Mazatl

v>Restaurants tend to be casual and meals are
'Old' Mazatlán, the traditional town center, dates fromreasonably priced.
the 19th century. Tourists started coming in the 1930s,If you want a light breakfast, make sure you try
mainly for fishing and hunting, and some hotels began"licuado": Fresh fruits (papaya, melon, banana, mango,
to appear along the Playa Olas Altas, Mazatlán's firstetc.) are blended with milk and sugar or honey. You
tourist beach, in the 1950s and that's when Mazatlancan add wheat germ (trigo), oatmeal (avena), nuts or
became know as the 'Mexican Riviera'. The townwhatever they've got. You can specify water instead
continued to grow steadily through the 1960s. From theof milk (con leche).
1970s onward, a long strip of modern hotels and touristThere should be no cause of concern for drinking
facilities has spread north along the coast.water. Most restaurent and hotel used purified water
With a population well in excess of half a million,and ice.
Mazatlán continues to get bigger and bigger. Still, partNightlife
of Mazatlán's charm is that it's not just one big touristThe nightlife in Mazatlán starts late and will live up to
resort.your expectations. Many of the nightclubs and discos
Transportationdo not even open until 9 or 10 pm and close around 3
Mazatlán International Airport is 20 km south of theor 4 am.
city on Highway 15. Several airlines schedule flights toA large selection of dancing, live music, Mexican
and from this airport every day. The average price forFiestas and Theme Night Spectaculars, and festive
a taxi is 200 pesos, roughly a 30 minute ride. You alsowatering holes to choose from. Music at local bars,
have the option of airport buses which cost 38 pesossport bars and discotheques ranges from easy
per person. The bus will drop you off wherever youlistening piano bar music for a quieter evening to
are staying.mariachi groups or tambora bands.
An inexpensive way of getting around town is theMost places don’t require cover charge, but
'Pulmonia'. A Pulmonia is an open air vehicle, similar to asome do. Many bars offer ‘ladies nights’
golf cart, usually seat two to four passengers. Theduring the week with free admissions and drinks.
word pulmonia comes from the Spanish word forOne thing for sure, you will love Mazatlán after dark!
'pneumonia'. The old residents got the idea that ridingEvent
an open air car can give you a cold!! They areThere's always something happening in Mazatlán.
cheaper than taxis and they are a lot of fun.They have several activity events every month.
Mazatlán has regular taxis, often called 'eco-taxis',What to See
which are usually painted red-and-white orAcuario Mazatlán (Mazatlan Aquarium) - located half
green-and-white.a block east of Avenida del Mar at Avenida de los
They also have local buses which run along mainDeportes #111. Over 250 species from around the
routes. From the downtown central plaza they headworld of fresh and saltwater marine life from colorful
along the malecón, continuing north through the Zonareef, fish to moray eels. Interesting sea museum and
Dorada to various north-end destinations, which arean auditorium with film about sea life. Daily show of
marked on the windshields. Fares should run less thansea lion and exotic birds is presented several times
half a dollar.everyday in an open-air amphitheater. There is an
Hoteladjoining botanical garden with various tropical displays
Mazatlán offers a wide variety of accommodationand small zoo with crocodile exhibit.
choices ranging from budget hotels to 5 star resorts.Mazatlán's Aquarium, one of the largest in Latin
You can choose from luxury villas, penthouse suitesAmerica, it's perfect for a family visit. Open daily 9:30
with panoramic views, deluxe condominium units,a.m.-6:30 p.m, admission is charged.
elegant resorts and motels.Old Mazatlán Historical Zone - the oldest part of the
The camp trailers and backpackers will also findcity just inland from Playa Olas Atlas. In the heart of
lodging that suits their needs, and be assured they willOld Mazatlán is the large 19th-century cathedral with
all be close to the beach surrounded by shops,its high, yellow twin towers and beautiful statues inside.
nightspots and restaurants.Two blocks south, the attractive Plazuela Machado is
For detailed hotel information or to reserve a hotel inthe centre of a large historic area of Mazatlán. It's
Mazatlán, please visit:surrounded by unique sidewalk cafes and beautifully
Beachrestored historic buildings such as the Teatro Ángela
Mazatlán has one of the longest stretches of whitePeralta, built in 1860. Blocks of historical building
sand beach in Mexico. Its gentle slopes and calmstructures and private residences including rows of
waves of uninterrupted 16 km of sandy beach is mosttown house with wrought-iron and stone trimline the
inviting. Not to mention the most beautiful sunsets ofnarrow streets.
