Faro Mazatlán
Faro Mazatlán
4.5
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This lighthouse sits atop Cerro Creston, Mazatlan's highest hill.
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- CM MVancouver, Canada88 contributionsGreat views at the top. Easy hike (winds up and then 336 steps to the top). It is free to walk up but if you want to walk out onto the glass floor viewing platform at the top, you must buy a ticket for 30pesos. You may have to wait about 10-15 minutes to enter this video no area (and need to remove shoes).Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 21, 2024
- nzcowlady118 contributionsThis is one to go to first thing in the day. Not only do you avoid the heat (it’s a heart rate elevating walk), you also avoid the crowds when there are cruise ships in town. Plus it’s lovely hearing everyone else speak Spanish as you walk up; makes it feel more local / special. We were fortunate enough to be the only ones at the Skywalk so got to enjoy it immediately and in solitude (once I picked up the courage to walk out).Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 8, 2025
- Mom4x2Canada52 contributionsHad a goal to make it up to the top of the lighthouse! Went around 9 in the morning…good time to go as it wasn’t to hot. Made it up in about 45 minutes resting as we went. Amazing to see whales and dolphins! Unbelievable views of the area and we paid a few pesos to go out onto the Platform! Our daughter made the trip down on the zip line!! What an experience for her!!Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten February 2, 2025
- Jim APortland, Maine1,381 contributionsWe planned for months to hike El Faro and, by golly, we did! From the cruise ship terminal, its 3.1 miles round trip back to the ship. Be prepared! Of course, this is Mexico. It's going to be hot. The mountain has sheer cliffs on 2 of the side, so the only place to put the trail is in full sun. It's very steep so take your time, take lots of water and enjoy the amazing views. It's worth the journey!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 29, 2024
- Theresa BSalmon Arm, Canada531 contributionsIf you are in moderately good shape, the climb will not be a challenge for you. The 336 steps are not like walking up typical stairs -- there is room for a few strides on quiet a few of them. There is a bathroom at the entrance if need be. Cost 10 pesos and they are quite clean. Be sure to take water and wear a good pair of shoes. There is a small store at the top where you can buy more water if needed. The views are quite lovely as you go up and, of course, from the top. I enjoyed the hike and would do it again.Visited January 2025Traveled with friendsWritten January 25, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Scarlett Yeverino
San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico30 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
I recommend visiting it, it is a very beautiful place. Access is free and just to take photos in the glass viewpoint you have to pay 30 pesos per person.
Climbing it is somewhat heavy for those without condition and I do not recommend it for very young children or elderly people. It can take approximately 30 minutes.
As a recommendation, you have to go very early so that the sun is not a nuisance and bring plenty of water. In addition to wearing closed shoes.
Climbing it is somewhat heavy for those without condition and I do not recommend it for very young children or elderly people. It can take approximately 30 minutes.
As a recommendation, you have to go very early so that the sun is not a nuisance and bring plenty of water. In addition to wearing closed shoes.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge P
Mexico City, Mexico6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
One of the tourist places that you have to visit when you are in Mazatlán, be prepared with bottles of water, or rehydrating drinks, if you don't have them there they sell at a good price, but don't bring alcoholic drinks because the security personnel won't give you access . Wear sports shoes, avoiding flip-flops since it is a 30 to 45 minute walk between the sidewalk and 336 steps. The ticket to go to the viewpoint that has a glass bridge is very cheap so it is worth paying the $30 MXN, go very early to avoid the heat of the day, or in the afternoon.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iozoo
Mastic Beach, NY23 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We hiked to the lighthouse as a shore excursion from our cruise ship. The tour was operated by Tropical Tours and our guide was Cristobal. I can't say enough good things about Cristobal and this hike. He was so friendly and knowledgeable. The views were amazing. He took his time and set a decent pace with plenty of breaks, as our group had guests as young as 18 and as old as 74+.
The lighthouse sits atop an island over 525 feet above see level and includes over 340 steps after a 745 meter uphill walk. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you're in good health and up for the challenge I would definitely recommend it. Make sure to look up Tropical Tours and you should absolutely request Cristobal as your guide.
The lighthouse sits atop an island over 525 feet above see level and includes over 340 steps after a 745 meter uphill walk. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you're in good health and up for the challenge I would definitely recommend it. Make sure to look up Tropical Tours and you should absolutely request Cristobal as your guide.
Written January 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonor C
12 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
It is a place that, apart from the security function for the boats, offers incredible panoramas to take some excellent photos.
Many people also come to stay in shape, since exercising by walking up and down stairs helps keep our physique healthy and strong.
