Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide - Tourist attractions and City Guide including information about the Centro Historico, Angela Peralta Theater, Plaza Machado, museums, aquarium and great recommended Mazatlan Mexico sightseeing
Most of the Mazatlan sightseeing and tourist attractions listed listed in our Sightseeing Guide are free, and the rest are extremely inexpensive compared to what Americans and Canadians are used to!
We encourage every visitor to explore some of the many sightseeing, culture, art, and entertainments that our City Guide offers. We know that it can sometimes be hard to get off your perfect beach -- but you'll be glad you did when you experience our many delightful tourist attractions! Plaza Machado Centro Historico tourist attractions The Heart of the Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico Centro Historico #1 / Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide and information
One of the most highly recommended destinations in the Mazatlan City Guide, sightseeing in the Centro Historico begins at Plaza Machado. The Plazuela is the heart of the Mazatlan Centro Historico, and one of the lovliest plazas in all of Mexico. Plaza Machado has long been one of the most popular Mazatlan tourist attractions, and a great place for sightseeing -- especially people watching!
Plazuela Machado was originally constructed in 1837, financed by wealthy international trader Don Juan Nepomuceno Machado. Certainly not designed as a tourist attraction -- our city had no tourists at that time -- Plaza Machado was designed to reflect growing wealth and commercial power, and serve as the heart of the Mazatlan Centro Historico which was, at that time, simply Centro.
The restored Plaza Machado is at the heart of the culture-rich Mazatlan Centro Historico renewal, and the focal point of a massive revitalization that has taken place in recent years. Video of the Plaza Machado in Mazatlan
Our city -- in creative partnership with private capital -- has restored and supported the restoration of the beautiful buildings surrounding the Plaza Machado. These efforts at Centro Historico revitalization also included expansion of our Malecon, as well as improvements to other Mazatlan tourist attractions, plazas, and recreational areas.
The Plaza Machado and surrounding Centro Historico feature architecture influenced by the French and Spanish, and the Plaza Machado brings back an era when Mazatlecos spent leisurely afternoons and evenings around these public spaces. Today the restored Plaza Machado and its' 19th century historic buildings are populated with Mazatlan sightseeing and tourist attractions like chic cafes; bars; art galleries; the Angela Peralta Theater; and other Mazatlan Centro Historico cultural attractions.
The Plaza Machado is a Mazatlan City Guide favorite and a great place to relax, eat and drink after a day of sightseeing and shopping in the Centro Historico.
Many of our most delightful restaurants -- like La Tramoya -- are immediately on the Plaza Machado, and others are just minutes walk from it. Please refer to the restaurants section of this website for more detailed descriptions of the dining possibilities on the Mazatlan Plaza Machado and within the Centro Historico.
Location: Centro Historico Angela Peralta Theater Centro Historico sightseeing Teatro Angela Peralta: Theater, performance space, cultural icon #2 / Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide and information The restored Angela Peralta Theater in Mazatlan (Teatro Angela Peralta) is truly one of Mazatlan's most important cultural treasures, and has played important role in the revitalization of the Centro Historico.
Located just off the Plaza Machado in Mazatlan's Centro Historico, the Angela Peralta Theater is one of the most important Mazatlan tourist attractions; hosts our most sophisticated theater and musical performances; consistently draws internationally known artists; and is considered one of the premier performance venues in all of Mexico. In 1869 Manuel Rubiot, an industrialist, made a request of the City Council to construct a theater. Rubiot wanted to demonstrate the mercantile and political importance of our city -- then the capitol of state off Sinaloa -- and highlight it as the economic center of western Mexico. Construction began that same year just off the Plaza Machado in what has become known as the Mazatlan Centro Historico.
Rubiot died in a shipwreck when he went to Paris to buy decorations for the theater. His widow, Dona Vicenta Unzueta, continued the construction until completion in February of 1874. On 22 August 1883 the beloved Mexican opera diva Angela Peralta and her troupe arrived in our city. The city prepared an elaborate welcome for her. However, within a few days, she and 76 of the troupe's 80 members were to die in the yellow fever epidemic that swept the port shortly after their arrival. Angela Peralta died in the Mazatlan Centro Historico at the Hotel Iturbide, now a fine arts center and school.
Subsequent to her death, the Rubio Theater -- already Mazatlan's premier performance venue -- was re-named the Teatro Angela Peralta in her honor. The Angela Peralta Theater operated continuously from 1874 until 1964, featuring operas, plays, circus performances, and boxing. From 1964 until 1969 the Angela Peralta Theater was almost completely closed. Already seriously deteriorated and nearly abandoned, the theater was flooded by hurricane Olivia in 1975, and -- remarkable as it may seem when inside the restored Angela Peralta theater -- was actually used for a time as a paking garage.
