Mazatlan is an Emerging Vacation Hotspot on Mexico’s Spectacular West Coast

by Bea Broda
Travel Video News


On my third visit to this gorgeous “colonial city on the beach,” I can clearly see that Mazatlan stands right on the cusp of enormous success. Here for the annual Fiesta de Amigos, I spoke to Carlos Berdegue (Sacristan) who is the President of the city’s hotel association and of El Cid Resorts. He relates that air connectivity has improved from both Canada and the USA, and that the new convention center from 2010 is giving the city an edge that didn’t exist before. There is a community of about 10,000 residents and part time residents from the USA and Canada that have integrated well with the local scene and have invested their time, energy and enthusiasm into a number of key areas.







The city still has the flavor of an old town, but with so many modern facilities. Located on Mexico’s Gold Coast, Mazatlan is still a “value” vacation, with lower prices than other destinations that have similar touristic offerings. Early next year a new highway is opening that puts Mazatlan within a 12 hour drive of the US border.

The highway is expected to open 8 new markets and allow Americans that want to come by car an easy way to do it. The city has become an interesting mix of cultures that has given rise to many wonderful byproducts like unique cuisine that fuses local Mexican styles with other ethnic styles and gives it a modern twist. There is a strong contemporary and classical dance scene, as well as art and other cultural delights, especially in the central downtown area that has now come alive the first Friday night of each month with a delightful art walk. There are already 4 renowned dance companies that reside here and the contemporary dance company is considered one of the 5 best in the world.

Because of the highway and improvements in the port area, Mazatlan is also going to become a very important port for exportation. Cruise ships are returning in 2013, and $3 million has been invested into a corridor for cruise arrivals to experience something of colonial Mazatlan right upon disembarkation – a fabulous walking tour along a corridor that leads passengers straight from the ship to the main plaza.

New boutique hotels have opened, and there are plans to expand existing hotels. Another $3 million will be spent with commercial airline partners from major gateways, and airlines are predicting a good winter, with 38 % already over last year’s bookings. There will be 6 flights a week from major hubs such as Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, etc.

Mazatlan has no plans to tamper with its colonial charm and friendliness that has captured the heart of afficionados everywhere!