Mazatlan is located in the northwest of the Mexican Republic and in the south of the State of Sinaloa, below the Tropic of Cancer, between the meridians 105 07' & 23 52' with an altitude of 2 meters above sea level. The port city combines its beaches with the colonial centers of the western sierra, giving a striking contrast to the distinct attractions that can be seen in the southern part of Sinaloa.

In nahuatl, the language of the Aztec Empire, the word Mazatlan signifies “land of the deer,” composed of two syllables: mazatl, or deer, and tlan, meaning place or land.

For many years, Mazatlan was the principal city in the state of Sinaloa, not only for its superior population but also for its economic development. In 1821 when Mexico became independent from Spain, it was declared the “top international port” of the Mexican Pacific. From 1859 to 1873, given its importance, it functioned as the state capital.
   
  Mazatlan occupies a peninsula which little by little has grown to the north through the addition of new neighborhoods and housing developments as well as tourist complexes, and now has a population of approximately 500,000 inhabitants..

It is still one of the major ports on the Mexican Pacific, and has the largest fleet of shrimp and fishing boats in the country. It also has some industries, although its major source of business nowadays is tourism..

How to come to the city?

 The Mazatlan Aquarium

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