Mexico isn’t typically top of mind for Canadians escaping the summer heat, but when a family wedding called us to the Pacific coast, we couldn’t pass up the chance to discover Mazatlan, an underrated gem that completely stole our hearts. We only had a quick weekend to enjoy but it was enough of a teaser to entice us to return for a longer visit (but next time in winter, with direct flights from Canada!).
First, there are no easy ways to get to Mazatlan in the summer from Canada. Direct flights are seasonal and run through the winter season so our options are to connect through the US with American airlines, or through Mexico City via WestJet/Aeromexico. Those flights are not pretty and involve red eye flight times and/or lengthy layovers. And coordinating flights with other family members throughout Canada added an extra layer of complexity to ensure we are all travelling together.
Come travel day, throw in an unexpected flight delay from Calgary, which meant missing our connecting flight in Vancouver (where other family members were), turned our initial 18-hour journey into over 24 hours to get from Calgary to Mazatlan!
But once we arrived, we met up with family members, re-connected with many we haven't seen in decades and settled into our digs for the weekend, and the travel woes melted away.
First, there are no easy ways to get to Mazatlan in the summer from Canada. Direct flights are seasonal and run through the winter season so our options are to connect through the US with American airlines, or through Mexico City via WestJet/Aeromexico. Those flights are not pretty and involve red eye flight times and/or lengthy layovers. And coordinating flights with other family members throughout Canada added an extra layer of complexity to ensure we are all travelling together.
Come travel day, throw in an unexpected flight delay from Calgary, which meant missing our connecting flight in Vancouver (where other family members were), turned our initial 18-hour journey into over 24 hours to get from Calgary to Mazatlan!
But once we arrived, we met up with family members, re-connected with many we haven't seen in decades and settled into our digs for the weekend, and the travel woes melted away.
Mazatlan's Malecon (oceanfront boardwalk) stretches 21 kms and is the largest malecon in the world.
Mazatlan is a vibrant destination that blends a rich history, golden sand beaches, glorious sunsets, thrilling adventures and a smorgasbord of Pacific seafood for the culinary-adventure seekers.
And when it comes to where to stay, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, and you can select the best fit for your trip. The El Cid Resorts are synonymous with comfort, style and Mexican hospitality and there are four distinct properties in Mazatlan so there is an ideal match for every vacation style and the perfect home base for your vacation.
For a first-time visitor who wants to mix up the beach vacation vibes while being close to the center of the tourist-centric vibrancy of Mazatlan's energy, staying in the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) is the perfect area to begin. And El Cid Resorts has three properties in the Golden Zone area, offering a mix of beachfront properties, all-inclusive value and access to the bustling activity and entertainment of various off-resort options to explore.
For a first-time visitor who wants to mix up the beach vacation vibes while being close to the center of the tourist-centric vibrancy of Mazatlan's energy, staying in the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) is the perfect area to begin. And El Cid Resorts has three properties in the Golden Zone area, offering a mix of beachfront properties, all-inclusive value and access to the bustling activity and entertainment of various off-resort options to explore.
Private beach at El Cid Marina Beach Hotel
El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel
For those seeking a blend of modern luxury and oceanfront relaxation, El Moro stands tall. Literally! You can't miss the iconic high-rise tower of El Moro, in the heart of the Golden Zone. Offering stunning views of the Pacific, the hotel offers the best of everything from location, oceanfront bliss, comfort and luxury and a vast array of dining choices, both onsite and off-site, for authentic Mazatlan culinary delights.
For those seeking a blend of modern luxury and oceanfront relaxation, El Moro stands tall. Literally! You can't miss the iconic high-rise tower of El Moro, in the heart of the Golden Zone. Offering stunning views of the Pacific, the hotel offers the best of everything from location, oceanfront bliss, comfort and luxury and a vast array of dining choices, both onsite and off-site, for authentic Mazatlan culinary delights.
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Stunning ocean views from the oceanfront room private balcony at El Cid El Moro
One-bedroom suites can sleep up to 6 guests, perfect for families as they include a full kitchen with lots of space to relax in your room, or enjoy your morning coffee from your private balcony.
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Staying at the El Moro with an all-inclusive plan also grants you access to the other El Cid properties, the El Cid Granada, and the El Cid Castilla Beach Hotels for a larger selection of pools, and restaurants to enjoy.
El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
Located next door to El Moro, is the El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel, great for budget-conscious travellers and those who want to be in the middle of the fun and activity, and closer access to the beach. There are two large pools, supervised kids' activities, kid's club and teen's club, as well as nightly entertainment onsite.
Located next door to El Moro, is the El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel, great for budget-conscious travellers and those who want to be in the middle of the fun and activity, and closer access to the beach. There are two large pools, supervised kids' activities, kid's club and teen's club, as well as nightly entertainment onsite.
