Top Sightseeing in Mazatlán

3 minutes read

First timer in Mazatlán? Explore the “Pearl of the Pacific” and unlock some of the top sights. Join me for a fun and historical tour.

A pinch of history

The region was inhabited by numerous native American tribes including the Xiximes, the Totorames, the Acaxee, and the Pacaxee.
From Nahuati (Aztec language), Mazatlan means “place of the deer.”
On May 14, 1531, 25 Castilians founded the city.
El Malecón is one of the longest boardwalks in the world (21 kilometers).
El Faro Lighthouse is the highest natural lighthouse in the Americas.
Today, Mazatlan is the world’s shrimp capital with the distribution of 40,000 tons of shrimp worldwide.

The Cathedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepción (Catedral Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción)

The Cathedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepción is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The construction began in 1856 and ended in 1899 after 20 years of interruption. In 1937, the Pope elevated it to the status of “Basilica.”

Look closely at this architecture combining gothic, morish, and baroque influences. One of the specificities of this Roman Catholic cathedral is the Star of David incorporated in the 28 stained glass windows. According to the legend, it honors some generous Jewish families’ donators.

Did you know?
Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, a renewed French organ builder, made the organ in Paris in 1886.

Location : 21 de Marzo, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Plaza República

Built in 1870, the square was embellished with benches, and a kiosk donated by the German Melchers family in 1909. This animated, luxuriant, and shady place is in front of the Cathedral. You will find multiple vendors, especially shoes shine workers.

Location : Calle Gral. Ángel Flores s/n, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Angela Peralta Theater (Teatro Angela Peralta)

Angela Peralta Theater, one of the first theaters in Mazatlán, was built in 1874. In operation until 1964, it was used as a theater, circus, and boxing scene. It fell into despair for decades and was rescued from demolition by the “Amigos Del Teatro Ángela Peralta.”

The 800-seat theater was declared National Heritage Building in 1990 and re-opened two years later.

Location : Angela Peralta Theater, Carnaval S/N, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico.

Plaza Machado

Constructed in 1837, the plaza has been a gathering public place for locals. Historical buildings, restaurants, hotels, and shops surround this animated area.

Location : Plaza Machado, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico.

Casas de Colores

As you are walking toward Mazatlán Malecón, don’t miss these colorful houses. It’s Instaworthy, but I didn’t find information about their historical value (if any!).

Location : Calle Gral. Ángel Flores 278-386, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Mazatlán Malecón

Mazatlán Malecón is 13 miles of oceanfront boardwalk. Stroll the Pacific Ocean, enjoy local shops and restaurants, admire the coastal view, and discover numerous sculptures along the way.

Below is a statue honoring Pedro Infante. Born in Mazatlán, Pedro Infante (1917-1957) was a Mexican movie star and singer. He played in 62 films during his 18 years acting career and recorded 366 songs in 13 years!

Mazatlán native, Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza known as Fernando Valadés (1920-1978), was a Mexican composer, singer, and pianist. During his career, he composed more than 200 songs. This statue honors his contribution to Mexican music.

The statue of Jacques Yves Cousteau is looking toward the Sea of Cortez and the three islands, an area he referred to as the “world’s aquarium” for its marine diversity.

Mexican singers José Alfredo Jiménez, and José Ángel Espinoza Aragón are also represented on the boardwalk.

There are many other statues to discover.

Location : Malecón de Mazatlán, P.º Olas Altas 75-Int.1, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico.

Cliff Divers (El Clavadista)

The Cliff Diver Platform is an impressive 50-foot-high tower. Built mid-1900s, Mario Gonzalez Aguilar was the first person who jump, and was on a bet! Today, you can enjoy the performance of skilled cliff divers. The latter will wait for the highest wave and higher tips to jump.

Location : El Clavadista, Malecón de Mazatlán, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

The Devil’s Cave (La Cueva Del Diablo)

The gated Devil’s cave is across the street from El Mirador. The red figure of the Devil is not welcoming, and you may wonder what secrets are hidden behind.

Different legends are shared locally. Some Mazatlecos reveal that the Devil appeared to people, along with people’s disappearances. Other stories mentioned a refuge for Pirates to hide their treasures.

One sure thing is that this cave was used as a dynamite deposit, developing a strong smell of sulfur.

Location : La Cueva Del Diablo, Balcones de Loma Linda, 82000 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico

Liverpool Alley (Callejón Liverpool)

In 2021, the city created Liverpool Alley to honor the famous British band and attract more (European) tourists.

Cross the street with the Beatles for a personalized “Abbey Road” album cover, call the new King with the red phone booth, or pose in front of the “Yellow Submarine,” and next to Marilyn.