Visiting Mazatlán for a Game?

Mazatlán International Airport (MZT), also known as General Rafael Buelna International Airport, sits approximately 20 kilometers southeast of downtown Mazatlán. Airlines including Aeromexico, Volaris, and Alaska Airlines serve MZT with direct flights from major cities in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The airport is controlled by a taxi union and rideshare pickups are strictly prohibited on arrival, so your practical options are a shared shuttle van or an official airport taxi purchased at the kiosk inside the terminal.

The best way to get around Mazatlán is by bus or taxi; while Old Mazatlán and its neighboring attractions are walkable, getting across the city requires wheels, and the city has ample eco-taxis for around 100 pesos ($6 USD) per ride. The iconic open-air pulmonías (golf-cart taxis) are a fun alternative but tend to be pricier than regular taxis due to higher upkeep costs for drivers. Uber works well in Mazatlán and is an easy option once you are in the city, with fares considerably cheaper than what most North American visitors are used to; DiDi and InDrive are also active and worth downloading before you arrive.

Mazatlán's bus system covers top areas including the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) and the historic Centro, making both neighborhoods practical bases for a sports-focused trip. The Zona Dorada is the main tourist corridor along Avenida Playa Gaviotas with the widest range of hotels from mid-range resorts around $80-$150 USD per night to budget options under $50 USD; Centro Histórico offers boutique hotels and proximity to the Malecón for fans who prefer a more local atmosphere. Even the airport terminal features a Venados Baseball team shop, a sign of how sports culture runs through the city. Book early for Liga MX match weekends, particularly when Mazatlán FC hosts rivalry fixtures, as popular Zona Dorada hotels fill up quickly.

Mazatlán FC joined Liga MX in 2020 and plays at Estadio El Encanto, bringing top-flight Mexican football to a city that previously had no presence in the first division, giving traveling fans a genuine grassroots atmosphere as the club builds its identity. The city also has a rich baseball tradition through the Venados de Mazatlán, who compete in the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico winter season, meaning a sports fan visiting between October and January can potentially catch both football and baseball in the same trip. The Malecón seafront promenade and the bars around Plaza Machado in Centro are natural pre- and post-match gathering spots where local supporters congregate before and after games. Mazatlán's compact tourist core means that even on match days, fans can combine a stadium visit with the city's lively seafood restaurant and craft beer scene without needing to venture far.