This beautiful beach city in Mexico wants more Americans to visit

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In an era when popular destinations are popular erecting barriers and imposing increasingly strict restrictions on visitors, in a desperate attempt to protect themselves from overtourism one city in Mexico that does exactly the opposite.

Unlike Venice, which now charges day trippers an entrance fee on certain dates, or Barcelona, ​​Spain’s tourist cesspool, which continues to increase its tourist tax year after year, Mazatlanin the Mexican state of Sinaloa, indeed calls on more Americans visiting.

Located on the Pacific coast, it offers warmer temperatures year-round, a beautiful colonial-era historic center, affordable prices, and, most importantly, it is surprisingly safe visits:

The true pearl of the Mexican Pacific

Located on the Pacific coast of the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlán is a laid-back beach town that has historically been overshadowed by Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and the like, but is quickly catching up in recent years.

Not to beat around the bush, when it comes to beach vacations south of the border, it checks all the boxes and then some:

It has sandy beaches that are no less than 21 kilometers long along an azure blue sea beautiful Centro Historicointersected with cobbled streets and dotted with colorful colonial-style mansions, and an entertainment zone (Zone Dorada) packed with beach bars and hotels.

If you’ve been around for a long time Travel off the path reader, you know we ride or die for Mazatlán – it’s no wonder part of the team is stationed there for six months.

All this said, in an era of increasingly strict, arbitrary travel rules, we’ve noticed ‘Maz’ has kept it very simple with guests. No hidden fees, bureaucratic arrival forms, nor crazy, arbitrary anti-tourism rules (cheers, Spain).

It’s not just Americans still welcome, they are encouraged to go:

Mazatlán urges Americans to visit

As recently reported by Debatea Mexico-based publication, there is a massive, American tourism campaign underway with the sole purpose of promoting Mazatlán.

Don’t get us wrong: Mazatlán did that too kind has always been popular as a port of call for cruisers, but flying there and staying local is a whole different story. These have always been digital nomads eager to further increase their tourism dollars, or retired expats longing for some winter sun.

Casual tourists were perhaps a minority, although this could soon change: the 8 million peso campaign, greenlit by Sinaloa’s Minister of Tourism aimed at attracting more holidaymakers from the main US markets: Phoenix, Dallas, Houston and LA

That’s not to say that Americans living elsewhere aren’t invited to the party – they certainly are – but… you know… it’s faster and cheaper to fly to Maz from the West Coast and Texas than from, say, Chicago or New York.

This winter you can fly non-stop to MAZ

This ties into our next point:

Usually the decisive moment for renowned resort destinations is flight availability at least 4 or 5 US hubsand we’re happy to report that Maz is making the switch, with non-stop routes offered from:

• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – 1-2 flights per day
• Houston (IAH) – 1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday
• Los Angeles (LAX) – 1-2 flights per day
• Phoenix (PHX) – 1 flight per day
• Minneapolis (MSP) – 1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday

As you can see, with the exception of Minneapolis, these are exactly the target markets in the Sinaloa campaign.

Where to stay: The new star in town

If you’re looking for that perfect base to explore the region, there’s a new name on everyone’s lips: Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort. This resort opened this year and is a total game-changer. It’s the first Hyatt Inclusive Collection hotel in Mazatlán, and honestly, it significantly raises the bar for luxury in Sinaloa. Located in the exclusive community of Estrella del Mar, it is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Zone and offers a more secluded, luxurious atmosphere that ‘Maz’ previously lacked.

Here’s why we love it:

• Unlimited Luxury: It’s a true all-inclusive: no wristbands, no-reservation dining at four a la carte restaurants, and unlimited top-shelf spirits.
• Golf and spa: It is located directly on a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course (often rated as one of the best in Mexico) and features a huge spa with a Turkish bath, very unique to Mexico.
• Family friendly: With a water park and lazy river on site, the kids can have fun while you sip a margarita by the adult pool.

It’s the perfect place if you want the luxury Cabo resort feel without the exorbitant Cabo price tag.

Affordable And Safe??

But more than just the convenience of direct flights, Americans are looking for good deals when they go abroad. After all, in this economy, not everyone can afford to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on an all-inclusive week in Cabo.

Luckily for them, Mazatlán is a lot more affordable than its Mexican rivals.

According to Budget your trip According to estimates, a week’s stay there will cost $676 if you stay in mid-range hotels and eat “local.” Meanwhile, a luxury week, possibly with an all-inclusive on the table, still averages an acceptable $1,639.

That’s flights and expenses sorted, but what about safety?

This is where things get a little murky. If we were to follow the official US advice, which places Sinaloa as a whole under level 4, that is strongly discouraging Americans from visitingwe wouldn’t go anywhere near the city.

There is always nuance, of course, and even the overly conservative US authorities recognize this: Sinaloa may have long-standing problems with crime, but Mazatlán is in a tough spot. safety bubblejust like Puerto Vallarta in equally risky Jalisco.

Very few tourists encounter urban violence; the streets in and around the historic center are generally well controlled, and so is the waterfront completely safe for beachgoers.

As long as you don’t let your guard down and venture into gang-dominated suburbs, you’re good as gold.