When speaking of beautiful beaches in Mexico, most people think of Cancun or Acapulco. Nevertheless, there is one particular place that people are often unaware of. And that is Mazatlan! This beauty created by Mother Nature is incomparable to any other place in the world. Mazatlan is filled with beautiful beaches (some of which are semi virgin), extraordinary cuisine, deep historical value, and rich culture. Mazatlan, at one point, was inhabited by Indigenous people whose native language was Nahuatl. In fact, the city’s name comes from this language. Mazatl means “deer” and Tlan means “place” and “abundance” so in essence, Mazatlan means “Place of Deer” or “Place where Deer are abundant.” When the Spaniards first arrived, they encountered the Totorames and the Xiximes (both resident indigenous groups). It was officially founded on May 14, 1531 by 25 Spaniards sent by Don Nuno de Guzman. But, in essence, Mazatlan is said to have been built by visionaries of varying nationalities including German, Spanish, French, North American, Italians, British and Asians. Bearing witness to the audacity of these visionaries are the over 450 monumental buildings that still stand today, which were built between the 19th century and early 20th century. Today, this area has come to be known as, Viejo Mazatlan or Old Mazatlan and is only one of the many must-see attractions. Speaking of Viejo Mazatlan, you can’t go to Mazatlan and not visit this lively piece of history. This part of the city has over 450 buildings that were built in the 1800s and are in proper functioning order today. One of the most outstanding landmarks of Viejo Mazatlan is “El Teatro Angela Peralta” (The Theater Angela Peralta). Interestingly, this theater was inaugurated on what we now know as Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 1874. Today, El Teatro Angela Peralta stand proud and erect for it has become the preferred stage for innumerable artistic and cultural events beginning with art festivals and even people from around the world have come to partake in the school of arts. .

If you don’t want to stay indoors, then I’d recommend visiting Mazatlan between February and March, which is when El Carnaval (The Carnival) happens. But during the summer, the weather is magnificent. Although a bit humid, it is always breezie and sunny. If you get lucky, you might get the opportunity to take a romantic walk under a brisk rain. The average yearly temperature for Mazatlan is 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, now that’s my kind of weather! And with such great weather, why not dip your toes into the glistening waves? Mazatlan has many beaches to choose from including: Olas Altas (High Waves), Los Pinos (The Pines), Playa Norte (North Beach), Camaron (Shrimp), Gaviotas (Seagulls), Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach), Cerritos (Little Hills), and El Delfin (The Dolphin). What makes Olas Altas special is that fact that it has bore witness to many historical events. This was to loading and unloading point for ships travelling from all over the world. It is part of Viejo Mazatlan but one can do many activities including surfing, sun bathing, and swimming. Los Pinos is one of the smallest beaches in Mazatlan, it is a local favorite, and surfers can’t seem to keep away. Don’t be fooled by the tranquil-looking waters, for the currents are very powerful. On the other hand, Playa Norte is the longest beach in Mazatlan. This beach is particularly well-known because it has a monument in honor of the local fishermen, which is well-suiting because this beach is where the local fishermen arrive early in the mornings with their fresh catch of the day. The most exotic and “semivirgin” beach in Mazatlan is Cerritos. This beach is located in the northernmost part of the city and the lack of tall and luxurious hotels makes this place quite the peaceful piece of paradise. Due to its location it is no frequently visited by locals, much less tourists. If swimming and romantic walk along the beach is what you enjoy most, then this is definitely the place to go; not to mention that you’ll have the most gorgeous sunset as a backdrop. Lastly, Gaviotas and Camaron are considered two of the world’s most beautiful and enchanting beaches. The sand here is incredibly smooth and almost pearly-white. Unlike Cerritos, these two beaches are home to Mazatlan’s finest hotels. It is not uncommon to see locals and tourists enjoying themselves while practicing some water sports including riding on “bananas,” beach volleyball, swimming, and parachuting.

Like most tourist destinations, Mazatlan is not without proper accommodations. Hotel la Siesta is located right in front of the bay and is one of Mazatlan’s most recognized hotels. If you’re looking to stay at a more tranquil sort of place then I’d recommend staying at Old Mazatlan Inn, which is located in the historic part of Mazatlan and surrounded by all those building from the 19th century. This particular hotel allows you to view Mazatlan’s cultural, art, and traditions from a closer point of view. If you’re looking for something unique then stay at Casa Lucila Hotel Boutique; no two rooms in this hotel are alike. The elegance and the view of the Pacific Ocean provided by your balcony are unlike any other. There’s one particular hotel that prides itself on having its private beach with “virgin-like sands” and that is Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay. If you’re looking for something familiar, why not stay at the Hotel Ramada Resort, which is located in the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), or Howard Johnson Don Pelayo, which was recently remodeled and makes for a pleasant stay.

After you’ve settled in you’ll want to begin exploring the wonders of the city. One suggestion is El Bosque de la Ciudad (City Park). This place is considered a “protected natural area” and it is home to about 25 species of birds, 6 species of mammals, and an innumerable amount of plants. Some of the animals and plants you’ll see here are in the endangered species list. Another place you’d definitely enjoy and which happens to form part of El Bosque de la Ciudad is Aquario Mazatlan, which is an aquarium equivalent to that of Sea World or perhaps even better. Here, you can admire the different aquatic life forms from salt and sweet water. Now, the nightlife is a whole other story especially during the carnival. One place to visit is Tertulla, which is like a restaurant bar. Tertulla offers free “botanas” (or snacks), cheap beer, and delightful music. Here you can enjoy the carnival but from a much tranquil point. Dionisios is much more appealing for the younger crowd whose musical taste is dance music and the atmosphere is much more modern. Pedro y Lola is a family-friendly establishment that places you in the center of the carnival. If you like to listen to typical Mexican music then have a drink or two at Plazuela Machado. But if you want something more “traditional” there’s a Senor Frogg’s and even an Applebee’s.

Remember that Mazatlan is the perfect destination all year long! And in short time, you will be able to travel and experience Mazatlan from the confort of your home through our 360 degree technology here at Patawalk. In the meantime, please feel free to visit for free our existing 360 degree tours we currently have available by clicking at one of our marked cities in our map below.