Mazatlán, Mexico 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Mazatlán

Arrive at General Rafael Buelna International Airport (MZT) in Mazatlán.

Take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle to your hotel.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation and settle in after your journey.

Explore Old Mazatlán

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Mazatlán.

Admire the colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.

Many art galleries, boutiques, and cafes are in this area. Perfect for an initial orientation.

Dinner at Plaza Machado

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants surrounding Plaza Machado, the central plaza of Old Mazatlán, known for its lively ambiance and outdoor dining.

The plaza often hosts live music or performances in the evenings.

Observatorio 1873

Take a funicular ride up to Observatorio 1873 for stunning panoramic views of Mazatlán's harbor and city.

Explore one of the city's oldest buildings and its history.

A unique historical and scenic experience. Arrive earlier to avoid crowds.

Lunch in Old Town

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local eatery in the charming Old Mazatlán area.

Hike to Faro Mazatlán

Hike up Cerro Creston, Mazatlán's highest hill, to reach the Faro Mazatlán (Mazatlán Lighthouse).

It's one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world, offering incredible views.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The hike can be steep but is rewarding. Best done in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures.

Stroll the Malecón

Walk along a section of the Malecón de Mazatlán, one of the longest boardwalks in the world.

Enjoy the ocean breeze, public art, and watch the cliff divers.

The cliff divers perform sporadically, often in the late afternoon. Keep an eye out!

Sunset Dinner

Dine at a restaurant along the Malecón or Olas Altas beach area, enjoying the beautiful Mazatlán sunset.

Mazatlan Van Tour

Embark on a guided city tour with Mazatlan Van Tours to see the main highlights of Mazatlán, including both the Old Town and the more modern Golden Zone, with insights from local guides.

This tour offers a comprehensive overview of the city. Confirm if suitable for solo travelers or small groups. Booking in advance is recommended.

Lunch in Golden Zone

Have lunch in the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada), known for its hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Beach Relaxation

Spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the beautiful beaches in the Golden Zone, such as Playa Gaviotas.

Enjoy sunbathing or swimming.

Chairs and umbrellas are often available for rent from beach vendors.

Explore Local Markets

Wander through a local market, such as Pino Suárez Market, to experience local life, find fresh produce, and unique souvenirs.

Markets typically close in the early evening, so check hours. Great place for authentic street food snacks.

Fresh Seafood Dinner

Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at a highly-rated local restaurant, a must-do in Mazatlán.

Espinazo del Diablo Drive

Take a scenic drive or join a tour to Espinazo del Diablo (The Devil's Backbone), a breathtaking mountain pass known for its stunning views and winding roads.

A great escape from the city.

This requires a rental car or joining a specialized tour. Pack snacks and water. The road can be challenging but offers spectacular vistas.

Late Lunch

Enjoy a late lunch back in Mazatlán after your scenic drive, perhaps in the Golden Zone or near your hotel.

Poolside Relaxation

Relax by the hotel pool, enjoying a refreshing swim or simply lounging with a drink after your day of exploration.

Casual Dinner

Have a casual dinner at a restaurant of your choice, exploring different cuisines or revisiting a favorite spot.

Stone Island Excursion

Take a tour to Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra), a peninsula offering a relaxed beach experience.

Enjoy horseback riding, banana boat rides, or simply relax on the quiet beaches.

Many tours depart from the harbor area. It's a great way to experience a different side of Mazatlán's coastal charm. Lunch is often included in tour packages.

Beachside Lunch

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch right on Stone Island before heading back to the mainland.

Afternoon Siesta / Free Time

Return to your hotel for some rest, a nap, or some free time to explore the immediate vicinity.

Waterfront Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner for this chunk of your trip, perhaps at a restaurant overlooking the ocean or one of Mazatlán's beautiful marinas.

Beach Relaxation

Start your day with ultimate relaxation on one of Mazatlán's beautiful beaches, such as Playa Gaviotas in the Golden Zone.

Enjoy the sun, sand, and gentle waves.

Rent a beach chair and umbrella for maximum comfort. Vendors will often come by offering drinks and snacks.

Lunch in Golden Zone

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Golden Zone, offering fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine.

Stroll the Malecón de Mazatlán

Walk along the iconic Malecón de Mazatlán, one of the longest boardwalks in the world.

Enjoy the ocean views, monuments, and vibrant atmosphere.

Consider renting a bicycle or taking a 'pulmonia' (open-air taxi) for part of the journey.

Sunset Dinner by the Ocean

Dine at a restaurant along the Malecón or in Olas Altas, enjoying delicious food with a beautiful sunset view over the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.

Hike to Faro Mazatlán

Hike to the top of Cerro Creston, Mazatlán's highest hill, to visit Faro Mazatlán, one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world.

Enjoy panoramic views of the city and ocean.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The hike can be steep but is rewarding. Best to go in the morning before it gets too hot.

Lunch in Old Mazatlán

Descend from the lighthouse and enjoy a delicious lunch in the charming Old Mazatlán district.

Explore Golden Zone

Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Golden Zone, known for its shops, cafes, and lively atmosphere.

Dinner in Golden Zone

Enjoy dinner at one of the many diverse restaurants in the Golden Zone.

Mercado Pino Suárez Visit

Immerse yourself in local culture at Mercado Pino Suárez, Mazatlán's main municipal market.

Explore stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, meats, spices, and local crafts.

This is a great place to experience authentic Mazatlán life and find unique souvenirs. Try some local snacks from the food stalls.

Lunch at the Market

Have an authentic Mexican lunch at one of the many food stalls within or around Mercado Pino Suárez.

Mexican Cooking Class

Participate in a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes.

This is a fantastic way to dive deeper into the local culture and cuisine.

Search for local cooking classes online; many include a market visit and meal. This experience often needs to be booked in advance.

Enjoy Your Cooked Meal

Savor the delicious dishes you prepared during your cooking class, or enjoy a relaxed dinner out if the class didn't include a full meal.

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a scenic day trip.

Espinazo del Diablo Excursion

Embark on a scenic drive to Espinazo del Diablo, a stunning viewpoint in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the canyons and rugged landscape.

This can be a full-day trip. Consider hiring a private tour or renting a car for the best experience. The drive itself is part of the adventure.

Late Lunch / Early Dinner

After returning from your excursion, enjoy a well-deserved late lunch or early dinner.

Relaxation and Leisure

Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps by the hotel pool or with a quiet stroll, reflecting on your trip.

Souvenir Shopping

Spend your morning browsing for last-minute souvenirs and gifts in the Golden Zone or Old Mazatlán.

Look for local crafts, jewelry, and textiles.

Haggle respectfully in local markets for the best prices.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final delicious lunch in Mazatlán, savoring your favorite local flavors before heading to the airport.

Hotel Checkout

Complete your check-out procedures at the hotel.

Transfer to Airport

Arrange for a taxi or pre-booked shuttle to take you from your hotel to General Rafael Buelna International Airport (MZT).

Confirm your flight departure time and plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight for domestic travel, or 3 hours for international.

Depart Mazatlán

Depart from Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) back to Tijuana.