Mazatlan Travel Guide

Back to guides overview

Introduction

by Frommers Travel Guides

1,078km (668 miles) NW of Mexico City; 502km (311 miles) NW of Guadalajara; 1,561km (968 miles) SE of Mexicali

Mazatlán is comfortable, casual, value-packed Mexico at its best. More than any other beach resort in the country, it probably best represents the golden beaches, fresh seafood, and inexpensive accommodations that typified Mexico's appeal to travelers in the first place. Although some developments are edging Mazatlán into the golf-playing, manicured resort that typifies most of Mexico today, it is going there grudgingly -- most of Mazatlán remains refreshingly simple.

Mazatlán's lures continue to be its expansive beaches and renowned sportfishing. The evolving golf scene, luxury-yacht harbor, and growing selection of accommodations have yet to catch the attention of enough tourists to drive prices to the levels of other Mexican resorts, and that's good news for travelers looking for economy in a beach resort.

A city with a population of nearly 500,000, Mazatlán is the largest port between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal. Elegant reminders of its history, 27km (17 miles) of sandy beaches, and a geographically diverse environment are all added attractions in Mazatlán's efforts to become a premier beach resort.

Limited flight availability is the principal factor holding back Mazatlán's growth. Charter operators have picked up some of the slack and are the predominant means of arrival here.

Once known as a spring break haven and a place to party, Mazatlán is now attracting more families, mature travelers, and other tourists with an eye for value. It enjoys strong repeat business and positive word of mouth, as it continues to offer exceptional vacation values.

Find a Real Deal

Compare Prices for Mazatlan

Mazatlan Travel Experiences

Trip to Mazatlan

I am getting to be an Old Hand in Mazatlan and got a nice balcony room with sea view in La Siesta Hotel ($44 a night) and was soon out en... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler Marshall
Beach Weekend

We went down to Mazatlan the first weekend I arrived. It's a more tourist town on the Pacific coast. It is smaller then Cancun and with a... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler EliAnne
Mazatlan, a beach day

The port area of Mazatlan is a little odd; our ship was docked far enough away from everything that after we got off the ship, they made... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler AK Andy
Spring Break Mazatlan

Mazatlan was a really fun destination. There are some beautiful churches in the town. The best forms of public transportation include g... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler Claire P
A week in Mazatlan

My friend Sarah and I arrived in Mazatlan, slightly unprepared as usual. Luckily, we had our first hotel picked out so we didnt have to g... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler Jenica