Discovering Mazatlán: A Week of Sunsets, Seafood & Mexican Culture

Our home base for the week was the Viaggio Resort Hotel, where we enjoyed a complimentary all-inclusive stay. After arriving and settling in, we kicked off our visit with a welcome dinner at La Terraza Restaurant at El Cid Resorts.

Overlooking the marina, La Terraza is a lovely spot to enjoy dinner while taking in the incredible views. If there's one thing Mazatlán does exceptionally well, it's sunsets, and this was the perfect introduction to the city.

One of the highlights of our visit was getting out on the water for a whale-watching excursion.

We headed out along the beautiful bay aboard a high-speed semi-rigid boat, guided by knowledgeable local marine experts. Along the way, we had the opportunity to look for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, manta rays and all kinds of marine life.

There's something about experiencing a destination from the water that gives you an entirely different perspective. Whether you're lucky enough to spot a whale or simply enjoy the ocean breeze and beautiful coastline, this is an experience I'd recommend adding to your Mazatlán itinerary.

That evening, we headed to Mer Social, an elegant restaurant offering international cuisine, music and a lively atmosphere. It was a wonderful way to wind down after a day on the water.

We spent the following morning visiting the New Mazatlán Aquarium, one of the city's anticipated attractions.

At the time of our visit, the aquarium was preparing to open to the public in March 2023. Designed as more than just an aquarium, the impressive facility was envisioned as a centre for marine research, education and environmental awareness.

After our visit, it was time for lunch at La Costa Marinera, a longtime local favourite that opened in 1988.

Located along the Pacific, this restaurant is all about seafood and beautiful ocean views. The menu features a variety of regional specialties, including herb-seared tuna and creative shrimp dishes. If fresh seafood is on your travel must-have list, this is one to keep in mind.

You can't visit Mazatlán without exploring its historic heart.

We hopped aboard the double-decker Fun Bus for a city tour that included the famous Malecón (boardwalk) and the charming Historic District.

The tour offered a fun way to see the city before heading out on foot to explore some of its most recognizable landmarks.

• The Cathedral: A beautiful architectural landmark and one of the city's most recognizable buildings.
• The City Market: A great place to experience local life, browse traditional goods and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
• Plazuela Machado: One of my favourite kinds of places to discover while travelling. This charming square is surrounded by colourful architecture, restaurants, cafés and plenty of local character.

One of the most memorable ways to experience the region was taking a day trip outside the city.

Our Colonial Village Tour brought us to El Quelite, a picturesque traditional Mexican village nestled along the banks of the Quelite River.

With its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets and charming old-world atmosphere, El Quelite feels like stepping back in time. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience a slower pace of life and see a different side of the region.

We also visited Vinata Los Osuna, a family-run agave distillery with a rich history of growing blue agave and producing mezcal. Learning about the traditional process and the history of agave production in the region added another layer to the experience.

Lunch was at El Mesón de Los Laureanos, a wonderful stop to enjoy traditional regional cooking and experience a little more of the local hospitality.

After a full day exploring, we returned to the hotel for some much-needed downtime before heading out for dinner at Agatha Kitchen, a contemporary restaurant offering a fresh take on dining in Mazatlán.

Our final morning brought us to one of Mazatlán's most interesting attractions: Observatorio 1873.

Perched atop Vigía Hill, approximately 75 metres above sea level, this historic building originally served as a lookout point to protect the city from enemy and pirate ships. It later became a meteorological and seismological centre before being restored and transformed into a tourist attraction in 2019.

Today, the experience includes a funicular, museum, sanctuary, Sky Bar and agaviario.

The ride up the hill and the incredible views make this a worthwhile stop for anyone wanting to see Mazatlán from a different perspective. It's a beautiful combination of history, architecture and sightseeing.

We finished our visit with lunch at Gusto al Gusto, a newer seaside restaurant with a fresh and modern concept. The menu combines seafood favourites, sushi, Mexican snacks and chef-inspired specialties.

A lovely final meal before heading back to the hotel to collect our luggage and prepare for departure.

Absolutely!

What I loved most about Mazatlán was the variety of experiences it offers. You can spend your mornings enjoying the ocean, afternoons exploring historic neighbourhoods and evenings discovering incredible restaurants.

It's a destination that offers so much more than a beach holiday. There's history, culture, beautiful architecture, traditional villages, incredible food and a welcoming local atmosphere.

Whether you're planning a relaxing all-inclusive getaway or looking to fill your days with excursions and local discoveries, Mazatlán offers a wonderful balance of both.

My advice? Get out and explore. Make time for the historic district, book an ocean excursion, try the regional seafood and don't miss the opportunity to discover the beautiful countryside beyond the city.

And whatever you do, leave a little room in your itinerary for those unforgettable Pacific sunsets.