SINALOA
MAZATLAN
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific Coast in the southern region of the state of Sinaloa, 212 km (131 mi) southeast of state capital Culiacan. With a warm climate and an average year-round temperature of 25º C (77º F), Mazatlan is a popular tourist destination.
Mazatlan is Mexico’s largest commercial port. Originally founded in the 1820’s, the area attracted many German immigrants who quickly developed Mazatlan into a thriving commercial seaport, importing equipment for the nearby gold and silver mines. Mazatlan is known as the Pearl of the Pacific because of its beautiful beaches and its abundant marine life, and has become an important site for international fishing tournaments such as the Bisbee’s Billfish Classic. Mazatlan also has two top class marinas The Zona Dorada, a 10 km (6 mi) strip of stunning coastline, is a fast growing tourist resort, with beautiful beaches such as Playa Norte, Playa Gaviotas and Playa Venados, top quality hotels, fantastic golf courses, excellent restaurants, lively nightlife, and endless water sport activities on offer.
Mazatlan also offers traditional architecture in its Historic Center, known as Old Mazatlan. Here you can visit la Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion (The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception) and stroll along quaint streets lined with 19th-century buildings.
Mazatlan’s famous lighthouse, built in 1879, is the second tallest lighthouse in the world, located at Creston’s Peak, you can get fabulous views, interesting history of the lighthouse, get the chance to do some rock climbing, and even watch the daring cliff divers plummet into the sea below.
Mazatlan attracts the rich and famous from all over the world. Some international events held here include the Jesus Arnoldo Millan International Golf Tournament, the Grand International Tennis Tournament, and the world famous Mazatlan Carnival, a weeklong celebration that takes place each year in February, and is the third largest Mardi Gras in the world.