The information we have is that it is the highest natural lighthouse in the world and we have it in Mazatlan!!
Many people also come to stay in shape, since exercising by walking up and down stairs helps keep our physique healthy and strong.
The information we have is that it is the highest natural lighthouse in the world and we have it in Mazatlan!!
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeremymmason
Seattle, WA150 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
We took a morning in Mazatlan to hike up to the top of El Faro and it was a great time! We took a taxi to the wnterance and there was a line of about 20 minutes to enter (they stagger groups to manage the number of people on the trail). We paid $1.50 US for a ticket to go out on the glass platform which is totally worth it. It’s about a 25 minute walk up to the top about about 20 back down. Amazing views and a wonderful experience!
Written February 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
damaadvisor
San Francisco, CA26 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
El Faro was a fun quick hike up to the top of the lighthouse (took us 15 minutes). The hike starts on a winding trail that takes you halfway up the mountain on well-maintained switchbacks.
The second part of the hike is the 346 steps to the top. Although manageable, don’t underestimate the calf burn taking that many steps.
The view from the top was worth it. Expect a long wait to go on the glass floor lookout. We paid the $1.50 USD each to do it, but ended up not wanting to wait in a 45 minute line at the top. We didn’t feel like we missed out on anything by not doing it.
I could see this hike getting hot in the afternoon. Early morning is probably the right thing to go. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and enjoy the second highest lighthouse in North America.
For people traveling by cruise ship, it’s a quick five minute, seven dollar cab ride to the start of the trail. Very safe and easy trek.
The second part of the hike is the 346 steps to the top. Although manageable, don’t underestimate the calf burn taking that many steps.
The view from the top was worth it. Expect a long wait to go on the glass floor lookout. We paid the $1.50 USD each to do it, but ended up not wanting to wait in a 45 minute line at the top. We didn’t feel like we missed out on anything by not doing it.
I could see this hike getting hot in the afternoon. Early morning is probably the right thing to go. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and enjoy the second highest lighthouse in North America.
For people traveling by cruise ship, it’s a quick five minute, seven dollar cab ride to the start of the trail. Very safe and easy trek.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wilde_bunch
Langley City, Canada280 contributions
Jan 2023
My husband and I did the hike up at 10am before the heat set in and it was still HOT!!! It is very busy with all types of people going up and down, from kids, parents, grandparents and everything in between. You go through a gate at the bottom and if you want to go on the glass walkway you get a ticket worth $1.50 US per person. There is a pathway that takes you up to where the stairs start. There are places to buy water and Gatorade at multiple stops on the way. The stairs are various sizes in height and the treads are uneven so just be careful. There are 330 steps and they do have markings to show your progression. Worth the sweat and aching legs! :)
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kashlee Kucheran
Kelowna, Canada1,547 contributions
Jan 2020
El Faro is located at the southern tip of the city, very close to the cruise port! ‘Faro’ means ‘lighthouse’ in English and this picturesque hill has the world’s highest natural lighthouse perched atop its peak. The lighthouse was first built in 1879 and is still in operation to this day, sitting 500 ft above sea level.
The views from the top are spectacular! You can literally see the entire city, plus the Sierra Madre mountains in the background, and even your cruise ship back in the harbour. There are lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures all the way up the hill, including the summit at the top.
Also at the top of El Faro is the new glass floor bridge that extends out from the side of the hill, almost as if it was floating above the sea. It costs 10 pesos to go out, which is about 0.50 cents USD.
(to hike El Faro is free however!)
Another main attraction for me, other than the breathtaking views, was all the cats and kittens that live on the hill. They are around every corner and bend, usually napping or sunbathing, or looking for some attention. Expect to see dozens of cute kitties!
Is the hike hard? The hike itself takes around 20-30 minutes depending on your fitness level and I would consider it to be moderately strenuous.
I really hate exercising, sweating, or anything to do with sports, and I have done this hike 5 times. My first time we had visitors in their late 60’s and early 70’s with us (who are very sporty) and they easily beat me to the top. You can take your time or race up the hill, whatever floats your boat. Half of the hike is a windy gravel trail, while the top half is mostly stairs.
You should bring your own water, but if you find yourself parched they do sell water and Gatorade at the top. The sun does shine on the trail, so bring a hat. Washrooms are also available at the bottom of the hike.
How To Get There: Type ‘El Faro' into Google Maps or Uber. Your taxi or pulmonia driver will know 100% where to take you.
Walkable from the cruise port.
The views from the top are spectacular! You can literally see the entire city, plus the Sierra Madre mountains in the background, and even your cruise ship back in the harbour. There are lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures all the way up the hill, including the summit at the top.
