State: Sinaloa

Population: 2,550,000
Size: 22,533 square miles
Location: Western Mexico
Borders: Pacific Ocean and states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango and Nayarit
Important cities/sites within the state: Cosala, Copala, Culiacan (capital), Los Mochis and Mazatlan
Major airports: Culiacan International Airport (CUL), General Rafael Buelna Intl. aka Mazatlan International Airport (MZT), Valle del Fuerte Intl. aka Los Mochis International Airport (LMM)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time
Web site: www.sinaloa.gob.mx

Sinaloa is located in the northwestern part of Mexico, bordered by Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Nayarit and the Pacific Ocean. In addition to its numerous historical, cultural, natural and recreational attractions, Sinaloa is one of the country’s main agricultural producers. The immense biodiversity of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range accounts for the state’s spectacular landscape, including lush pine forests and elaborate gullies that lead into eleven stunning rivers. Its natural beauty can be admired in the charming cities of Mazatlan, Culiacan, Guasave, Cosala and Mocorito.

Sinaloa was previously inhabited by groups of hunters and gatherers, later conquered by the Spaniards. When the Jesuit missionaries arrived, the region was finally pacified. During that time, mining in the area prompted the development of Spanish settlements leading to the rise of baroque religious art, now evident in the churches of Copala, Rosario and Concordia.

The region known today as Mazatlan was occupied long before the Spanish Conquest. When Nuño Beltran and Francisco de Ibarra arrived to the area, they restrained the local indigenous groups and then divided the land amongst themselves. The Spaniards called the new land Mazatlan Island in honor of the three islands facing the bay. During the colonial era, Mazatlan became a major port, particularly for gold, and in the early 19th century, the arrival of the Germans, Italians and North Americans transformed the area into a cosmopolitan city.

Today, Mazatlan is one of the country’s oldest tourist resorts and home to one of the world’s three major carnivals, comparable only to those in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. Located on the southern part of the state of Sinaloa, on the Pacific Coast, the city now offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including walking around the city and its historic center, sunbathing on peaceful beaches, traveling to nearby islands, sailing, sport fishing and climbing the hills of El Faro and El Cerro de la Neveria.

Mazatlan is also ideal for all kinds of water sports. Its beaches are perfect for playing volleyball or any other beach sport. A variety of facilities are available for jetskiing, windsurfing, parachuting and almost any beach activity. The city also hosts a number of major international sporting events, including marathons and triathlons.

Sinaloa is a great destination for travelers who enjoy nature as much as water sports and outdoor activities, all nestled in historic cities beautifully adorned by breathtaking beaches.