Brujas beach

Enjoy one of the quietest beaches in the region just a few minutes away from the lively atmosphere of Old Mazatlán. Its persistent but moderate waves make it a perfect site for practising or becoming initiated in water sports such as windsurfing, bodyboarding or surfing. Actually, apart from the hotel guests, the only other visitors to the beach are usually the numerous surfers, drawn by its waves.

But fun in the sea doesn’t stop here. In the luxurious Hotel Riu Emerald Bay situated opposite the immensity of the Pacific, you can also go sailing, canoeing and diving.

Las Brujas loses none of its magic in the evening. Its soft greyish sand will caress your feet, beckoning you to take romantic strolls as you admire Mazatlán’s beautiful sunsets.

Isla de la piedra beach

South of the port, crossing the navigation channel, you will find numerous unspoilt beaches lined with coconut palms and offering magnificent views of the great mount that presides over the town. As well as its crystalline waters, you will also be able to enjoy the excellent fish and seafood kiosks there.

Mazatlán

Tradition and modernity go hand in hand in this picturesque town where interesting art galleries alternate with fascinating monuments. The Cathedral, which proudly dominates the town, stands out with its twin yellow steeples. The majesty of the building contrasts with the tranquillity of the Plaza Principal, or main square, where it rises up.

The short walk that will take you to the tree-lined Machado square is drawn out as you stop off in the numerous art galleries and restaurants the streets are smattered with. The square and the surrounding area are the best example of the cultural renaissance of Mazatlán.

One of the most singular attractions of Mazatlán is the odd statues that are dotted all around it: Carpe Olivera and the monuments to the little deer, life and the fisherman all appear to compete in terms of strangeness and extravagance. Opinions on these creations vary a great deal, but leave no-one indifferent.

The range of culture is rich and varied. The Ángela Peralta theatre is remarkable both for its interesting plays and the beautiful buildings, restaurants and terraces that decorate the area around it, giving it a very special atmosphere indeed.

The small but interesting Archaeological Museum houses objects found in the state of Sinaloa and a selection of historical photographs that will take you back to the town’s bygone eras.

If you are interested in modern art, the exhibitions in the Art Museum bring together some of Mexico’s most outstanding contemporary artists.

The top of the imposing Cerro de Crestón, which rises up in the south of the peninsula, affords unbeatable views of the town and the three photogenic islands that lay off its beaches. This crag’s 135m make it the second highest in the world after Gibraltar. Actually it is an island that was linked to the mainland by means of a bridge in 1930 and which now contains an important commercial and tourism dock.

Los Clavadistas cliff divers

Like their fellows in Acapulco, these intrepid cliff divers jump into the treacherous sea from the top of a platform in Paseo de las Olas. An impressive spectacle, especially when you know that that these courageous men are risking their lives to earn a tip.

Excursions to Isla de Venado

Several singularly beautiful islands lay opposite the beaches of Mazatlán. A short crossing will take you to the largest and loveliest one, Isla de Venados. Declared a nature reserve, on its solitary beaches with crystalline waters you will be able to carry out a wide variety of activities: canoeing, diving and even an enjoyable water banana session.

Surfing

Wave lovers are to be congratulated because Mazatlán has some of the best spots for practising this sport. Apart from the Bruja beach, where the RIU hotel is located, you can also go surfing in Punta Camarón, where there is a famous type of wave that breaks to the left known as El Cañón.

Wind permitting, surfers also gather in the waters of the tiny island of Isla de Piedra Negra, where the waves break in a fantastic setting.

Fishing

Like its neighbour, Baja California, Mazatlán is one of the main destinations for this activity. You can go on outings every day to fish for sea giants such as sailfish or blue, black or striped marlins. It is always easier to find these species than to get them out of the sea, as the resistance they offer and the efforts that have to be made to capture them are a sport in themselves.
If you prefer not going out to sea, on the shores of Mazatlán there is also an abundance of snappers, groupers, Pacific sierra and sea bass. The fishing is less exciting but also quieter.

Golf

Estrella de Mar: Between strokes you can admire the horizon of the pacific on this course that runs parallel to the sea. The sound of the waves and the lush tropical vegetation will make its demanding fairways and strategically-situated bunkers easier to deal with.

Mazatlán for children

The town has several aquatic attractions to ensure children have fun:

Mazatlán Aquarium: Youngsters will love this aquarium with its 52 tanks and 250 species of fresh and seawater fish. Sea lion shows are also organised every day.

Aqua Park: A wide variety of winding slides for kids, and in many cases their parents, to have fun on. The park also has an enjoyable wave pool.

Specialities

The traditional cuisine of Mazatlán is nourished by the generous Pacific Ocean. The shrimp-based dishes such as ‘machaca’, ‘tamales barbones’, ‘tacos dorados’ and ‘barcinas’ are all outstanding.
 
You should also try ‘aguachile’: a delicious mixture of cucumber, lemon, Pequin Chili and red onion with prawns.

There is no lack of refreshing drinks such as tiger nut, tamarind and barley waters. When dessert time comes try the rice pudding ‘jamoncillos’, ‘capirotada’, ‘pitaya jelly’ or ‘cocadas’.

Shopping

The state of Sinaloa is rich in craft products. The best place for going shopping is the Zona Dorada. Here you will find numerous craft items from Sinaloa, which has maintained a rich tradition of handcrafted creation. The basketry and pottery are particularly outstanding, as are the palm-plaited products, Copalá masks, wool products, coloured ceramics and carved wooden items.