Also at the top of El Faro is the new glass floor bridge that extends out from the side of the hill, almost as if it was floating above the sea. It costs 10 pesos to go out, which is about 0.50 cents USD.
(to hike El Faro is free however!)
Another main attraction for me, other than the breathtaking views, was all the cats and kittens that live on the hill. They are around every corner and bend, usually napping or sunbathing, or looking for some attention. Expect to see dozens of cute kitties!
Is the hike hard? The hike itself takes around 20-30 minutes depending on your fitness level and I would consider it to be moderately strenuous.
I really hate exercising, sweating, or anything to do with sports, and I have done this hike 5 times. My first time we had visitors in their late 60’s and early 70’s with us (who are very sporty) and they easily beat me to the top. You can take your time or race up the hill, whatever floats your boat. Half of the hike is a windy gravel trail, while the top half is mostly stairs.
You should bring your own water, but if you find yourself parched they do sell water and Gatorade at the top. The sun does shine on the trail, so bring a hat. Washrooms are also available at the bottom of the hike.
How To Get There: Type ‘El Faro' into Google Maps or Uber. Your taxi or pulmonia driver will know 100% where to take you.
Walkable from the cruise port.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeaMariner22
Seattle, WA258 contributions
Mar 2022
Great place to view Mazatlan, see incredible views, and get some exercise as well. Our guide Cristobal, made it a most interesting tour. We learned a lot from the history of the city and viewing its nature. He strongly advised the tour members not to pay the $1 for the glass balcony tickets and talked about the questionable building techniques. Overall, El Faro isn't so much a visit to a lighthouse - its a spectacular view and introduction to Mazatlan.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jadehatestraveling
Montana23 contributions
Jan 2022
El Faro is something you must do if you're visiting Mazatlan. It's definitely very crowded with everyone from local families to tourists to runners/athletes. The views at the top are super worth the short but steep hike. If you want to go out on the glass viewing deck at the top, you have to get a ticket at the bottom. It's MX$20 for tickets but worth it for some dope instagram shots, in my opinion. My favorite part was the local troop of cats and raccoons that you see all over the walk up there.
Written January 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are taking a cruise that stops at Mazatlan. Is it reasonable to think we can walk from the port to the lighthouse?
Written April 2, 2019
The walk from the cruise ship up to the lighthouse is VERY doable. The two are very close. I'm guessing that it's a 10-15 minute walk from the ship's dock to the base of the lighthouse. Your walk up the mountain has been improved with a nice stonework base. It's a bit of a challenge going uphill but certainly not gruelling. It took us about 15-20 minutes, and we took a few rests along the way.
Written April 3, 2019
James R
Menifee, California
When will the lighthouse be open. We tried going yesterday but is was not open.
Written April 10, 2018
Sorry. Didn't realize I was getting questions. As you can see, we are from Alberta. Only go there to visit once a year although when we were there in February 2108, you could climb to the top. Building has never been open since we started going there although major renovations seem to be going on, so hopefully by 2019. I hear zipline going in so looking forward to that.
Written July 4, 2018
Other then taking the taxi could you get there on a bus? What was the taxi fare from the beach hotels in golden zone??
Written January 10, 2018
We took a bus downtown from El CID Marina (Sabalo Centro - green bus). I think it was about 11 pesos each..
It takes you close enough to the START of the hike to El Faro. Ask the bus driver to let you off at El Faro.
It still was about another 10 minute walk to the start of the trail. Then a hike up the trail to the start of the steps...then lots of steps.
But it was definitely worth the hike. Bring water, then enjoy the views at the top. When you get back down, look up and be proud of your accomplishment.
We were!
Then we went for cervezas!
Written January 11, 2018
I'm arriving by cruise ship over the Christmas holiday and would like to hike up to the El Faro Lighthouse. I read where it is temporarily closed until Dec. Does anyone know if it is now open?
Written December 3, 2017
By the way....The hike up is along Olas Altas as the pathway is definitely closed for a while yet as well. Probably same March timeframe for the trail as well.....
Written December 4, 2017
I'm trying to estimate an UBER or taxi cost. what is the address for the lighthouse?
Written November 16, 2017
Not sure what the physical address is. It is just known as the lighthouse or el Faro. Relatively cheap to taxi from golden zone hotels to it. From what I remember was less than 8$
Written December 4, 2017
Is the trail closed or just the lighthouse?
Written October 10, 2017
The trail is closed, under renovation... believe it will be opened in Dec.
Written October 11, 2017
Do you think a 5 year old can handle the hike up?
Written October 7, 2016
Yes, but have to be careful...
Written October 11, 2017
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