Mazatlan tours

Things to do in Mazatlan

Mazatlán, Mexico, greets you with an undeniable energy, where the familiar strains of mariachi music meet the rhythm of the ocean. This city, where history and modernity coexist, offers more than just beaches and sunlight. Engage in Mazatlán tours with a local guide, and you'll find it's not merely sightseeing—it's an exploration of the city's essence. Picture walking through Old Mazatlán, where colonial architecture whispers tales of bygone pirates and traders. Skip the queue to wander vibrant markets filled with crafts and local flavours. Or, indulge in a food and wine tour, tasting both the traditional and the contemporary. Your guide takes you beyond the usual path, showing you the hidden spots and stories that make Mazatlán feel like a place of return. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Mazatlan. Explore Mazatlan your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Mazatlan tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Mazatlan for every interest, including: Layover tours: From the cruise pier or airport, circle the Centro Histórico to see Plazuela Machado and the Ángela Peralta Theatre exterior, then stop for shrimp tacos at a trusted taquería. Ride a pulmonía along the malecón to watch the cliff divers at Olas Altas and, time permitting, catch views from the Observatorio 1873 funicular. Nature and Wildlife tours: Take a boat to Deer Island for easy snorkelling and a guided kayak along the shoreline, or join a winter whale-watching cruise offshore. Birders can explore the Estero del Yugo wetlands to look for herons, ibis, and migratory ducks. Food and Drink tours: Sample ceviche, smoked marlin, and aguachile at Mercado Pino Suárez and nearby marisquerías, then learn how locals season callo de hacha at a seafood stand your guide trusts. Finish with a craft-beer flight at Tres Islas Brewery or a stop for raspados if you prefer something non-alcoholic. Centro and the malecón are very walkable, and city buses and pulmonías cover common routes, but islands and wetlands require transfers and timing. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Mazatlan inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods On a private walking tour of Mazatlán, delve into its lively neighborhoods with the guidance of a local. Discover the city's essence in a way only a local can reveal. - *Centro Histórico*: This neighborhood is a treasure for cultural tourists, with its vibrant plazas, historic buildings, and art galleries. It's a perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture and history. - *Zona Dorada*: Known for its beaches and nightlife, this area attracts those looking for excitement and relaxation. It's ideal for families and groups wanting to enjoy both sun and fun. - *Olas Altas*: A favorite for surfers and beach lovers, this neighborhood offers stunning ocean views and a laid-back vibe. It's perfect for those seeking a casual and active day by the sea. Day trip ideas from Mazatlan Use Mazatlán as your base and slip into nearby towns, beaches, and history sites on easy day trips from the city, and your tour can lean into food, culture, or time by the water. El Quelite: A short drive inland brings you to a tidy, colourful village known for ranch-style breakfasts, handmade tortillas, and quiet streets lined with adobe homes. You can walk the river bridge, spot iguanas in the trees, visit small workshops, and photograph bright facades, which suits anyone into local food and easygoing culture. La Noria and the agave distillery: This artisan town is all about leatherwork, saddles, belts, and a slower Sinaloa pace, and nearby agave fields lead to a historic distillery where you can learn how the spirit is made and sample responsibly. If you like craft traditions and countryside scenery, this is a low-stress day with lots to see. Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island): A short boat hop lands you on wide beaches backed by coconut groves, where simple seafood spots serve fresh ceviche and grilled fish. It’s a relaxed beach day with optional horseback rides or a quiet kayak on calm water, great if you want sand time without leaving the area far behind. Las Labradas, Cacaxtla Plateau: North of Mazatlán, wave-washed rocks are covered in ancient petroglyphs, and the beach setting adds a wild feel you don’t get in town. Fans of archaeology and photography like it for the coastal light, the open shoreline, and the chance to see pre-Hispanic carvings in a natural spot. Concordia and Malpica: In Concordia, the shady plaza, church, and woodworkers show small-town life, while Malpica is known for a family tile workshop and a rustic bakery with a wood-fired oven. If you enjoy handmade goods and simple street scenes, this route gives you a grounded look at Sierra foothill towns. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Mazatlan most travellers miss.