State of 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.