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El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán

The El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico is one of the highest(2nd highest?) lighthouses in the world.  It is located on a hill at the entrance to the Port of Mazatlán.

You can visit the lighthouse during the day by taking a 745m hike up a gravel and 336 paved stairs path.

In addition to the beautiful old lighthouse at the top of the hill are the best views of the city of Mazatlán and far out into the Pacific Ocean.  New in 2018 is a glass-bottomed lookout that extends out from the hill!

Be sure to check out our videos and photos below!

2023-09-05 Update: There was a landslide onto the path due to heavy rain.  So, the path to El Faro is closed temporarily.

The path up the hill to the lighthouse is moderately steep.  It starts off with a gradual gravel path, then switches into 336 moderately steep paved stairs.  We recommend this hike only for healthy individuals of moderate or better physical abilities.  It is NOT wheelchair accessible.

Be sure to bring good walking shoes and water to drink on the way up.

They made a lot of changes in 2021.  There is now a ticket booth/store where you can buy tickets to go out on the glass bottom lookout (2021 price: MX$20 (approx. US$1).  There are also pay washrooms at the bottom so bring some peso coins.  It is free to just hike up, but you need the ticket to go out on the glass bottom lookout.  There is a small vendor across the street that sells water and snacks.  Additionally, the big green Sabalo Centro buses now go to the very bottom of the El Faro so there is no need to get out and walk the road.  The sewage plant is currently being decommissioned and the smell at the bottom wasn't an issue the last time we were there.

The path to the lighthouse is normally open from 5am to 8pm daily(last entry 6:45pm?), but occasionally hours will be adjusted, e.g. due to covid and/or if it is too hot out.  The glass-bottomed lookout will be open from 7:30am-7pm and costs MX$20 (in 2021) to go out on it.

It has been reported that people are looking at adding a funicular train so that tourists can be taken up to the top of the lighthouse without having to walk up.  This would open up the top to people who are unable to make the strenuous walk up.

Faro de Mazatlan It was built between the years of 1890 and 1892, under the supervision of the ING. Natividad Gonzalez, it's story was remote since 1828 when it began to be used as a reference point to guide the ships to the port since at that time lacked light. It is located on the creston hilltop at a height of 157 meters above the middle high tide and is considered the tallest natural lighthouse in the world, its location is 23 degrees 10.5 'north latitude, and 106 degrees 26.5' of west longitude. Today, the light beam of the lighthouse is 1,000 watts, its angle of illumination is 270 degrees at 170 degrees, and can be captured by ships at a distance of 30 nautical miles, or 55 kilometers.

2018 Improvements to the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán

In 2018, numerous improvements were made to the the El Faro Lighthouse.  A new 'Faro Mazatlan' sign was built at the bottom of El Faro next to the entrance.  It is good for taking photos.  Plastic webbing was added to about half the gravel path to provide stability..although it is disintegrating fast!  Finally and most significantly, a glass bottom lookout attraction was added to the top of El Faro.

The original plans also had a zip-line from the top of the El Faro to Paseo Claussen.  This would have been an extreme zip line!  However, due to safety issues, the zip line plans were scrapped.

Glass-Bottomed Lookout at the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán

In the fall of 2018, a new glass-bottomed lookout was built on top of El Faro.  You have to take your shoes off and wear socks or the provided feet protectors to go out on the lookout.  It offers a breath-taking view if you are not too scared!  There is a small fee to go out on it(see below).

As of June 2019, the Glass-bottomed lookout will be open from 7:30am-7:30pm daily.

Photos of Glass-Bottomed lookout at the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán

How much does it cost to visit the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán?

There is no cost to visit the El Faro lighthouse.  However, there is a small cost to go out on the glass-bottomed lookout(see below).

How much does it cost to go out on the glass-bottomed lookout at the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán?

The sign says:

Remember to show your bracelet to have access to the lookout, if you did not acquire it you can give your maintenance fee of MX$5 pesos to the attendant. The line is very long and you do not want to wait? Use the express line MX$20 pesos All proceeds will be allocated to the recovery, maintenance and conservation of the lighthouse. We appreciate your cooperation

When is the glass-bottomed lookout at the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán open?

Hours: As of June 2019, the glass-bottomed lookout is open from 7:30am-7:30pm. Please wait for directions from the caretakers of the glass lookout. To enter the viewpoint you must do so in socks or using the protectors that will be provided. Remember that access is not allowed barefoot or using any type of shoes, tennis or flip flops. The viewing hours are from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. The time of stay in the viewpoint is 3 minutes

How long does it take to hike to the top of the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán?

