Its name comes from Nahuatl and means "The Place of the Deer."

This is because in ancient times, there were more deer than men on the islands and coasts of the region.

The first inhabitants were nomadic tribes.

In 1531, when Spanish conquistadors arrived in this territory, Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán founded the port. It was the Spaniards who first called it "Las Islas de Mazatlán." The port was used as an entry point for galleons coming from the East and, of course, it was also targeted by pirate attacks.

In the 17th century, the city gained importance due to the rich mining towns of Copala, Rosarito, and Pánuco, which were nearby. Despite its port activities, the place did not experience significant growth until the 19th century.

In 1847, during the Mexican-American War, American forces closed the port.

In 1864, the French invaded Mazatlán and controlled the city for several years.

Later, after the U.S. Civil War, a group of Southerners attempted to turn the port into a city of slaves.

At the end of the 19th century, following the Mexican government's instructions, the exploitation of the coastal riches of the port began, ushering in a period of boom and growth that has extended to our days when it has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country.