Enjoy the Mazatlan destination

A valid Passport is required to visit Mexico. Citizens of some countries, including the United States and Canada, are exempt from many of the more time consuming document requirements for obtaining a Mexican tourist visa, and are issued Mexican tourist visas routinely and efficiently. Mexican tourist visas can be valid for up to 180 days, so they will usually cover even the most extended Winter visits.

Remember this important Mazatlan visitor information: Passport and Mexican tourist visa requirements change. Travelers are advised to check Mexican entry requirements with their State Department, or with the Mexican embassy or consulate in their home country when planning a trip to Mazatlan so that they have the most current information about the documents required to visit Mexico.

Mazatlan, Mexico lies just a few miles below the Tropic of Cancer and shares the same latitude as Honolulu, Hawaii. It is due east of the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, about 720 miles south of the Arizona border.

Mazatlan enjoys a mild, year-round climate, with an average temperature of 80° F (26.7° C). Check out today’s Weather

A passport is by far the most convenient and widely accepted form of identification for customs officials, especially for changing money (where a photo I.D. is required.) However, your original, U.S. or Canadian birth certificate is also considered legal I.D. For further questions on proof of citizenship, please check with your travel agent or the Mexican Consulate.

Mazatlan is in the Mountain Time Zone and observes daylight savings. Check out Mazatlan’s Local Time

Yes, Hotel Playa Mazatlan has a bilingual (English/Spanish) staff, as do most resorts and restaurants in the Golden Zone. Don’t let this stop you from practicing some Spanish—a little effort goes a long way with the locals!

For restaurants and bars, 10-15% is standard. Be aware there is a consumer tax of 16%, known as I.V.A., added to food and most other purchases—it is generally included in most prices. Any extra or exceptional service welcomes your gratuities.

Hotel maids, although often providing “invisible” services during your stay, can and should be tipped for good service. Tip: $2 per day in a moderate hotel, $3 to $5 per day in a deluxe hotel (Tipping daily rather than when you check out ensures that the tip will go to the specific person who cleaned your room).

From Hotel Playa Mazatlan, you´ll find most restaurants, bars, shopping and banks only a short walk or taxi ride away. Mazatlan famous mode of transport is the Pulmonia, an open-air taxi resembling a golf car and usually playing colorful music. Just like regular taxis, they will take you anywhere within the city. For only $10.00 pesos, the city´s air conditioned buses will take you downtown (Route: Sabalo Centro) or to the mall for shopping and groceries (Route: Cerritos-Juarez). For more information, check with our Concierge.

Generally speaking, Mazatlán is very safe. Hotel Playa Mazatlán´s location in the heart of the Golden Zone—a popular, tourist district—is readily patrolled by the local police force with friendly, English-speaking officers. Most restaurants, bars, shopping and banks are just a short walk or taxi ride away from the hotel. As with any vacation, do exercise your common sense and personal safety.

To find out what´s going on around town, check out the Event Calendar. To receive e-mail updates on special events and activities happening each month in Mazatlán. It’s free—and you won’t miss a thing!. Also visit Cultura Mazatlan that lists all the cultural events mazatlan offers its tourists

Conveniently, the United States of America Consulate is located on the premises of Hotel Playa Mazatlan:

Consular Agent: Luis Ramírez

Email: ConAgencyMazatlan@state.gov

Playa Gaviotas 202 local 10

Zona Dorada Mazatlan, Sinaloa 82110

Contact us: (669) 916-5889 (in Mexico) 011-52-669-916-5889 (dialing from the U.S.) Fax: (669) 916-7531

Service Schedule: Monday – Friday: 09:00 am – 3:30 pm

The Canadian Consulate is located on:

Centro Comercial La Marina Business and Life

Blvd. Marina Mazatlan 2302, Oficina 41

Marina Mazatlan 82103

Mazatlan, Sinaloa – Mexico

Contact us: (669) 913-7320 (in Mexico) Fax: (669) 914-6655

Email: mztln@international.gc.ca

Service Schedule: Monday – Friday: 09:30 am – 12:30 pm

Hotel Playa Mazatlán has an on-call, English-speaking doctor available 24 hours a day for our guests. There is also a First-Aid Station and small pharmacy located on hotel premises. Pharmacies are generally well-stocked and staffed by knowledgeable, English-speaking staff. There are two, large hospitals in Mazatlán (Clinica del Mar and Sharp Hospital), both with excellent facilities, doctors and specialists. For more information, contact the Front Desk.

Yes, marrying in Mexico is legal, official, and a popular destination to “tie the knot” for hundreds of couples each year. Check out Requirements for Marrying in Mexico.