Destination
Mazatlán, Mexico
Mazatlán is a working port city with a revived 19th-century centre, a 13-mile seafront promenade and shrimp straight off the boats, offering a more Mexican beach break than the purpose-built resorts.
Trips to Mazatlán from every city
No live trip to Mazatlán right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | fine |
| June | fine |
| July | fine |
| August | avoid |
| September | avoid |
| October | fine |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- February, March: Carnaval de Mazatlán, one of the largest in Mexico, runs the week before Ash Wednesday.
August, September: Peak of the Pacific hurricane season, with heavy rain and humidity.
Where to stay in Mazatlán
- Centro Histórico: Restored 19th-century streets, the Plazuela Machado and the Ángela Peralta theatre.
- Zona Dorada: The classic hotel strip with the busiest beach and nightlife.
- Olas Altas: Old-school seafront below the centre with historic hotels and the cliff divers.
- Nuevo Mazatlán / Cerritos: Newer resorts and condos on the long beaches north of the marina.
What to do in Mazatlán
- Walk or cycle the full length of the Malecón
- Watch the cliff divers at El Clavadista on Olas Altas
- Ride an open-air pulmonía taxi through the centre
- Boat to Isla de la Piedra for a beach-shack lunch
- Mazatlán Carnival in the week before Lent
- Climb El Faro, one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world
Good to know
| Airports | Mazatlán General Rafael Buelna International (MZT) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | budget-friendly |
| Time zone | America/Mazatlan |
| Kind of trip | beach, city, culture, food, festival |
Questions about Mazatlán
When is the best time to visit Mazatlán?
November, December, January, February, March and April. August, September: Peak of the Pacific hurricane season, with heavy rain and humidity.
Do US citizens need a passport for Mazatlán?
Yes. Mazatlán is in Mexico; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Mazatlán on the ground?
Mazatlán is budget-friendly by US standards: plan about $60 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.