In spite of efforts by different cultural groups to reopen it, Mazatlan's Angela Peralta Theater remained at the mercy of nature, falling into ruins after twenty years of neglect.
In 1987 the city decided to mandate the rehabilitation of the Angela Peralta Theater, one of the earlier moves toward the complete revitalization of the Mazatlan Centro Historico. Video about the Angela Peralta Theater with history narrated by Robert Howes
After five years of hard work -- and substantial public and private expense -- the restored and modernized Teatro Angela Peralta was opened October 1992 and the magnificently restored Angela Peralta Theater once again became part of the cultural fabric of the Mazatlan Centro Historico.
The Angela Peralta Theater features performances by many Mexican artists of all types, draws international talent, and is home to DELFOS Danza Mazatlan, an internationally acclaimed dance company and school founded in 1992 by Mexican choreographers Victor Manuel Ruiz and Claudia Lavista.
Our Mazatlan City Guide cannot too highly recommend a visit to the Angela Peralta Theater -- whatever the performance, the building itself is worth the price of admission!
Location: Carnival 1024 / Centro Historico just off the Plaza Machado
Admission: Varies by performance Museo de Arte Centro Historico tourist attractions Centro Historico Fine Arts Museum #3 / Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide and information Mazatlan's fine art museum is located in a beautifully restored Mazatlan Centro Historico building just one block off the Malecon. The Museo de Arte is one of the most delightful, must-see, of Mazatlan tourist attractions.
The Mazatlan Art Museum is filled with outstanding examples of 20th and 21st century Mexican art.
The Museo de Arte is an excellent example of the intelligent best-use of a Centro Historico vintage building. The Mazatlan Art Museum galleries are adjacent to a lovely shaded Centro Historic courtyard where performances and other public gatherings are held.
The Mazatlan Museo de Arte collection and art exhibits feature the work not only of local artists, but artists from all over Mexico.
Mazatlan's Museo De Arte / Mazatlan Art Museum is directly across the street from the Museo Arqueologico (see below) just off the Plaza Machado in the Centro Historico; is a Mazatlan City Guide favorite; and is one of the must-see Mazatlan tourist attractions for anyone on a Centro Historico cultural tour.
Location: Sixto Osuna and Avenida Venustiano Carranza / Centro Historico just off the Plaza Machado
Telephone: 669 985 3502
Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday: 10am-1pm and 4-7 pm.
Admission: Just a few pesos, donations welcome Museo Arqueologico Centro Historico sightseeing Discover the archeology of pre-Hispanic Mexico #4 / Mazatlan tourist information and guide The Museo Arqueologia -- Mazatlan's archaeological museum -- offers well-organized exhibits outlining pre-Hispanic Sinaloan history and culture and is a great Mazatlan sightseeing tour stop.
Located just yards from the Plaza Machado in the Mazatlan Centro Historico within a beautifully restored buliding, the Mazatlan Archaeological Museum is directly across the street from the Museo De Arte (see above), and is a must-see on any Mazatlan Centro Historico cultural tour. A INHA (Instituto Nacional De Anthropologia E Historia) facility, the Archeology Museum displays include cases of human and animal figurines; pre-Hispanic burial artifacts and tokens; and ancient polychrome pottery from pre-Hispanic Sinaloa.
A Mazatlan City Guide favorite and a great stop when Mazatlan sightseeing in the Centro Historico, admission to the Museo Arqueologico is only 31 pesos -- and this great example off value-priced Mazatlan tourist attractions is free on Sundays!
Location: Sixto Osuna 76 / Centro Historico just off the Plaza Machado
Telephone: 669 981 1455
Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday: 10am-1pm and 4-7 pm. Machado Museo Casa Centro Historico sightseeing info Centro Historico boutique house museum within Portales de Cannobio #5 / Mazatlan Tourist Guide and sightseeing information Built in 1846 for a wealthy Italian family -- the Cannobio's -- Portales de Cannobio provides a wonderful glimpse into the lifestyle of a prosperous mid-1800's family. The family lived on the upper floor of this landmark Mazatlan Centro Historico building, and ran their thriving drugstore downstairs.
In addition to the wonderful authentic period architecture, the Machado Museo Casa houses many fascinating objects and artworks that evoke the mid-1800's including rugs, furniture, musical instruments, linens, antique porcelain dishes and silverware.
