Things to do in Sinaloa (State)

Visit the Mazatlán 1873 Observatory to see a wide range of attractions. Discover how this ancient building went from a military outpost to a meteorological building. Enjoy exploring the observatory to see birds, cacti, iguanas, and more.   Start the day by riding up the 80-meter slope on a funicular. Admire the views of the ocean as you ride this unique method of transportation.  Watch a short film to learn the history of Mazatlán and the observatory. Take a look around the museum styled to look like a house from the 1800s.   Next, go to the distillery where mezcal is made using agave plants and stop at the bird sanctuary. Get to see more than 70 species of birds, including macaws, parrots, parakeets, flamingos, and toucans, all of which have been rescued.   Head into the former dungeon turned cellar where wine, mezcal, and sake are kept. Then walk around the gardens to see the different types of cacti and agave growing there.   Go to the reptilian land where more than 200 iguanas live and you can interact with them. At the end of the day, you can enter the sky bar if you want to have a drink while enjoying the views. 

Join a team of marine biologists, ecologists, and naturalists who will guide your whale watching adventure. Listen to outstanding commentary about the local environment. Gain real-time insight into the whales’ ecology and behavior while collecting scientific data for ongoing research and conservation projects. During your encounters, observe whales spouting while cruising along, or powerfully breaching and tail slapping while playing or fighting. It is breeding season in the Mexican Pacific so there is a lot going on! If you're lucky enough, you may find females nursing their calves, or maybe listen to the intriguing songs performed by males as part of their courtship ritual. By taking part in this expedition, you are contributing directly to marine research and monitoring activities led by Onca Explorations and its partners for the conservation of whales and dolphins in this important region of the Mexican Pacific and the Gulf of California.

Taxco is at the heart of Mexico’s silver region and one of the country’s pueblos magicos, or magic towns. Explore its cobblestone streets and visit some its silver jewelry shops. On the way to Taxco you’ll make a stop in Cuernavaca to admire its colonial architecture. This full-day excursion combines a guided tour of Taxco, providing history and facts about the Silver City with free time for you to explore the city and check out the beautiful silver jewelry in the afternoon. Cuernavaca, noted for its wonderful climate, is a pretty colonial city not far from the Mexican capital. Stop to see the Palace of Cortés and also the city's cathedral that features murals dating back to the 16th century. Taxco is renowned for silver and you’ll visit one of the top silver workshops to see how the famous jewelry is made. On this stop you’ll be offered tastes of tequila and mescal to try out these popular drinks made from cactus. See Santa Prisca Church, an architectural masterpiece built in the 18th century. Your guide will tell you about the history of the church and its interesting altarpiece. After lunch you’ll have time to explore Taxco on your own, taking in the stunning street scenes or buying silver jewelry from some of the finest craftsmen in Mexico.

Start with pickup from your hotel, hop on the open-top bus, and enjoy the surrounding views of Mazatlán. Benefit from a convenient mode of transportation to discover the city and its surrounding areas. Visit Playa Norte and feed the local birds from the open top of the bus. Stop at the Glorieta Germania lookout point and witness brave individuals jumping from the towering perches and cliffs into a tiny dot of water. Then, explore the center of Mazatlán on a guided walking tour through the Historic District and discover narrow streets and colorful buildings designed in a variety of 19th-century European architectural styles. Admire The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the primary religious landmark of the city, built in a Baroque style. Hop back on the bus and ride along the Malecón (boardwalk), which is one of the longest in the world at 8.5 kilometers. Admire the views of the coast, high cliffs, monuments, historic buildings, and the elegance of Zona Dorada (Hotel Area) before returning to your hotel.

Your ecological adventure begins with pickup from your hotel then heads towards the 3 islands of Mazatlan. Perhaps the most iconic symbols of Mazatlan, the islands are named after the main species that inhabit or once inhabited them. The destination of today’s tour, Deer Island, is nestled between Bird and Wolf Island, and is the largest and most popular island of the 3. There’s plenty to see and do on Deer Island, thanks to its natural attributes and terrain which provide a fantastic recreational space. Spend the day snorkeling in the warm waters in search of colorful marine life, relaxing on the white sandy beaches, and kayaking around the shoreline to soak up incredible views of both Mazatlan and Deer Island itself. You can also follow your expert guide on an ecological hike around the island, to see and learn about native flora and fauna that grow and live here in abundance. At the end of a fun, adventurous, and educational day, head back on board the boat for the return journey to Mazatlan, and then drop-off to your hotel.

