Forget the Resorts: Sinaloa's Got Donkey Selfies & ATV Rollovers

Sinaloa's tourism double-whammy: Charming villages get an upgrade, while Mazatlán serves up thrills, spills…and questionable electric bills.

Forget the Resorts: Sinaloa's Got Donkey Selfies & ATV Rollovers
Two individuals stand beside an overturned ATV on a sandy beach in Mazatlán.

Sinaloa's got a new tourism trick up its sleeve, and it's all about showcasing the rustic charm of its rural towns. The “Sinaloa with Rural Charm” program kicks off with a 1.2 million peso investment, transforming eight lucky towns into must-visit Instagram hotspots. Picture fresh murals, cobblestone alleys bursting with personality, and possibly even a strategically placed donkey for that 'authentic' photo op.

First up to get the makeover treatment is El Quelite. And are they embracing the 'charm' aspect! We're not just talking a new coat of paint. The Secretary of Tourism, Estrella Palacios, got her hands dirty inaugurating a tourist mural. Meanwhile, the locals have turned tourism promotion into a team sport. Kids act as mini tour guides, excitedly sharing tidbits about their town's history. There were even demonstrations of Ulama, an ancient ball game, adding a bit of pre-Hispanic flavor. Think of it as Sinaloa's very own oddball Olympic Games.