Plaza Machado in Mazatlán
The Plaza Machado (sometimes called Plazuela Machado) is a beautiful old square (zocalo) in the Historic Old Town of Mazatlán.
It is rectangular in shape. The interior is primarily palm trees and gardens. There is also a large gazebo. The outside is a walkway lined with benches so you can walk around the entirety of the garden and sit when you want.
The plaza is lined with outdoor and indoor Restaurants, a theatre, and a hotel.
It is the most popular square in Mazatlán for dining and events and is considered the cultural center of Mazatlán!
The Plaza Machado is centrally located only 4 blocks from Olas Altas and 5 blocks from the Cathedral downtown. There are roads that run along 2 sides of the plaza, but they are closed in the evening and tables are placed there for dining.
The Plaza Machado is very popular in the evenings and especially on weekend nights for dining and strolling. On the weekends there is usually live music in the square. You can also hire a mariachi band to play for you. A couple of venues such as Pedro and Lola restaurant, regularly have live music.
The Plaza Machado is generally very quiet during the daytime as not all restaurants are open.
The Angela Peralta Theatre is located just off of the Plaza Machado. It is a beautiful old opera house that hosts operas and other theatrical and musical performances.
The Plaza Machado is decorated for various major annual events such as the Day of the Dead and Carnival.
Entrance to the Plaza Machado is always free, but may be controlled during events to avoid over-crowding.
Plaza Machado History
The Plaza Machado was built in 1837 by the city. The land was donated by Don Juan Nepomuceno Machado, who was a rich Filipino merchant in silver, cloth, and pearls.
When Olas Altas was dammed up in 1832 by creating a seawall it created a large land area that was usable. So he decided to build a large property that he would later donate to the city with the condition that they erect a public plaza.
Originally the plaza had an esplanade that was surrounded by 36 impressive stone benches and orange trees. For a while it was referred to as the 'Paseo de los Naranjos' (i.e. Orange Tree walk).
The gazebo was added in 1870.
It was remodelled in 1881 to essentially what it looks like now.
Plaza Machado Events
Day of the Dead in Plaza Machado
Each year the Plaza Machado is decorated for the Day of the Dead. Usually the decorations are put up a few weeks prior and have included a giant catrina and skulls!
In the past the Day of the Dead parade used to start from the Plaza Machado. There were stages set up with live dancers on the actual night of the parade. The parade was moved to Paseo Claussen in 2021.
Plaza Machado Day of the Dead Photos
Carnival in Plaza Machado
Each year the Plaza Machado is decorated for the Carnival which is one of the largest 'mardi gras' in the world!
Giant puppets (monigotes) are put up around the plaza.
During Carnival, entrance to the Plaza Machado is controlled to avoid over-crowding. Entrance to the place will be at the intersections of Carnaval / Mariano Escobedo, Constitucion / Belisario Dominguez, and at Carnaval / Libertad for people with disabilities. There is no entrance fee to the plaza.
Plaza Machado Carnival Photos
Plaza Machado Restaurants
There are many restaurants that line the outside of the Plaza Machado. We have selected a few of our favorites to mention below.
Pedro and Lola Restaurant
Pedro and Lola Restaurant is a long-time restaurant right on one of the corners of the Plaza Machado.
It has outdoor and indoor seating.
The food is excellent, and they regularly have live music on Friday/Saturday nights.
Gaia Bistrot Restaurant
Gaia Bistrot Restaurant is a popular restaurant in the Plaza Machado
Casa 46 Restaurant
Casa 46 Restaurant is an upscale restaurant located on the 2nd floor overlooking the Plaza Machado.
It is relatively new, but the food and views are excellent.
Plaza Machado Hotel
There is only 1 hotel, Hotel Machado, right on the Plaza Machado.
The Hotel Machado is located in an historic building. It is a 3-star hotel with some rooms having a balcony overlooking the Plaza Machado.
Hotel Machado Contact Information:
- Address: Sixto Osuna 510-A, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico
- Phone: +52 669 102 6631
- Email: hotelmachadomazatlan@gmail.com
- Website: hotelmachadomazatlan.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotelMachadoMazatlan/
Getting to and from the Plaza Machado
The Plaza Machado is easy to get to. You can take a Pulmonia taxi or eco taxi directly there. You can also take the Sabalo Centro bus to downtown and walk the 5 blocks to the plaza from the Cathedral.
At the end of the evening, there are always Pulmonia taxis lined up at the north west corner.
Plaza Machado Photos