If you are in really good shape you can hike from the bottom to the top of El Faro in about 25 minutes.  If you take your time it can take up to about an hour.  Some people don't make all the way to very top.  Remember to bring a water bottle!

What is the address of El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán?

The El Faro Lighthouse is located on Captain. Joel Montes Camarena.  Don't worry, you can't miss it.  The lighthouse is on the large hill at the entrance to the port of Mazatlan.  Every taxi driver knows where it is!

When is the best time to visit the El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán?

The best time to visit El Faro is during the morning hours because it can get very hot in the afternoon.

How to get to El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlán by bus?

Catch the Sabalo Centro (big green bus) any where along it's route and it will take you near to the road that leads to El Faro.  This bus route goes down Camaron Sabalo, then cuts through downtown, then along the edge of the port.  Get off at the very last stop which is very near the road that leads to El Faro.  You will be able to see El Faro from the bus.  It is about a quarter mile down the road to the entrance to El Faro.

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Visit El Faro Lighthouse

El Faro Lighthouse is an emblematic landmark of Mazatlán that offers unobstructed city and coastal vistas. The 19th-century tower stands atop the Cerro del Creston, which at 523 feet (159 meters) above high tide, is one of the highest points in Mazatlán. Hike to the summit of the hill and look out over the city’s beaches, harbor, islands and Old Town.

Follow a trail that leads up from the foot of Cerro del Creston and passes hill slopes clad in greenery and a variety of cacti. The track is steep, features more than 300 steps and should take about 30 minutes to complete. Be alert for iguanas sunning themselves along the route.

Upon arrival, admire the humble lighthouse, which was originally constructed in 1879. At night, its bright beacon reaches a distance of around 35 miles (56 kilometers).

The lighthouse’s elevated position affords wonderful panoramas of the surrounding region. Gaze north over the rooftops of the city’s picturesque Old Town and the attractive coastline, home to the popular Olas Altas Beach and Playa Norte. Spot forest-clad islands, including Bird Island, Deer Island and Goat Island to the northwest. Cruise liners, fishing trawlers and yachts can also be seen coming and going from the harbor.

Find a spot to sit, rest and relax before beginning your descent. Bring a picnic to eat at the top while staring out at the glistening Pacific Ocean or buy a beverage from a vendor at the top.

Take a taxi to Cerro del Creston, which is located south of the Malecón. Although well maintained, parts of the trail are uneven so wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Consider starting your hike in the morning to avoid the hot afternoon sun, especially during the summer months. Street lamps illuminate the trail after sunset, making evening treks possible.

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Reviews of el faro lighthouse, 5/5 - excellent.

Its a good hike to the top but the view is worth it,Wear sneakers and bring a bottle of water.

The sidewalks in that area of town, near the marina, are cracked, uneven, under construction, and especially for older people like me, not easy to navigate. The lighthouse is very short, difficult to see from angles. The cell towers were taller. It was not a climb I would take, but there were many healthy, active people walking the path.

It's about a 30 min hike and about half of it is up steps. Go about 30-45mins before sunset for a beautiful view of the sunset and city.

Definetely worth hiking!!!

To long of a hike

Be ready to walk, hile. Wear good comfort shoes

Popular places to visit

Ascend the staircase to reach the romantic restaurant atop this cliff for the panoramic views of the ocean and its rocks.

• Olas Altas Beach

Look on as surfers and boogie boarders ride the waves, or take to the water yourself, and enjoy picturesque sunsets from waterfront bars at this centrally located beach.

• Plaza Machado

Admire colonial-era mansions, listen to live music and people-watch from sidewalk cafés at this sophisticated square in the heart of Mazatlán’s historic center.

Republic Square

Learn about the local history of Mazatlán when you spend time at Republic Square. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Divers Point

Watch in awe as locals perform spectacular dives from a raised platform into an area of shallow and rocky water.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The crowning glory of Mazatlán’s Old Town, this 19th-century cathedral bears Gothic and Moorish influences and has a striking collection of stained-glass windows.

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American Lighthouse Foundation

Lighthouse tours.

The American Lighthouse Foundation invites YOU to visit one or more of our lights for a memorable experience that will last a lifetime!

Visiting a lighthouse is one of the best ways to learn about their rich history and how you can get involved and support the preservation of these historic sites. During your visit, you will also have some amazing fun as breathtaking views of sparkling seascapes abound from these lofty vantage points.

Eight American Lighthouse Foundation lighthouses are open and staffed by our local chapter volunteers for visitors to tour and climb to the top of the tower. Open house dates and times vary.

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