Monuments and Historical Sights

Pergola Centennial Way (Paseo del Centenario Pérgola). The paseo is located on El Cerro de Vigia (Lookout Hill) and was constructed at the end of the last century for the defense of the port. It possesses one of three English cannons that defended the port from foreign invasions. The pergola was constructed during the mayorship of Ramon Ponzo Pena, 1948-49.

Monument to the Fisherman (Monumento al Pescador). This monument, on Avenida del Mar and Gutierrez Najera, is a symbol of the port, and displays much of the traditional equipment used by valiant and energetic fishermen. It was started during the mayoral term of General Gabriel Levya in 1958 and completed during the term of Gen. Gabriel Leyva Velazquez. A plaque at the base of the monument was added during a renovation containing the thoughts of poet Charles MacGregor – "Profound where the nest is supported, more immense is the sea for its beauty, for immense is the lighthouse of life, for profound the work and the grandeur."

Shield of Sinaloa and Mazatlan (Escudo de Sinaloa y Mazatlan). The shield, which is located at the end of Olas Altas road, illustrates the four most important historical cities in the state: Culiacan, El Fuerte, Rosario and Mazatlan. On the reverse side of the structure is Mazatlan’s shield, which manifests the city’s geography, astrology, ethnic traditions and economy.

Archeological Museum (Museo Arquelógico). The museum, at Sixto Osuna 76 near Olas Altas road, is replete with relics and information about Mazatlan’s pre-Hispanic roots. It blends gothic exterior architecture, particularly on the facade, with neoclassic and baroque influences.

The Meteorological House (La casa del Meteorólogo). On top of Lookout Hill. Also known as the observatory. It was constructed in 1874.

Maritime Customs (Aduana Marítima). Avenida Alemán and Batería. This building was constructed in 1828 along the old pier.

The March 3lst Fort (Fuerte 31 de Marzo). Paseo Claussen and Las Palmas. Today this structure is known as "The House of the Sailor." It was constructed in 1892 to defend the port. It was armed with top quality English cannons.

Rubio Theater (Teatro Rubio). On Carnaval Street in Machado Park. This is the oldest theater in Mazatlan. (Its cost at construction was 80 Mexican pesos.) The European-style Theater was later named the Angela Peralta Theater, in honor of the famous Diva.

Machado Plaza (Plazuela Machado). Constitucion and Sixto Osuna, near Carnaval. This plaza is named after the Filipino, Juan Nepomuceno Machado, who donated the land to build what is now the city’s second oldest plaza. It is the traditional site of Carnaval and it has been the heart of old Mazatlan during the last century.

Canobbio Arcade (Portales de Canobbio.). Heriberto Frias (no street number). This estate dates to the l9th century and forms part of the block belonging to the Italian Luis Canobbio. It frames the Machado Plaza and is an essential part of the landscape architecture of old Mazatlan.

Lighthouse (Faro). Creston Hill. This is found on Creston Island, next to the sport fishing fleets. It is 152 meters (almost 500 feet) above sea level and thought to be the highest lighthouse in the world after the one in Gibraltar. The building housing the lighthouse was constructed during the term of Porfirio Diaz. Work performed on Creston Island in the 1930’s linked the island with the city of Mazatlan by use of an elaborate breakwater.

Natural Attractions

Icehouse Hill (Cerro de la Nevería). Snowy Hill. The Spaniards first settled on this hill, which was originally known as "Lookout Hill." It was used at one time to store ice brought by ship from San Francisco for consumption by Mazatlan families and as a kind of freezer for food and fish products.

The Three Islands (Las Tres Islas). These islands, Island of the Birds, Island of the Deer, and Island of the Wolves, are trademarks of Mazatlan. Each has tranquil beaches of fine sand tempting the visitor to stay all day. Transportation to the islands is provided by panga, or small boat. Great botanical paintings have been found on these islands.

Island of tbe Stone (Isla de la Piedra). Beaches covered by coconut trees are one of the prime reasons this region is being developed into one of the world’s first-class tourist resorts.

The Seals (Los Lobos Marinos). Like many other mammals, including homo sapiens, from October to May ever year, a colony of seals makes its regular sea journey to Mazatlan to enjoy the climate.

Other Points of Interest

Sporting fleets (Flotas deportivas). Initially, tourists were attracted to Mazatlan for the sport of fishing exotic species such as marlin and sailfish. Today, it is still common to see tourists walking out to the docks early in the morning in search of a famous and flavorful trophy offered by the sea. The best season is from January to May, although there is excellent fishing year-round.

Mazatlan Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlan). This fine exhibition shows more than 200 distinct multi-colored varieties of marine species from ah over the world. It is considered one of Latin America’s finest aquariums. Be certain to visit the film room where documentaries of maritime themes are shown. There is also a show of trained seals. Don’t miss the botanical gardens there, either.

The Market (El Mercado). Typical Mexican market where one can admire the produce of the country side, old structures and local ironwork.

Arts and Crafts Center (Centro de Artesanías). This is the largest commercial craft center in Mexico. Inside, the shopper will find the finest artistic work not only from Sinaloa, hut from throughout Mexico’s 31 states.

Maritime Docks (Muelles marítimos). Tourists from all over the world arrive here in the midst of their luxury cruises and there is ample to see and do in a promenade down the docks. Taking a cruise is an excellent manner of getting to Mazatlan from Los Angeles.