Mazatlan City Information

Area: 21 sq km
Population: 324,700
Country: Mexico
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -6
Telephone Area Code: 669

Orientation
Old Mazatlán, the city center, is concentrated near the southern end of a peninsula, bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Bahía Dársena on the east. The center of the old city is the cathedral, on Plaza Principal, surrounded by a standard rectangular street grid. At the southern tip of the peninsula, El Faro (the lighthouse) stands on a rocky prominence, overlooking Mazatlán's sport fishing fleet and the La Paz ferry terminal.
A beachside boulevard runs along the Pacific side of the peninsula from Playa Olas Altas, around some rocky outcrops, and north around the wide arc of Playa Norte to the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), a concentration of hotels, bars and businesses catering mainly to package tourists. Farther north are more hotels, a marina and some time-share condos.

When to Go
Anytime is a good time to visit warm, tropical Mazatlán. Daily temperatures in summer range from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 92°F); afternoon rain is common. In winter, the temperature range is a very manageable 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F).
Bear in mind that July and August are peak holiday months for both Mexicans and foreigners. Other big holiday seasons are mid-December to early January, and a week either side of Easter. Mazatlán is also swamped for Carnaval celebrations in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday (in February or March). At these times, room prices are likely to go up and advance reservations for accommodation and transport are advisable.

Getting There & Away

Mazatlán International Airport is 20km (12mi) southeast of the city. Several airlines schedule flights to and from this airport, including Aero California, Aeroméxico, America West and Mexicana.
The main bus station (Central de Autobuses) is about three blocks inland from the beach, and ringed by inexpensive hotels. Buses to small towns nearby (such as Concordia and Copala) operate from a smaller terminal behind the main terminal.
Ferries run between Mazatlán and the port of Pichilingue, 23km (14mi) from La Paz. The ferry terminal is at the southern end of town.


Getting Around
Mazatlán has regular taxis, often called 'eco-taxis', which are usually painted red-and-white or green-and-white. There is also a special type of taxi called a pulmonía ('pneumonia'), a small open-air vehicle similar to a golf cart. Pulmonías can be slightly cheaper, depending on your bargaining skills.
Local buses travel from the market in the center to the beach, the Zona Dorada and El Faro. Colectivo vans and a bus operate from the airport to town, but, oddly, not from town to the airport. You can, however, take a taxi from town to the airport.