I thought I knew the food in Mazatlan’s until a street food tour changed the way I saw (and tasted) the city. I’ve eaten my way through Mexico more than once, but this Mazatlan tour offered something different.
It wasn’t just about the food (though the tacos were unforgettable); it was the stories behind them, the music in the streets, the mezcal, and the local guide who made the whole evening feel like a night out with friends.
I’ve done food tours from Vancouver to Istanbul, but this tour, organized by friends I’ve trusted to pick great spots around the world, showed me a whole new side of Mazatlán. One I didn’t know existed—even after visiting a few times before.
So, if you’re searching for the best food in Mazatlán, looking to support local vendors, or just want an unforgettable night out, here’s why this Mazatlan food tour is for you.
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Why You Should Take a Mazatlan Street Food Tour with Tomtl
If you want to dive deeper into Mazatlán’s food culture, the Taco, Beer, and Mezcal Tour by Tomtl Mazatlán Food Tour is the perfect place to start. Led by a knowledgeable local guide with a passion for sharing her culture through food, this evening tour takes you on a flavorful journey through the city’s vibrant street food scene.
Taco and Mezcal Mazatlan Tour Details
Over the course of 3 to 3.5 hours, you’ll sample a mix of traditional and modern tacos—from juicy carne asada to perfectly seasoned al pastor—at hidden local spots you’d likely never find on your own. Along the way, you’ll learn the origins, ingredients, and traditions behind each dish, gaining a true appreciation for the role tacos play in Mexican life.
The tour is offered in both English and Spanish and costs $1600 pesos for adults and $1300 pesos for children, making it an accessible and worthwhile experience for food lovers of all ages.
The tour wraps up with a stop at a local mezcalería, where you’ll get a guided tasting and breakdown of mezcal, tequila’s smokier cousin. It’s not just about eating and drinking—this tour is about understanding Mazatlán through its flavors and the stories behind them.
What to Know Before You Go
- Meeting Point: Plazuela Zaragoza
- Transportation: Walking + Auriga taxi
- Includes: All food, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and mezcal
- Don’t Go If: You’re vegan or vegetarian
- Wear: Comfy clothes and shoes
- Bring: Your camera, your appetite, and some extra pesos for tips
My Mazatlan Taco tour Experience
Tacos, Trucks, and Banda: Let’s Eat Mazatlán-Style
Our night started in the most Mazatlán way possible: in the back of a red auriga taxi, music blaring from the stereo playing Banda—Sinaloa’s signature sound. Think brass-heavy, big-band energy that hits hard in the best way possible, unless you have had a few cervezas…
We arrived at Plazuela Zaragoza, a charming square in Mazatlán’s colonial old town, where we met Paola, our host—a born-and-raised local with years in the food industry. She radiated passion for her city, and it quickly became clear: this wasn’t going to be just another taco crawl.
Stop 1: Shrimp Tacos + Ice-Cold Pacifico 🍤
Our first stop took us near Olas Altas, the oldest part of town, and fittingly kicked off with shrimp tacos, a Mazatlán staple. Considering this city is home to the largest shrimp fleet in Latin America, it made total sense.
While enjoying some of the best shrimp tacos I have ever had, Paola explained that each shrimp boat spends nearly a month at sea. Bringing back the freshest catch to feed the city’s obsession with mariscos. And you can taste it—this taco was easily one of the best I’ve ever had, served with an ice-cold Pacifico straight from the source.
Stop 2: Carne Asada + Red Plastic Chairs
Next up, we grabbed carne asada tacos at a humble sidewalk stand. Fresh tortillas puffed up on the griddle while the meat sizzled beside us. The setting? Classic red plastic chairs under flickering streetlights. Kinda like eating pho on a plastic stool in Vietnam—it just feels right.
The tortillas here were something special. Our guide explained that just like pasta has different shapes and uses, tortillas do too. We got to try a “chubby-style” taco—essentially a thicker, fluffier tortilla that soaks up every bit of juicy flavor.
This was paired with Tejuino, a fermented corn drink that’s sweet, tangy, and super refreshing—a nod to indigenous roots still alive today.
Stop 3: Al Pastor Off the Spit
Then came the king: tacos al pastor, carved straight from the spit on a busy corner. While they were incredible—juicy pork, pineapple, spice—I’ll admit, Mexico City still holds my heart when it comes to al pastor. That said, this version came damn close.
