How To Spend 24 Hours in Mazatlan

Mazatlan is known to have one of the longest Malecon (coastlines) in the world. Stretching for about 13 miles, you can imagine how much there is to see here. Now for most people, time is of the essence. Whether you have a weekend trip planned and want to hit as many places as possible, or you're traveling the world and are just passing through. Mazatlan has some pretty great things for you to see. Here is How To Spend 24 Hours in Mazatlan!

Old Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a very fast growing city. On the outskirts of town, new sky-rise hotels are popping up almost weekly. I stayed with a woman here, Irma, who has lived almost her whole life here. She has seen this place go from a small city, to what it is today. Old Mazatlan really shows the history of this place. With an old style feel, it is really nice walking around and getting to know the part of the city that was here before the big tourism boom.

I have to say, Mexico has sculptures scattered all over the place. Most of the statues in Mazatlan are by the water, showing things that come from the sea. This should be no surprise considering the location, and that the majority of the restaurants are full of seafood! Since we're talking about food now, let me show you a great place to grab some lunch.

La Taquiza Del Cheff

All these historical views are probably making you pretty hungry. Time for lunch! When it comes to visiting Mexico, there are literally thousands of taco places all over. I truly don't know how they all stay in business! Most places are almost always busy, and I can totally understand why. They're all just so good!

One that I really enjoyed? La Taquiza del Cheff. They have so many options, and just looking at the menu can get anyone's appetite going. The other cool thing about these places is they are super cheap. Compared to United States prices? You can be full off of a few dollars here. Check this place out, you won't be disappointed.

We needed those calories before our next stop. We're about to experience a bird's eye view of where this beautiful land meets the sea. It's time for a hike!

El Faro

El Faro means "The Lighthouse", and this is one of the highest in the world. About a 45 minute hike, the lighthouse sits upon the mountain you are climbing. Listening to the birds within the trees, it feels like you are in a forest. The lighthouse is pretty far away from the main part of Mazatlan, which gives it this foresty feel. No city noises to be heard, utter serenity.

The cats know this serenity all too well. Lining the trail all the way up the mountain are so many cats, I couldn't even count. They are just lounging around on the trail, totally unperturbed by humans passing by. Enjoying the views and sounds just as much as you are.

I like hiking almost as much as I like food, and El Faro is one for the books. On one side, you see where the boats are being welcomed by the lighthouse. Patiently waiting for clearance to enter the port. On the other? The whole city shining brightly next to the water.

I can only imagine what this place must have looked like 20 years ago, before the big tourism boom. It would be truly amazing to have seen how this city went from being mostly mountainous, to growing ever larger every year with sky rises and hotels. After all this hiking, it is time to cool down on El Malecon. I mean seriously, how could you spend 24 hours in Mazatlan and not get some sand between those toes?!

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Beach time

El Malecon, or the coastline, in Mazatlan is one of the largest in the world! With 13 miles of this beautiful city stretching along the water, how could one possibly find the best spot to swim? Well once you arrive to the Malecon, you will soon realize most parts of the waterfront are quite rocky. This isn't something that takes away from the beauty of it, but to swim there probably wouldn't be ideal. There are a few spots designated as beaches that are really nice.

My favorite?

Playa Los Pinitos is the place to be. Very nice beach, family friendly and the perfect spot to find some waves if that is what you are into. This beach has spots that are both rocky and sandy, and places with waves or no waves. You really can't ask for much more diversity from a beach!

There are plenty of places to watch the sunset in Mazatlan, and this is one of my favorite. As the sun starts to set, the temperature starts to cool down. People are starting to clear out, and a nice walk along the water is always worth the time.

For me, the sunset gives me a time to really settle into what I experienced that day. To meditate and be present on the beauty I took part in from the time the sun greets us each morning. With all that gratefulness and the activities we did today, it is time for some more food!

Italia Mia

Being around tacos all the time is great. I've really enjoyed all the different styles Mexico has to offer. Every once in a while, however, I need something more. This was just the spot! Italia Mia has some seriously good pizza, and plenty of options to choose from!

My go to was the Margherita Pizza, and I would suggest it to anyone traveling to Mazatlan. This restaurant has a really nice feel to it. Anywhere in Mexico, you have to expect music playing. This place isn't so loud you can't hear the person next to you speak, so it is pretty nice compared to other places. This way, you can play the old "Rose and Thorn" game while you are waiting for your amazing meal!

Final Thoughts

There you have it! How to Spend 24 Hours in Mazatlan. This city has so much to offer, and the locals are simply amazing. One thing I've noticed on my travels through Mexico? The locals really appreciate when you at least try to speak their language. By being so interested in their words, instead of expecting them to speak your own language, you bring down their walls and allow them to feel more comfortable with you.

Don't be scared! It's ok to make mistakes. Just be confident in the fact you are trying and know that you will be picking up a new skill along the way! I find this to be half the reason I enjoy traveling so much. Learning new things, seeing new perspectives on life. How people just south of the border live can be totally different from what we are used to in the United States, and neither is wrong! By gaining a different perspective, you allow yourself to take a step back on your own routines in life, and see what it is you'd like to alter for the better.

'Til next time,

Pete - A Traveling Teacher

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