Family-Friendly Excursion in Mazatlán, Mexico - Jose Velarde (Van #46) was extremely helpful and nice during the tour trip to Mazatlán. He made sure my family members and I were cool, relaxed, and hydrated (because the weather was really hot during September). My family and I were able to visit and explore around the area. We took many photos of the area he showed us, had many fruits/food there, and also took us to the Basilica Cathedral of Mazatlán. The language barrier was not difficult whatsoever. I was able to learn and practice my Spanish with Jose and he could learn some Vietnamese words and practice his English with us too! I highly recommend it, they sure know how to make a trip fun in Mazatlán, Mexico! Thank you, Jose Velarde!

Eduardo is MVP - Eduardo was a great tour guide! Took us to all the best places in Mazatlan. Was so great and friendly. Will definitely do again next time in Mazatlan.

The Best Choice for a Private Tour - We visited with a cruise and had ages 3-65 and we needed a tour that would go at our pace and this was the perfect fit. Our Driver, Gabriel, was amazing. He drove us to all the sights we wanted to visit and then some we didn't even think about. He gave detailed information about the artwork along the boardwalk and lots of historical information about the town. I would highly recommend this company for a private van tour.

Must Do Excursion - The best tour ever and I cannot say enough about the team that works with the tours. First, let me start with the integrity of the team. My husband was sitting on a bench while waiting for the tour guide, and his phone slid out of his pocket. Half way through the excursion, he realized he didn’t have his phone. We back tracked and went back to all spots with no luck. At the end of the tour, we went back to the main desk to check lost and found. Thankfully, one of the other tour guides found the phone and turned it in. Now, let’s get to the tour and my amazing tour guide Carlos. Carlos was set out for 100% satisfaction and even when we said he didn’t need to do something, he still did it. He made sure to check everything on our list that we wanted to do. Additionally, his positive attitude and patience truly made the difference. Great recommendations and overall an amazing day. I will absolutely be back. This tour allows you to explore the island on your own at your own speed verses feeling rushed or having to leave something out. Thank you Carlos for an amazing day!

Great van tour, definitely recommend! - We had a great time on our private van tour. Our driver, Oscar is very knowledgeable about the history of Mazatlan and took us to many places around Mazatlan that we enjoyed. We were on a cruise so we didn't have as much time as we would have liked to explore but we definitely would book again next time we visit Mazatlan!

Once-in-a-Lifetime trip to Mazatlán, Mexico - Last month, May 2024, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mazatlán, Mexico. The week-long vacation exceeded our expectations, thanks to the exceptional services and warm interactions with everyone we encountered. Despite a minor hiccup during our layover in Phoenix, our journey was safe and unforgettable. We embarked on our escapade, fueled by anticipation and the promise of adventure. Our ground transportation arrangements were in place, thanks to an acquaintance who assured us we were in good hands. Little did we know that these words would resonate so profoundly. We met Jose L. Velarde of Mazatlán Van Tours (mazatlanvantours.com)—a tour guide extraordinaire who would redefine our travel experience. Our first encounter unfolded at the airport, where he stood, a beacon of hospitality, holding a sign with our names. His smile was genuine, his demeanor warm. In that moment, we felt welcomed, as if reuniting with an old friend. Jose’s bilingual prowess bridged any language gaps. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he effortlessly connected with us. Our prior arrangements allowed flexibility—we could explore independently or rely on his expertise. And so, our journey began. As the sun set below the horizon, we stepped into the embrace of the Courtyard by Marriott Mazatlán Beach Resort. Its elegant façade promised a sanctuary—a haven where dreams become reality. Our room, a symphony of comfort and style, overlooked the beautiful Pacific coastline. In the passing days, Mazatlán revealed its secrets through Jose’s eyes. He wove tales of history, shared trivia, and breathed life into backstories. The astonishing cathedral, each cobblestone street, each historic plaza, held significance. He didn’t merely guide; he immersed us. Jose shared recommendations: hidden gems, local eateries, and muse-see spots. His patience was unwavering, his wit quick, and his knowledge—vast. We explored La Noria, a community nestled an hour away, where time seemed to slow, and authenticity thrived. We quickly realized Jose wasn’t just a guide; he was the heartbeat of our journey. His love for Mazatlán was contagious, and he transformed our vacation into an absolute dream. We laughed, learned, and savored every moment. In the end, at the airport, our farewell was bittersweet. Jose had become more than a guide; he was a friend. Gracias, Jose, for turning mere travel into a lifelong connection. Until we meet again, may your path be lined with sunsets and stories. And so, voilà—a chapter etched in our hearts, where Jose’s service and the Courtyard’s grace intertwined. Hasta la próxima, amigos!

Our driver, Jesus was amazing and the whole experience was worth the money and worth the entire day for comfort and luxu - Jesus was our driver. His English was great. He’s from Mazatlan. He knew everything about everything. We only had a vague idea of what we wanted to do and he found perfect things just from our description. He went way way way out of his way to drive my husband to a sports casino to watch March madness in rush-hour traffic and then rushed back to the rest of the group so that we could go onto our next event. He was so accommodating and kind and pointed out all the cool things about Mazatlan. The van was comfortable and he had cold beverages waiting for us. He was kind and chatty and it was a great great day. Thank you, Jesus.

Perfect Private Tour of Mazatlán - Great for families - We booked a private tour for 2 families with young kids. We booked a private tour so that we could tailor it to the attention spans and tolerance of our young kids. Our tour guide Jesus Valdez was friendly and spoke excellent English and showed us the best vistas of Mazatlan and made an excellent itinerary. We were able to see the Malecón, cliffdivers, vista of the lighthouse, driving through Old Mazatlan and the Plaza, stopping at the Cathedral, with time at the market and a stop for lunch. Old Mazatlan was colorful and charming and I’m glad we got to explore it. The market was chaotic but the kids loved hunting down a cheap souvenir there. We even had time for an afternoon visit to the Aquarium which was an unexpected treat. I highly recommend this tour for families.

Good as expected - Private Van for 4 Adults and 3 children worked out great. Driver was kind and knowledgeable and flexible.

Mazatlan Tour Gone Wrong: Jewelry Shop and Overpriced Lunch - Our driver, Jesus, was knowledgeable and provided us with a good overview of Mazatlan's history. We did not appreciate being taken to a jewelry shop, as it was not part of our original itinerary. We managed to skip this stop due to our toddlers' hunger. The lunch stop at "La Costa Marinera" was a clear tourist trap, with many tour buses arriving during our visit. The restaurant charged us premium prices for mediocre seafood, which was disappointing. We were also surprised to find that the waiter had added a 15% tip without our consent, which we felt was inappropriate. I recommend ensuring that the itinerary does not include stops at jewelry shops or tourist trap restaurants, especially when paying for a private driver service. We would also appreciate it if this travel company could provide more transparent information about the stops and activities planned for the day.