"Mazatlan Mexico by Kimberlyann" Top 5 Page for this destination Mazatlán by KimberlyAnn

Mazatlán Travel Guide: 565 reviews and 775 photos

Sunrise Over Mazatlan Harbor

Mazatlan, meaning "land of the deer" in the ancient Nahuatl language, is a Mexican resort area with 10 miles of beautiful white sand beaches, a festive atmosphere, and many tourist orientated activities to make your stay a fun one. Although this is one of Mexico's most popular vacation destinations, it is also the largest port in Mexico, giving it an economy, which is also independent of the tourist industry. Leave the tourist "Golden Zone" and you will find that life in this city is lived in the old-Mexico style: in the markets, the churches, and the shady plazas scattered throughout the city's neighborhoods. Since Mazatlan was a bustling city long before it discovered that it could also be a beach resort, Mazatlan is a little less touristy than some of the other popular Mexican beachfront tourist communities. The city is divided into two areas. The north is the Golden Zone, where most of the hotels and restaurants are located. The south is the downtown where the heart of the city is. These two areas are connected by Avenue Del Mar, also known as the Malecon, which is a scenic beachfront avenue.

Please note: I have tried to research this information as much as possible, so these pages have been updated as of 2003.

The Playa Hotel

Step Up to a Good Meal

We had a pleasant stay at the Playa. It was nicely laid out and landscaped beautifully. This photo shows the stairway to the Playa's open-air restaurant.

A Good Meal With a View

We enjoyed this view each day as we ate our meals at the Playa's outdoor dining area.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Warm, sunny, beautiful sandy beaches.
Cons:Beach can be crowded, beggars on the street.

Last visit to Mazatlán: Dec 1988
Intro Updated Aug 19, 2011
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Reviews (15)

You Will Find a Wide Variety of... Favorites (1)

You can plan a side trip tour (many hotels can plan side trips for you after you arrive), rent a small sailboat,... more travel advice

Getting Around Mazatlan Transportation (2)

Mazatlan’s tourist zone is quite spread out, so it is likely that you will need some form of transportation. Taxis are... more travel advice

Mazatlan International Airport (MZT) Transportation (2)

Mazatlan International Airport is the airport that you will fly into if you are flying. This airport was about a 25... more travel advice

When Shopping Warnings Or Dangers (4)

Don’t ever pay the asking price on anything you buy in the shops or on the beach. You are expected to offer a lesser... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
A Pleasant Hotel on the Beach
Restaurants (2)
See All A Night Spot as Well as a Restaurant
Things to Do (1)
Travel out of the "Golden Zone."
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 20, 2004

8 photos

Sites in Mazatlan

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Comments (11)

starship Sep 26, 2006 at 7:41 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page with very well written and very informative tips. Your warning tips are especially helpful. Looks like a natural, beautiful place.
BluBluBlu Jun 28, 2006 at 2:33 PM Report Abuse

Looks like a nice spot...good tips Anne! Blu
kyoub Dec 11, 2005 at 2:26 AM Report Abuse

Mazatlan looks very inviting, especially this time of year. Lovely photos and tips.
katmai Nov 8, 2005 at 11:53 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips. They will be useful on my trip there for the 1st time. You made it appear bright and beautiful.
guybert Nov 3, 2005 at 8:17 PM Report Abuse

We have been going back to Mazatlan many times now & always find new places to eat & things to see. It's a good spot to go to. Good pics & info, can't wait to go back again this winter.
ZanieOR Oct 26, 2005 at 11:27 AM Report Abuse

Your tips are very useful for anyone planning to visit Mazatlan, and many of them would also apply to other areas of Mexico. (I recall bargaining from street vendors in Puerta Vallarta too). Nice photos also.
Maria_75 Nov 23, 2004 at 12:41 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful pictures, and great tips!
blint Nov 2, 2004 at 3:12 PM Report Abuse

What a photo!
deecat Nov 2, 2004 at 3:10 PM Report Abuse

These are marvelous, well-thought out pages with incredible amounts of information to help travelers. We own a time share in Mazatlan. A beautiful area of Mexico. Super job!
matcrazy1 Nov 26, 2003 at 8:28 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting personal observations! Very helpful Waring Or Dangers tips! I was NOT sick there eating even from street vendors hehe :-)))