The lovingly and beautifully preserved Machado Museo Casa in Mazatlan is one of the least-discovered Mazatlan tourist attractions, and a Mazatlan City Guide special favorite. Located just off the Plaza Machado, this boutique house museum makes for a great stop when sightseeing within the Centro Historico; on your way to lunch or dinner on the Plaza Machado; on your way to visiting one of our many Mazatlan Centro Historico art galleries; or before a performance at the Angela Peralta Theater!
And remember to visit the outside balcony that runs along the top of the Portales de Cannobio for a spectacular view of the Plaza Machado.
Location: Constitucion 79 / Centro Historico just off the Plaza Machado
Hours: Open Every Day: 10am-6pm Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion Central Cathedral #6 / Mazatlan Cathedral sightseeing guide and information In the view of the Mazatlan City Guide, no day of Mazatlan sightseeing is complete without letting the towering double spire of the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion guide you to the very center of our city.
Begun by the Bishop Pedro Loza y Pardave in 1856, the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion was built on the site of an ancient Indian temple.
Mazatlan's turbulent history delayed the completion of the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion until 1899. In 1937 -- after additional work -- the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion was elevated to the status of a "basilica", a Roman Catholic church or cathedral given special ceremonial privileges by the Pope. Inside the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion, the image of the city's patron saint, the Virgen de la Purisima Conception (Virgin of the Immaculate Conception) floats over the glided, baroque main altar, while overhead soaring rounded Renaissance domes and gilded gothic arches create an airy and spiritual space.
Highly recommended by the Mazatlan City Guide, there is a wonderful bonus to this Mazatlan sightseeing attraction.
In front of the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion the lush tropical foliage of the central Plaza de la Republica encloses a traditional Mexican wrought-iron Porofirian bandstand, and the plaza is a perfect shady place to quietly reflect after your visit to our majestic cathedral. Video of the interior of the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion with history narrated by Robert Howes
Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion is just a short stroll from Olas Altas Beach, the Plaza Machado or other locations in the Centro Historico.
Location: Avenida Juarez y Canizalez / Centro
Hours: Open daily 6am-1pm and 4pm-8pm Mercado Pino Suarez Mazatlan Central Market Fresh food and local flavor at the Mazatlan Central Mercado #7 / Mazatlan Tourist Guide and sightseeing information Imagine a market being listed as one of the Mazatlan City Guide's most highly recommended Mazatlan tourist attractions? Well it is, and we cannot too highly recommend a visit to our central market, the Mercado Pino Suarez. The Mercado in Centro is an great shopping experience that has been recommended Mazatlan sightseeing for many years!
Located at Aquiles Serdan and Melchor Ocampo in Centro, you'll find our central market surrounded by a variety of small shops, food vendors and juice bars where you can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetable juices and iced Agua Frescas.
The Mazatlan Mercado is divided in sections by food types. You'll find aisles with fresh seafood; chickens; beef; and pork -- and miles of aisles of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Central Mercado also has cheese vendors -- featuring some delicious locally produced farmers cheeses -- as well as herb and spice shops. Beyond food, the Mazatlan Mercado has numerous shops and vendors of tourist items, like t-shirts, hats, and all sorts of souveniers of your Mazatlan sightseeing day. Often overlooked, stairs at the Mazatlan Mercado Pino Suarez lead to an upper level that has numerous small restaurants, many with a balcony view over the delightfully active street scene surrounding the outer stores and street carts. Mercado restaurants make for a wonderful -- and inexpensive -- place to take a break from sightseeing and have some fresh seafood or delicious carne asada! Do not miss the Mercado on your next visit to our city! Video about the Mazatlan Pino Suarez Market with history narrated by Robert Howes
Location: Aquiles Serdan and Melchor Ocampo / Centro
Admission: Free Mazatlan Malecon Sightseeing information The waterfront walkway of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico #8 / Mazatlan Tourist and Sightseeing Guide The Mazatlan Malecon -- 13 miles long, one of the longest in the world -- is a wonder of intelligent public planning and is a wonderful place for Mazatlan sightseeing: especially people-watching!
The Mazatlan Malecon assures that access to our beaches and the serenity of unobstructed views of the ocean will be preserved for generations to come.
