How to Spend 2 Days in Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a city with character, offering more to explore beyond the beach than most resort towns. Two days here allows you to book excursions like whale watching and tequila tours. Plus, you’ll be able to spend more time sightseeing and discovering the city’s historical attractions. Here are a few ways to enjoy two days in Mazatlan:

Day 1: Culture and the Countryside

**Morning:**Start your trip by exploring some of the colonial towns  in the Sierra Madre mountains that surround Mazatlan, such as Concordia and Copala. You’ll be able to admire the architecture and red-roofed houses in Copala and swing by a local bakery and tile shop. Or head to the villages of La Noria and El Quelite and La Vinata distillery, where you can learn about tequila production and try a sample.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, return to Mazatlan and explore its Old Town area. See attractions like the cathedral and the Old Spanish Fort, then stop to watch the town’s daring cliff divers. Plus, stop by Pino Suarez Market, Mazatlan’s historic mercado, to shop for souvenirs.

**Night:**In the evening, catch a show at the historic Angela Peralta Theater, located in the historical center. Built in the late 1800s, the landmark was renovated and restored in 1992, and ticket prices are usually inexpensive. (You can also take a guided tour of the building during the day.) Alternatively, grab drinks at one of Mazatlan’s many bars.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

**Morning:**An extra day in Mazatlan allows you to venture away from the Golden Zone of beachfront hotels. Get out on the water, and explore the bay of Mazatlan on an all-day guided tour to see dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and coastal birds and enjoy snorkeling in the always-temperate sea.

**Afternoon:**The waters of Mazatlan attract humpback whales, which mate and give birth here in the winter months. Book a whale-watching expedition with marine biologists to spot these creatures and learn about their behavior. Alternatively, spend the afternoon enjoying the beach near your hotel, and relax by the ocean while taking advantage of the amenities.

**Night:**Wrap up your day aboard a catamaran. Head out with naturalist guides to learn about the local marine life as you sail around the biodiverse archipelago of Pájaros, Venados, and Lobos on a sunset cruise. As the sun sets, be on the lookout for more dolphins and sea lions.