We took the scenic route via the Mazatlán malecón, one of the longest oceanfront promenades in the world, and watched the waves crash as we prepped for our next stop.
Stop 4: Drenched in Flavor – The Taco Ahogado
Our fourth stop was the most unique taco I’ve ever had. Known locally as a taco ahogado (literally, “drowned taco”), it’s soaked in a rich, spicy broth right before serving. It’s messy, spicy, comforting—and oddly soulful. Like a taco-soup hybrid that makes you wish you’d worn dark clothes.
Pit Stop: Winter Street Snacks
On our way to our final destination, we passed a street vendor selling puffed corn treats known as Gorditas Dulces—a beloved seasonal snack in Mazatlán. These sweet, airy rounds are made from corn flour and puffed to perfection on a hot griddle, giving them a crisp exterior and soft, chewy center.
You’ll often spot vendors selling them straight from baskets or carts, especially during the cooler months when Mazatlecos crave something warm and comforting. Though simple, these sweet gorditas are packed with flavor and tradition, offering a glimpse into the everyday tastes of the region.
Final Stop: Mezcal, Art, and a Cool Colonial Vibe
We ended the night in a hidden mezcalería tucked inside a beautifully restored building in Mazatlán’s old quarter. This was the side of the city I didn’t know existed—art galleries, hip cocktail bars, and live music floating through the air. It felt more like Oaxaca or even Brooklyn than a typical resort town.
Here, we sampled different types of mezcal, guided by Paulo who explained key differences along the way. While mezcal isn’t totally my thing (let’s just say I “enjoyed” it), I learned a lot about the drink’s pre-Hispanic roots and its importance to Mexican culture.
Pro Tip: Where to Go After
As if the night wasn’t cool enough already, our guide sent us to a nearby nightcap spot—an outdoor bar set inside a decommissioned building with a makeshift roof, strings of lights, and live music. I capped the night with a craft cocktail and some incredible photos.
Why You Should Take a Mazatlán Food Tour
No different than taking a food tour in Taipei or getting an insider’s take on San Sebastian’s Pintxos bars, food tours in Mazatlán aren’t just about eating. They’re about supporting local vendors, learning the history behind the flavors, and seeing parts of the city that most tourists never do. This Mazatlán tour was packed with culture, creativity, and some of the best bites I’ve had in Mexico.
If you’re heading to Mazatlán, don’t settle for resort buffet food or overpriced tourist spots. Do yourself a favor and book a taco tour with locals who know where to go.
You’ll not only get the best food in Mazatlán, but you’ll leave with stories, photos, and maybe a mezcal hangover (you’ve been warned 😉).
👉 Click here to book your Mazatlán food tour now
Writing this From the OMA Mazatlán Lounge
I’m literally writing this while sitting in the OMA Mazatlán lounge, where food options are…limited. It just makes me appreciate this food tour even more. Get out of the airport and into the streets—you won’t regret it.
Best Hotels in Mazatlan to Sleep Off a Food Coma
Need a comfy place to crash after indulging in all the tacos and mezcal Mazatlán has to offer? From beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels in the historic center, Mazatlán offers plenty of great stays where you can sleep off that food coma in comfort.
I’ve stayed at Torres Mazatlán over the years thanks to a friend’s timeshare and have always had a great time. The property offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, a large pool with ocean views, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe that keeps guests coming back. Check the map below for the latest rates and find your perfect post-taco retreat.
Related Post
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- [OMA Mazatlán lounge]: What to expect inside
- [Travel eSIM]: How I stayed connected on the streets of Mazatlán
Mazatlán Tour FAQs:
Is this Mazatlán food tour worth it?
Absolutely. This Mazatlán food tour is fun, local, informative, and packed with the best tacos, street eats, and mezcal you’ll find in the city.
How long is the Mazatlán tour?
This Mazatlán street food tour runs about 3.5–4 hours depending on the group. You’ll stop at 4–5 vendors and enjoy a mix of walking and riding in an auriga.
Do I need to speak Spanish on a food tour in Mazatlán?
Nope! Most food tours in Mazatlán are led in English by locals who are fluent and love sharing their city’s culture through its food.
Can I bring kids on a Mazatlán street food tour?
It depends. While the Mazatlán street food is amazing for all ages, the mezcal stop makes this better suited for adults or older teens.
What should I wear for a Mazatlán food tour?
Wear comfy clothes and walking shoes. You’ll be navigating the city on foot and hopping into local auriga taxis as part of your Mazatlán food tour.
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