{"id":31067,"date":"2022-12-06T22:41:05","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T03:41:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/?p=31067"},"modified":"2025-08-25T07:25:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T12:25:17","slug":"what-to-do-in-mazatlan-mexico-a-short-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/31067\/what-to-do-in-mazatlan-mexico-a-short-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do in Mazatlan, Mexico: A Short Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning a trip to Mazatlan in Mexico<\/a>? You’ve reached the right place. As situated along the Pacific Ocean on Mexico’s west coast, Mazatl\u00e1n is both a colonial city and a beach resort tourist town. Featuring tens of miles of beaches and warm weather — especially by Northeastern U.S. standards — it is an ideal year-round destination for snowbirds and international tourists alike.<\/p>\n

With a documented history dating back to 1531<\/a>, Mazatl\u00e1n is currently close to 500 years old. As its large port accommodates Mexico’s largest shrimp fleet, Mazatl\u00e1n is also renowned as a North American hotspot for freshly-caught seafood.<\/p>\n

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Mazatl\u00e1n as a guest of the Pueblo Bonito Mazatl\u00e1n Beach Resort. Voted to \u201cThe 25 Best Resort Hotels in Mexico\u201d list by readers of Travel + Leisure<\/em>, the Pueblo Bonito Mazatl\u00e1n Beach Resort is reportedly one of eight award-winning properties within the Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts portfolio.<\/p>\n

One of the Pueblo Bonito properties offering luxury all-inclusive options, this elegant property indeed overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a private beach. Simply put, every meal I had on-site featured both excellent cuisine and hands-on service, while the views from all angles — including my third-floor hotel room, the pool and beach areas, and the lobby — were all stellar; I don’t see how I could ever tire of the breakfast buffet at Cilantros.<\/p>\n

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At the pool. Photo by Darren Paltrowitz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thanks to the kind folks of the Pueblo Bonito Mazatl\u00e1n Beach Resort<\/a>, I had plenty of opportunities to experience off-property destinations all around Mazatl\u00e1n. Some of those highlights and local recommendations, should you be heading to the area:<\/p>\n

El Faro Lighthouse<\/h2>\n

Also known as “The Old Lighthouse,” the El Faro Lighthouse is one of the highest lighthouses in the world. It is located on a hill at the entrance to the Port of Mazatl\u00e1n.<\/p>\n

You can get there via a fun hike — said to be around 745 meters — and at the top of the hill, you can step onto a glass-bottomed lookout that extends out from the hill. Be sure to wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes for this one, as it can be an intensive hike in the hot sun. Volunteer tour guides are available.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>
A view from our hike. Photo by Darren Paltrowitz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Another angle from our hike. Photo by Darren Paltrowitz\n

Observatorio Mazatl\u00e1n 1873<\/h2>\n

Another notable and elevated historic site, the Observatorio 1873 is situated at the top of Cerro del Vig\u00eda. Before getting on the Funicular to go upstairs, visitors see a short film about the history of Mazatl\u00e1n which helps to explain close to 500 years of history in about 10 minutes; a staff member kindly offered complimentary popcorn before the screening started. Once up the hill, you can see furniture from the Porfiriato era and visit a fantastic, intimate, unique bar with impressive city views (see the first featured image above!).<\/p>\n

Colonial City<\/h2>\n

Mazatlan\u2019s historic center area, as shown in the Observatorio Mazatl\u00e1n 1873’s introductory video, is sometimes called “Downtown Mazatl\u00e1n.” While visiting the area — which visually resembles New Orleans’ Bourbon Street in some spots — I had one of the best meals of my life at Casa 46.<\/p>\n

Prior to that unforgettable dinner, I got a quick private group tour of the Teatro \u00c1ngela Peralta, named after the legendary local opera singer \u00c1ngela Peralta. I hope to catch a live performance within this historic 800-seat venue on a future visit.<\/p>\n

Watch this to get a glimpse:<\/p>\n