Mazatlan, the best tourist destination in the Pacific

In recent years, Mazatlan has positioned itself as the best tourist destination in the Pacific.

All of this is due to its booming and important tourism development, which has generated great expectations for this destination.

 

Mazatlan was founded on May 14, 1531, by a commission sent by the Spanish conquistador Nuño de Guzman. The area was inhabited by local indigenous groups such as the Totorame, Xixime, and Tepehuane, who gave it the name it is known by today.

 

We can also say that Mazatlan is a name of Nahuatl origin that means "Land of Deer" or "Place of Deer." It comes from the words Mazatl, meaning "Deer," and Tlan, which refers to "A place or land of."

 

It's worth noting that Mazatlan is known as "The Pearl of the Pacific" because the port is one of Mexico's main beach tourist destinations on the Pacific coast, which is why the destination also has large hotel chains in Mazatlan.

 

The municipality of Mazatlan is located 21 kilometers south of the Tropic of Cancer, and its coastline stretches for 80 kilometers and is made up of sandy sediments. This explains the length, width, and magnitude of all its beaches.

 

Thanks to its great attributes and tourist attractions, such as the second-longest boardwalk in the world, the tallest natural lighthouse in the world, and the largest aquarium in Mexico and the most important in Latin America, dedicated to the Sea of ​​Cortez, Mazatlan has positioned itself as one of Mexico's favorite tourist destinations.

 

One thing the port can boast about is its pleasant climate throughout the year: the maximum temperature in the hottest months of the year is around 33°C (91°F), and the minimum temperature in the coldest months is around 15°C (59°F).

 

That's why, whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, Mazatlán offers you an extremely pleasant vacation climate. If it's hot, the beach is the best option to enjoy and cool off, and if it's cold, you can relax and have fun in the heated pools at your Mazatlan hotel.

 

The destination has gained international recognition, both among domestic and international tourists. It is worth noting that in recent years, cruise ship arrivals have been of great importance in boosting the port's economy. In 2024 alone, Mazatlan welcomed 122 cruise ships with 470,618 passengers and 160,367 crew members, closing with a record for cruise tourism.

 

For 2025, Mazatlan is estimated to welcome around 143 cruise ships. This represents a 4% increase in cruise ship arrivals compared to the previous year. These arrivals strengthen the local economy with significant economic benefits in various sectors such as commerce, transportation, and tourism services.

 

In Mazatlan, we can highlight four important seasons of the year, during which the port experiences a greater influx of visitors: the Mazatlan International Carnival, Holy Week and Easter Week (also known as International Motorcycle Week), summer vacation, and December holidays.

 

It is worth noting that in 2025, the Mazatlan Carnival, known as "La Perla," was a resounding success, bringing together 1,231,725 ​​people over the six days of the celebration. It is estimated that this generated an economic impact for the port of more than one billion pesos and a solid hotel occupancy rate of 86%.

 

All of this was achieved thanks to the timely organization of events and coronations, which featured world-class artists such as tenor Placido Domingo and popular Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz.

 

In 2026, the Mazatlan International Carnival will take place from February 12th to 17th. The goal is not only to celebrate the port's traditions but also to surpass the attendance of this last edition.

 

When you think of Mazatlan, the first thing that comes to mind is the beach and the ocean. And, of course, Mazatlán's beaches boast different types of sand colors and textures, but without a doubt, the sand color that stands out the most is a beautiful golden hue.

 

Most beaches have calm waves; however, it's worth noting that, during your vacation, it's always important to check the flags or signs posted before entering the area to avoid any incidents.

 

Among the biggest attractions in Mazatlan, as mentioned above, are the Malecon, the Lighthouse, and the Grand Mazatlan Aquarium, all iconic and emblematic sites that are a must-see in the port.

 

However, Mazatlan also offers other great attractions that you can visit during your stay in the Pearl of the Pacific, such as: the Clavadista (Diver), the Historic Center, the Farolesa (La Farolesa), the National Whale Museum (MUNBA), the 1873 Observatory, the world's largest mural, rides on the Pulmonia (a typical regional transportation system), Central Park, attending baseball games of the Venados de Mazatlan, attending soccer games of Mazatlan F.C., among many other activities you can do in the port.

 

Mazatlan's cuisine is extremely rich and varied. This is due to its location on the seafront, which boasts a wealth of seafood and seafood products, but also boasts a rich gastronomy with traditional dishes from different cuisines.

 

Among Mazatlan's most notable cuisines, we find: Seafood (ceviches, campechanas, and shrimp in various presentations), Fish (zarandeado fish and fish in various presentations), Meat (grilled beef tacos and meats prepared in various presentations), Chicken (grilled chicken and chicken prepared in various presentations).

 

In the port, we can also find many popular restaurants, which stand out and are dedicated to different cuisines from around the world, making Mazatlan's cuisine rich, varied, and internationally renowned.

 

In Mazatlan, there are three typical transportation options. The first, the quintessential family transportation option, is "La Auriga." Second, we can find the "Safari," a transportation option similar to a pulmonía, but with doors (a hybrid between a taxi and a pulmonía). And finally, the most important transportation option in Mazatlán, the traditional and historic "Pulmonia."

 

Pulmonias in Mazatlan are vehicles. Open-sided golf carts have become the favorite means of transportation for all visitors, both domestic and foreign tourists, who visit the port. This is because you can enjoy a tour of the entire boardwalk from end to end with good music and the fresh air of the sea breeze.

 

When it comes to accommodations, attractions, places to visit, food, and transportation, we can say that Mazatlan is also one of the cheapest tourist destinations in Mexico. As the legendary song "Corrado a Mazatlan" says, "Here, even a poor person feels like a millionaire, here life goes by without crying."

 

At night, Mazatlan's nightlife is extremely fun, varied, and entertaining, depending on the type of night out you plan. There are clubs where you can have endless fun, but if you want a more relaxing and enjoyable time, bars that offer relaxing music are your best option.

 

But it's not just the city where you can enjoy sensational activities or delicious food; this is because adventure options are also found and extend just a few kilometers from Mazatlan.

 

Among the towns and places near Mazatlan, the following stand out: Villa Union (where one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the region is located, “El Cuchupetas”), El Quelite (here you will find another popular restaurant in the region, “El Mesón de los Lauréanos”), La Noria (here you can find an amazing winery, “Los Osuna,” and see how agave (tequila) is distilled).

 

Also near Mazatlan is La Isla de la Piedra, an excellent place to relax, eat, and spend some time in complete tranquility on the beach. Likewise, we can find Las Labradas, the first archaeological site open to the public in Sinaloa.

 

Mazatlan's geographic location is undoubtedly privileged. The best route to Mazatlan is by road. The Gulf-Pacific Highway is Mexico's most important commercial and tourist corridor, prioritizing the northern part of the country.

 

If you're planning your next vacation, an excellent recommendation is to stay at all-inclusive hotels in Mazatlan. This way, you can enjoy free food, drinks, shows, and activities throughout your stay.