About speaking Spanish in Mazatlan

Are you a little nervous about your vacation in Mazatlan because you don't know any Spanish?

You really don't need to be. One of the precious things about Mazatlan is the wonderfully open and accepting attitude of the Mazatlan people. Almost everyone will be able to speak at least rudimentary English, and even if they don't, you'll find that you'll be able to communicate an incredible amount with smiles and sign language.

Here are some comments that Mazatlan experts from the TripAdvisor forum had to share on the topic:

One member, rchpjf, thinks the best thing is to just get out among the people and try to communicate:

Just go for it. You will be fine. It is amazing how tolerate the people are of "us stupid tourists." Getting out there and making the effort is the catalyst for learning and will be some of your fondest memories in years to come as you pick up more and more conversational skills.

Another regular Mazatlan visitor, neils, also had some very encouraging comments:

You will find that everyone is so friendly, there is absolutely no problem blundering around having fun, with lots of sign language.

And if you want to start speaking the language, si and no are obvious, and liberal use of por favor and gracias, with a smile, will help, as in any civilized society. You will be surprised how quickly you pick up more useful stuff.

And here's one other comment worth sharing, from Vegasonmymind:

I have traveled to Mazatlan for the past three years and will be returning the second week in December. I "try" to speak Spanish and have found everyone to be most helpful with directions, purchases, reservations and anything I have needed. Each time I return I feel like I have been adopted a little bit more into that fantastic town.

The people in Mazatlan, merchants, hotel folks, service people and the like are extremely tolerant and very cordial and understanding to us tourists. Don't be afraid of the "stupid tourist" thing because most of the people will treat you like you would like to be treated no matter what mistake you make.

So, look forward to your vacation, and don't be worried about speaking Spanish. You're going to love Mazatlan and the Mazatlan people, and the language barrier is not going to be a problem!