 Standard, ocean view rooms |  Ocean views from standard rooms |
 Oceanfront, poolside snack bar quick bites. |  Swim up bar |
El Cid Granada Hotel and Country Club
For guests looking for a lot more tranquility, privacy and a relaxing oasis away from the crowds, just a quick stroll over the sky bridge takes you from El Castilla Beach to the El Cid Granada Hotel and Country Club. Surrounded by lush gardens, golfers and wellness seekers can bask in the secluded retreat vibe of the El Cid Granada, and easily access the amenities of the golf course and country club.
For guests looking for a lot more tranquility, privacy and a relaxing oasis away from the crowds, just a quick stroll over the sky bridge takes you from El Castilla Beach to the El Cid Granada Hotel and Country Club. Surrounded by lush gardens, golfers and wellness seekers can bask in the secluded retreat vibe of the El Cid Granada, and easily access the amenities of the golf course and country club.
Private pool at El Cid Granada Hotel
Kitchenettes in standard room
Golf course and Country Club (view from the El Cid Castilla Beach)
El Cid Marina Beach Hotel
For guests who are looking for a more exclusive stay, further away from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Zone, the El Cid Marina Beach Hotel offers something a bit more unique with a Mediterranean-inspired feel and there are a lot of activities geared towards boating activities. Only a 6-minute shuttle ride away from the Golden Zone El Cid properties, the El Cid Marina Beach is perfect for families who want quieter stay, or a resort that has more of a "hidden gem" vibe.
For guests who are looking for a more exclusive stay, further away from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Zone, the El Cid Marina Beach Hotel offers something a bit more unique with a Mediterranean-inspired feel and there are a lot of activities geared towards boating activities. Only a 6-minute shuttle ride away from the Golden Zone El Cid properties, the El Cid Marina Beach is perfect for families who want quieter stay, or a resort that has more of a "hidden gem" vibe.
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Direct access to pool from our ground floor room
One of the best highlights of the El Cid Marina Beach is the private beach, accessible only by a 3 minute ferry ride from the marina. This private beach area is perfect for weddings and events directly on the beach without a large crowd of onlookers that can be present on public beaches.
Make the most of your Mazatlan adventure with an all-inclusive stay, where your meals, beverages, onsite entertainment and activities are included with your stay. The All-Inclusive Plan also includes Exchange Privileges to sister properties (access depends on which one you stay at) for added value and variety. For longer stays, or options to enjoy restaurants and food off-site in Mazatlan, hotel only (European Plan) options are available for land-only accommodations (no meals and beverages included in your stay).
The El Cid Granada Hotel and El Cid Castilla Beach offer exchange privileges and full access to both resorts when staying at either property in an all-inclusive plan. Upgrade to the All-Inclusive Elite Plan for an elevated stay that includes guaranteed oceanview accommodations, VIP Check-in at the Elite Club, exclusive access to Elite amenities and facilities and exchange privileges to all El Cid Mazatlan properties.
Golf lovers can also add golf packages to their stay to access 27 championship hotels, the last 9 designed by Lee Trevino. https://elcidgolfandcountryclub.com/
The El Cid Granada Hotel and El Cid Castilla Beach offer exchange privileges and full access to both resorts when staying at either property in an all-inclusive plan. Upgrade to the All-Inclusive Elite Plan for an elevated stay that includes guaranteed oceanview accommodations, VIP Check-in at the Elite Club, exclusive access to Elite amenities and facilities and exchange privileges to all El Cid Mazatlan properties.
Golf lovers can also add golf packages to their stay to access 27 championship hotels, the last 9 designed by Lee Trevino. https://elcidgolfandcountryclub.com/
A weekend getaway simply does not include sufficient time to fully explore even just a little bit of what Mazatlan can offer! But this weekend was primarily to connect and re-connect with family to celebrate a momentous occasion and I'm grateful for the experience from all angles.
Now that we've had a bit of a taste of Mazatlan, the "Pearl of the Pacific", I can see how this gem of a destination will win your heart. I am determined to return and fully experience it more! Known for its seafood and shrimp, Mazatlan is the "shrimp capital of the world" and going for the food and seafood itself is well worth it even if you go for just that!
With its mix of culture, adventure and relaxation, Mazatlan offers an authentic Mexican getaway without the crowds of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas. It's certainly a destination that is on the rise and I will be dreaming of the mango margaritas, the stunning sunsets and dancing to Banda music until we return!
Now that we've had a bit of a taste of Mazatlan, the "Pearl of the Pacific", I can see how this gem of a destination will win your heart. I am determined to return and fully experience it more! Known for its seafood and shrimp, Mazatlan is the "shrimp capital of the world" and going for the food and seafood itself is well worth it even if you go for just that!
With its mix of culture, adventure and relaxation, Mazatlan offers an authentic Mexican getaway without the crowds of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas. It's certainly a destination that is on the rise and I will be dreaming of the mango margaritas, the stunning sunsets and dancing to Banda music until we return!
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