We took open air cabs into the "golden zone". After some shopping, we ate a local restaurant that was recommended by several called Panama. Excellent food, bright and clean place. After lunch, we had another open air cab that took us by the beach, cliff divers, and to the high point over the town. ...
This city has cleaned up BIGTIME. It's beautiful now. But you need a taxi - you can't walk anywhere from the port. Take it to the Golden Zone or Old Mazatlan, and just walk around.
Also, be aware you have to take a shuttle from the ship to the port entrance. They don't allow you to walk it through the cargo. Find the line to get onto the shuttle, and be ready for line cutters. ...
We walked up to the El Faro lighthouse - which is the tallest lighthouse in the Americas. It was a tough hike due to the temp and humidity, but doesn't take very long. It is awesome once you are up there. There is a glass bridge that you can walk out on. ...
We hired a tour guide at the entrance to the port. He was great, honest, informative and safe. He took us throughout the city and to an excellent restaurant in the Golden Zone. He was recommended by one of the Mazatlan Volunteers, looking out for the cruise passengers who decide to adventure out on their own. I was very grateful for their recommendation. ...
We got off the boat and hired a taxi driver for the day for $80 (6 people). It was awesome. He took us all over and anytime we wanted a margarita he would find a bar and we would get them to go! also went to a restaurant, La Puntilla, ...VERY GOOD ...
The best port of the 3 as it was the most authentic. Got a taxi to the central market ($7) and wandered around, bought some souvenirs, visited the cathedral and took a taxi back to the pier. The merchants at the pier were not pushy and prices were reasonable compared to Cabo or PV. ...