variety of presentations.

Today, Pacífico is available in different types and flavors, often served in Mazatlán’s all-inclusive hotels as part of their beverage offerings.

The origins of Pacífico Beer date back to the early 20th century, on March 14, 1900, with the founding of La Gran Cervecería del Pacífico. The brewery was established by its partners Melcher’s, Emilio Philippi, Jorge Claussen, J. Schuelhe, Germán Evers, Alejandro Loubet, Federico Marburg, and Carlos Bolken.

They formalized the company under Deed No. 44, certified by Francisco G. Alcalde, a lawyer and notary at the time. With an initial investment of 300,000 pesos, they acquired the most modern machinery available in the United States, enabling monthly production of 175,000 liters and 26,000 cartons.

This milestone set the foundation for the brewing industry in Mazatlán, launching a pilsner-style beer—fresh, bottled, and high-quality—that quickly became a favorite among the people of Sinaloa.

Back then, a case of twelve half-liter bottles cost 2 pesos with 10 cents, while a carton of twelve small bottles sold for 1 peso with 50 cents.

The original brewery extended to the edge of Zaragoza Park, initially employing only ten men. Soon after, it opened a wholesale and retail distribution center.

In 1954, the company was acquired by Grupo Modelo and later became part of the portfolio of Belgian-Brazilian brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Pacífico’s success did not go unnoticed, and in June 2012, Grupo Modelo officially incorporated the brewery in a deal worth approximately 20 million dollars. Grupo Modelo, based in Belgium, is also known for global brands like Budweiser and Corona.

Pacífico Beer has become a symbol of Mazatlán and an icon of northwestern Mexico, often enjoyed at beachfront hotels and closely tied to local culture. It has also promoted moderate consumption while supporting sports in the region.

In the 1970s, Pacífico gained remarkable popularity among California surfers, linking the brand with adventure and the outdoor lifestyle.

For decades, Pacífico has sponsored national sports teams and events across multiple categories. Today, it is the official sponsor of the Mazatlán Pacific Marathon and Triathlon.

Pacífico Beer is known for its smooth, refreshing taste with subtle malt and citrus notes. It has a pale golden color and around 4.5% alcohol by volume (depending on the variety).

How many types of Pacífico Beer are there today?

-Pacífico Clara: The original and most recognized version, a pilsner-style lager with 4.5% ABV.

-Pacífico Light: A lighter option with fewer calories and lower alcohol content.

-Pacífico Suave: Another variety, also a light and refreshing lager, ideal for warm weather and pairing with food.

Presentations available:

-Bottles: “Cuartitos” (180 ml), “Medias” (350 ml), and “Ballenas” (950 ml).

-Cans: Small can (355 ml) and large can (473 ml).

-Kegs: 20 L and 30 L, for events or high-demand establishments.

-Packaging: Available in packs of 6, 12, or 24 bottles or cans.

The best way to enjoy Pacífico Beer is well chilled, making it the perfect companion for seafood dishes such as shrimp and fish.

Which Pacífico Beers are brewed in Mazatlán today?

At the Mazatlán plant, the following are produced:

-Pacífico Beer in ¼ and ½ liter bottles

-Corona Beer in ½ liter bottles

-Negra Modelo Beer in kegs, brewed only with four ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast (no adjuncts).

All of these beers can be enjoyed during your stay at Mazatlán’s all-inclusive hotels, where fun and tradition come together with every glass.