In winter, it's possible to view the gentlest giants of the ocean, humpback whales. On this tour, you'll enjoy a fun ride along the bay in which you may also find dolphins, turtles, sea lions, manta rays, and other forms of sea life. This adventure is sure to be the highlight of your holidays. Guided by passionate sea experts on board a high-speed, semi-rigid boat, the experience is perfect for the whole family and allows you to experience these majestic creatures in comfort and safety. The local partner's team is unique in the region and the boats are internationally certified.  Don't forget your camera, so you can relive all the special moments in the years to come.

Visit one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world, the Mazatlan Lighthouse, with an expert guide. Find out about the history of this important landmark, and hike to the top to enjoy panoramic views from the Cristal de Mirador lookout point. What we know today as the Mazatlan Lighthouse is settled in what once was an island. The Island of Crestón was used for maritime signaling for the port of Mazatlan from 1828 until 1930 when the necessary work was done to unite this body of land with the mainland port. With a length of 641 meters (701 yards), a width of 321 meters (351 yards), and an altitude of 157 meters (515 feet), the Mazatlan Lighthouse offers the ideal place to enjoy 360-degree views of the bay landscapes. Delight in the perfect place to take photos of the nearby islands and the city of Mazatlan, and receive digital photos of your trip after you return.

Hop onboard the Pulmonia, and savor all the sights of the city. Tour through all the key spots in a fun way. Take in charming narrow streets, the seafront, and fantastic hilltop views. Enjoy cruising through authentic Mazatlan. Make a stop at Playa Norte and experience feeding birds whilst they fly. Watch cliff divers make a live jump. Ride through the charming narrow streets of the historic district, and take in the picturesque seafront boulevard. Marvel at beautifully restored architecture, including the Plazuela Machado, the Angela Peralta Theater, and the double-towered, spectacular Cathedral. Enjoy some free time at the main market, and immerse yourself in local culture among the small shops, food vendors, and juice bars. Your last stop will be atop El Vigia Hill. Enjoy the view, before feeling the breeze as you are driven back down to town.

Make the most of your day with a brief sightseeing city tour and a Premium Access pass to Mazatlan Aquarium including the Humboldt Penguin Exhibit, interactive tank areas. See educational exhibits such as shark diving, sea lions, tropical and predators birds, and more. Start this exciting marine life adventure on a traditional open-air vehicle ride from your accommodation to the city aquarium. Skip the ticket office line for a quick and full-access visit to the Aquarium and Humboldt Penguin exhibit. The Humboldt Penguin exhibit is home to 14 of these amazing creatures that live in temperate areas of South America and never see ice or snow. Get up close with them, both above and below the water in the Humboldt Penguin Habitat. Explore the indoor saltwater fish tanks and the biggest jellyfish tank in Mexico. Stick your fingers into the doctor fish tank. Enjoy the fantastic experience of exfoliating dead cells from your skin. Admire the museum of the sea, which displays a wide variety of snails, marine mammal bones, and a miniature display of the arts and fishing methods used around the world. Discover the outdoor areas. Interact with wonderful creatures such as stingrays and electric rays, love birds, and Tilapia fish. Or simply walk along and meet a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals, Get your snacks and camera ready for educational exhibits of tropical birds, predatory birds, and sea lions where Toby, Ely, Tito, and the superstar Bony will perform fantastic numbers in the water and air. Enjoy a brief sightseeing tour on the open-air vehicle through the boardwalk and Historic District before returning back to your accommodation.

Start your adventure with an early pick-up from the meeting point or your accommodation, with a brief stop at Cuernavaca. While there, visit the Cuernavaca Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the country. Admire the colonial architecture and colorful frescoes before making your way to Tepoztlan. Situated between the mountains south of Mexico City, the town of Tepoztlan is known for its breathtaking mountain views, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming town center. Besides its aesthetically picturesque attributes, Tepoztlan is also known for its mystical and spiritual reputation. According to Mesoamerican legend, Tepoztlan was said to be the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the omnipotent, feathered serpent god of the Aztecs. You’ll find the area populated with shamans, temazcal baths, and other alternative therapies. Once you arrive at Tepoztlan, you’ll begin your walking tour and explore the Tepozteco Archaeological Zone. You’ll also pass by the Tepoztlan Market to see the vendors and their wares and stroll by the Ex-Convento Dominico de La Natividad, the town’s main center and a beautifully preserved ex-convent that has since been transformed into a church.