The Malecon offers great views of remnants of the city's history including parts of the old ice works on the side of Icebox Hill and the ever-popular Devil's Cave -- Cueva del Diablo -- that conjures up ghosts of Mazatlan's pirate past. Video about the Devil's Cave in Mazatlan with history narrated by Robert Howes
Arguably the best Mazatlan sightseeing location if you're into people watching, the Malecon is kept scrupulously clean, and is is a shifting kaleidescope of pedestrians strolling the sea front, bicyclists, roller bladers, and vendors of of every type -- including vendors of outstanding street food! The Mazatlan Malecon is the stage for some of the city's most important events. For example, the Pacific Great Marathon, Mazatlan Biking Tour, and International Motorcycle Week are just a few of the events that take place on the Malecon.
And then, of course, there is Carnival. Carnival was inaugurated here in 1898, and those lucky enough to visit during the week before Lent are treated to the modern Mazatlan Carnival, the third largest Carnival celebration in the world. One of the most enduring of Mazatlan tourist attractions, the modern Mazatlan Carnival continues the more than 110 year tradition of attracting hundreds of thousands of people from all around the world, and features live music, delicious food, spectacular fireworks and great entertainment set on the picturesque Mazatlan Malecon oceanfront. Carnival in Mazatlan is without a doubt one of the most vibrant celebrations in Mexico, and its fantastic transformation of the Malecon is a thing to behold. Video of Mazatlan Carnival Fireworks 2010
Along the Mazatlan Malecon you will enjoy wonderful sunsets, spectacular beaches, and incomparable ocean views. Tourists, visitors, and Mazatlecos come to the Malecon early in the morning to exercise or simply to enjoy a stress-reducing walk. Or shop or party: along the Malecon you find shops, banks, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, and fascinating old and modern buildings. Uncrowded except on holidays -- and even then only in certain locations -- the Mazatlan Malecon is the perfect place to walk your cares away to the sound of surf.
No visit to our city can be considered complete without a leisurly stoll on the Malecon or, better yet, several!
Admission: Free Mazatlan Cliff Divers Tourist info and sightseeing attractions The excitement of Malecon cliff diving in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico #9 / Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide and information Everyone knows about the cliff divers of La Quebrada, but Acapulco isn't the only place famous for the sport of cliff diving.
One of the more exciting of our tourist attractions, Mazatlan cliff divers jump twice a day into the waters off the Malecon just north of Olas Altas beach.
While the Mazatlan cliff divers do not adhere to a set schedule, Mazatlan cliff diving performances are usually around noon and late in the afternoon, with the late afternoon dives being a great way to prepare for an evening in the Centro Historico or a fine way to cap a day of sightseeing. Video of Mazatlan Cliff Divers
The timing of a cliff dive is everything: at times the water is only six feet deep. An exciting Mazatlan City Guide favorite -- and its free!
Admission: Free, tips well-deserved! Acuario Mazatlan Mazatlan Aquarium / tourist attractions One of Latin America's Largest Aquariums #10 / Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide and information Mazatlan's Aquarium, the Acuario Mazatlan, is one of the largest in Latin America, and makes for very enjoyable Mazatlan sightseeing when you need a beach break.
One of the most popular Mazatlan tourist attractions, the Mazatlan aquarium draws international visitors and tourists from all over Mexico, in addition to providing a great aquatic educational and teaching venue The Mazatlan aquarium features the beautiful sea life that lives just off our coast, and is a great place to introduce children to the wonders of the ocean. With 52 tanks containing sharks, eels, seahorses, lobsters, and over 250 saltwater and freshwater species from around the world, the Mazatlan aquarium offers entertainment for the entire family. Video about the Mazatlan Aquarium
In addition to the sea life exhibits, the Mazatlan aquarium has another of the more-visited Mazatlan tourist attractions: a lovely adjoining botanical garden and a small zoo. This shady oasis provides a nice place to take a break from sightseeing and cool off.
The Mazatlan aquarium also has sea lion and exotic bird shows which are usually offered several times a day. The Mazatlan City Guide highly recommends a visit to the aquarium! Video about the Mazatlan botanical garden
Location: Avenida de los Deportes, two blocks inland from the Malecon. Hard to miss, it is fronted by a giant statue of Poseidon!
Hours: Open Daily 10:00am - 5:30pm
Admission: About 85 pesos
Telephone: 669 981 7815
Website: acuariomazatlan.com El Faro Lighthouse Mazatlan Light House / tourist attractions The highest lighthouse in the Americas #11 / Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide and information
A classic among Mazatlan tourist attractions, the Mazatlan City Guide recommends a visit to El Faro, our lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in the Americas and the second highest operating lighthouse in the world.
Located at the peak of Cerro del Creston -- once an island and now the southermost hill within the city -- it sits 523 feet above high tide, and a hike to the top offers truly bird's eye Mazatlan sightseeing!
