10 Cheap Things to Do in Mazatlán

The Malecón is the coastal promenade that runs the length of the main bay in Mazatlán. Lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, and boasting beautiful ocean views, it’s not surprising it’s one of the most popular attractions in the city. And you can enjoy it without spending a dime.

The seawall stretches for 7km so you may want to pick a section to walk, jog or cycle on, you can rent bikes and there is a dedicated cycle path. It’s a great spot for an evening stroll, take in the sights such as Fisherman's Monument or watch the cliff divers at ‘El Clavadista’, as well as street performers and vendors selling street food.

From the Immaculate Conception Cathedral to the Pino Suarez Market and the Archaeological Museum; you’ll find Mazatlán’s most fascinating historical sights in the city’s old town. It’s a wonderful area to get lost in, with colourful buildings, colonial architecture and numerous statues and monuments to see as you wander through the streets.

Head for the main central square, Plaza Machado, where you can grab a table at an open-air bistro for great people-watching in the heart of Centro. Plus, the square really comes to life when the sun goes down, so expect to see live music and street performers.

Perched on top of Cerro del Creston (Creston Hill) at the Port of Mazatlán, El Faro Lighthouse is one of the highest lighthouses in the world. It’s a well-known landmark and a popular attraction for tourists in the city, and best of all, it’s free to visit.

The hike to El Faro is steep, encompassing 750 metres and 336 steps, but only takes around 30 minutes and you can go at your own pace. You will be rewarded with incredible views of the city and out to the Pacific Ocean. Plus, you can buy refreshments at the top and wander along the glass-bottomed viewing platform, ‘el Miradór de Cristal’.

Explore Mazatlán on a pulmonia city tour for a cheap and easy way to see the city. Pulmonias date back to the 1960s and look like open-air golf carts. They are regularly used as taxis, and you can take one for a longer tour as a fun and unusual way to see the sights.

Empty pulmonias can be flagged down on the streets as you would do for a regular taxicab. They can fit 4 people and are hired at an hourly rate so negotiate with the driver to get the best price. Expect to see plenty of pulmonias in Mazatlán, there is even a pulmonia monument on the Malecón.

Located at Olas Atlas Beach in Mazatlán, Carpa Olivera ‘Alberca de Mar’ is a seafront public saltwater pool that was built in 1915. The pool is open to the public and there is now a concrete slide, as well as restrooms and changing rooms, which were installed there in 2015.

Due to its long history, Carpa Olivera is an important landmark in Mazatlán and well worth a visit. It’s free to use the pool, which allows visitors to swim in the ocean while being protected from the waves. Be sure to check out the mermaid statue, ‘La Mujer Delfín’ (Dolphin Lady), which was added to the area in 2004.

El Mirador, also known as ‘Lookout Mountain’, is an iconic landmark in Mazatlán, offering incredible 360-degree views of the city and the bay. The viewpoint is on the route to El Faro and many visitors stop off there before continuing their hike to the famous lighthouse.

As well as the opportunity to take photos of the beautiful panoramic views of Mazatlán and the Pacific Ocean, El Mirador offers a great picnic spot for families and has a lovely seafood restaurant if you’re looking to dine out. Be sure to secure a seat by the window so you can enjoy the views with a delicious lunch.

If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly day out in Mazatlán, Estero El Yugo Nature Preserve is a lovely nature reserve at Cerritos Beach. Located just a 30-minute drive from Centro, the sanctuary is home to birds such as herons, spoonbills and kingfishers as well as many other animals like turtles, deer and foxes.

There’s plenty to do with nature trails to hike or bike as well as a boat rides and an observation tower. Plus, organised tours can be arranged in advance. The staff are knowledgeable and welcoming, and the reserve is kid-friendly. Visit the little souvenir shop at the end of your trip.

Punta de Clavadistas (Divers Point) is one of the most famous landmarks in Mazatlán and a must-see on your tour of the city. Situated on the Malecón near Olas Atlas Beach, this is the most popular spot to see local cliff divers plummeting into the ocean from a 15-metre-high platform.

Crowds of tourists often gather to watch this impressive spectacle, which is a decades-old tradition in Mazatlán. The divers typically start around midday and continue throughout the afternoon and sometimes into the evening. Be aware that although this is a free activity, the divers will be keen to ask for tips after the show.

Deer Island (Isla de Venados) is an idyllic island, located just off the coast of the Golden Zone in Mazatlán. It’s the largest and most popular of the 3 islands found here and there are several ways to get there, but you may find a water taxi is a cheaper option than an organised day tour.

When you reach the island, it offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city as you relax on the sandy beach and swim in the calm, turquoise ocean. There are several water sports and activities on offer, including snorkelling, banana boats, paddle boards and jet-skis, as well as the opportunity to hike nature trails and explore the island.

If you’re hunting for fresh, well-priced local produce on your stay in Mazatlán, Pino Suarez Market has a huge range of fruit, vegetables, seafood, meats and more. The city’s main market is also the perfect place to pick up cheap souvenirs, from clothing and accessories to homeware and crafts.

As well as the food market, you will find vendors selling hot street food that you can try as you browse the goods. Street food is a great way to try the local delicacies for less. From ceviche tostadas to tacos al pastor, you won’t be leaving Pino Suarez Market hungry.