Elota

La Cruz de Elota is just about halfway between the far better known cities of Mazatlán and the Sinaloa state capital at Culiacán. Elota is simply the municipality, of which La Cruz is the seat. The name is simply the Nahuatl word for an ear of corn. The name La Cruz came from a cattle ranch named for a boundary marker here. The marker is still held within the municipal market, today providing a focal point for the community of some 25,000.

The town really only started to grow with the completion of the railroad bridge to the south of the town. That was right before the beginnings of the Mexican Revolution. That seriously delayed much of the formal foundation of the town, but by mid-century, it was a real place. The Miguel Hidalgo square dates from roughly this time. The Virgin of Guadalupe church was completed in 1971.  

The town is about 9.8 kms from the Bay of Ceuta on the coast. Here, you'll find a pleasantly abandoned beach and waterfront with a small boardwalk. The Pacific coast here is especially attractive for those looking for an quiet and romantic escape. 

The small town has all the amenities without the trappings of a major tourist destination. Big enough, Elota is far from being too big. There are a number of small hotels in addition to the vacation rentals sprinkled up the coast. 

 There is some bus service between Mazatlán and Culiacán. Regular routes are run by ETN, Elite, and ACN. You'll want to check in the bus stations in either town.