The first use of Isla de Creston as a site for a navigational beacon came in 1828 with the construction of a simple pavilion where fires were lit at night. This unfocused light source -- although better than nothing -- was not a proper lighthouse, and was of limited value to seafarers trying to reach our port. All of that changed with the construction of El Faro.
This unique lighthouse first cast its glorious light westward over the Pacific ocean in In 1879. The original El Faro light house lamp was fabricated in Paris, and was an oil lamp with mirrors and Fresnel lens to focus the light. This much brighter light source meant that El Faro was visible from a greater distance, but since the light was static, it was often mistaken for a star.
In 1905 the El Faro lighthouse lamp was made to revolve, and in 1933 converted to electricity -- its 1000 watt bulb is equivalent to 600,000 candles! Video about the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlan with history narrated by Robert Howes
This last conversion, now more than 80 years in the past, made El Faro the lighthouse that you see today. Standing over two stories -- 23' -- above the peak of Cerro del Creston, El Faro's beacon can be seen for 30 nautical miles, and still serves as an important navigational tool in the era of GPS.
More than a drive-by Mazatlan sightseeing attraction, El Faro has become a must-do hike for many. You can hike to the top of El Faro in about 25 minutes, and there is no better view of Mazatlan than from the top of El Faro!
Be aware that this is a steep and demanding hike. Be sure to make your El Faro hike only during the daytime and with time to spare for the descent -- while El Faro is one of the classic Mazatlan tourist attractions, Cerro del Creston is rugged and the path is not lit after dark. A Mazatlan City Guide favorite -- and like many great Mazatlan sightseeing attractions -- its free!
Admission: Free Bosque de la Ciudad Central city park / tourist attraction Park and playground in Mazatlan #12 / Mazatlan visitor information Our city has a lovely city park, which is often overlooked by visitors planning Mazatlan sightseeing.
The Mazatlan City Guide believes that they're missing a very enjoyable experience!
Located on Avenida Deportes on the east side of the lagoon -- just across the street from the Estadio Teodoro Mariscal (our baseball stadium) -- the Parque Bosque de la Ciudad is not usually considered one of the Mazatlan tourist attractions, but this lovely urban park is a delightful tree-shaded oasis right in the heart of the city. Situated on the east side of the lagoon just east of the Malecon, Parque Bosque de la Ciudad offers tranquil nature trails that wind through the trees. This city park as a number of play facilities for children. The Mazatlan city park is a cool shaded refuge from the sun, perfect for family picnics and kids play-breaks and should be considered one of the best Mazatlan tourist attractions, especially on a hot day! Take a break from Mazatlan sightseeing and enjoy the cool shade of the Parque Bosque de la Ciudad. Video about Bosque de la Ciudad in Mazatlan
Location: Avenida de los Deportes
Hours: Daily 9am - 6pm
Admission: Free Mazatlan Venados Professional Baseball Mexican Pacific League baseball in Mazatlan #13 / Mazatlan Sightseeing Guide pro baseball information Pro baseball in Mazatlan? You bet! Estadio Teodoro Mariscal is home to the Mazatlan Venados (Deer), a first-class Mexican Pacific League professional baseball team that the Mazatlan City Guide knows should be ranked as one of the finest of Mazatlan tourist attractions.
The Mexican Pacific League is Mexico's most important winter baseball league, and the Mazatlan Venados are seven time Mexican Pacific League champions and an important training ground for Major League baseball players. Video of Mazatlan Venados 2009 Championship Celebration
The Mazatlan Venados put on an exciting performance every game, and have a long track record of victory. The Venados won the Caribbean World Series in 2005, and won their 7th Mexican Pacific League division title in the 2008-2009 season, with a winning percentage of .603!
Venados baseball games are played at night -- when its cooler -- under the lights. Mazatlan Venados stadium, Estadio Teodoro Mariscal, is a modern baseball stadium. Located on Avenida Deportes, the baseball stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood, and has ample -- and free -- secure parking. Bleacher seats for Mazatlan Venados baseball games are only 20p, and the very best seats only 145p. Higher priced Venados tickets -- choice reserved seats for 95p and the luxury boxes -- can even be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.mx. Just type "Venados" into the search box and you will get a list of all upcoming games.
For schedule and ticket information visit the Mazatlan Venados excellent website, venadosdemazatlan.com Treat yourself to an exciting Mazatlan Venados baseball game this season. Go Venados!
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Mazatlan Sightseeing and City Guide
Plaza Machado