the Pacific Coast. Water temperature of 65-75Cliff Divers - the cliff divers are a tradition in the Old
degree year round is ideal for all sorts of aquaticMazatlán. They jump into a small shallow cove and
sports.come very close to the rocks. The divers are not paid
Olas Atlas Beach - the main beach, is where firstand they only jump for tips and for fun. This is also
tourism began in the 1950s.where families gather and enjoy food and snacks
Cerritos Beach - warm, beige-colored ocean waterfrom street vendors, including the fresh coconut drinks.
bathes the coarse sand on this gently inclined beach.Activities
Playa Los Pinos Beach - is where local fishermen sellMazatlán is famous for its sport fishing - especially for
their catch. The water temperature waries betweenmarlin, swordfish, sailfish, tuna and dorado (dolphinfish).
warm and fresh.There are plenty of fishing operators, all of whom
Norte Beach - perfect place to enjoy the seafood.should offer tag and release options. Water sports
Restaurants are scattered along this beach facing thesuch as scuba diving, water-skiing, sailing, parasailing
open sea. This is one of the longest beaches in theand boogie boarding are all available year-round. The
country.best surfing is at Punta Camarón and 'Cannons', off
Sábalo Beach - with the magnificent view of three bigthe point near the old fort on Paseo Olas Altas.
islands, this beach is ideal for tourists, Mexican vendors,Guided Tour
swimming, practicing water sports or just enjoying aA tour guide is a good way to see the city highlights,
lazy day.the history and several points of interest surrounding
Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island) - Southern end oftowns and area. If you want to enjoy the sights and
Mazatlán peninsula, is a short 5 minutes boat ride frombest shopping of Mazatlán. We recomand Frank as
town. It offers miles of mostly undeveloped sandyyour guide, he will meet you at your hotel, at the cruise
beach lined with coconut groves and open-airship dock or at the airport with a very comfortable,
restaurants.clean and air conditioned vehicle. He speaks English
Isla de Venados - you can see three rocky islandsand Spanish, very friendly and knowledgeable about
from Mazatlán's beaches. Isla de Chivos (Goat Island)the city, and he will answer any of your questions. Visit
is on the left, and Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island) is on thehis website at
right. In the middle, Isla de Venados (Deer Island) hasJungle Tour - the tour boat will pass the harbor
been designated a natural reserve for protection offeaturing the largest shrimp, tuna fleets in the country,
native flora and fauna. These secluded beaches onMexican navy boat, the Pacifico Brewery, the shrimp
the islands are wonderful for a day trip, and the clearpacking plants and the thermoelectric plant where
waters make great snorkelling.power is produced for the state of Sinaloa. You will
Shoppingcruise through mangroves-lined waterways and inlets,
Mazatlán is the place when it comes to shopping. Youand up to Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island). It is ideal for
can buy almost anything in any color, style and taste.bird and nature lovers. You could see the Mexican
Souvenirs are abundant, and plenty of bargainingBrown Pelican, Sea Hawk, Blue Heron, Osprey and
opportunities from T-shirts to precious stones.other exotic water fowls in this protected wildlife
Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) - is the main shoppingrefuge. The tour stops at a native farm for a snack.
area of Mazatlán for souvenirs and arts & crafts.You will go for an wonderful ride through the coconut
Hugh selection of handcrafts from all over Mexico. Theplantation to a private beach. Where you would enjoy
shops and galleries feature an assortment of clothing,sunbathing, horseback riding, or a stroll down the beach
jewelry, seashells, leather goods and furniture.looking for seashells and maybe the largest sand
Plazuela Machado - for a more authentic Mexicandollars. A delicious charcoal-grilled fish, Mexican rice,
shopping experience. Located in Old Mazatlán, thehomemade tortillas, and coconut candy desert will be
municipal market features open air stalls packed withserved. On your return, get ready to enjoy the Pelican
food, clothing, pottery, handicrafts, piles of fresh shrimp,and Frigate bird show.
fish and produce, and some of the best vanilla you willRecommended Reading
find in Mexico. The assortment varies and the price is"Mazatlan IS Paradise" by Charles A Hall. This book is
right.available at La Vina church and Mazatlán Book and
Flower Market - in the place where the old bus stationCoffee Shop in Mazatlán, also online at or
used to be, now it is selling nothing but flowers. SeveralThis article is just a small portion of what Mazatlán
dozen stalls surround the building at the corner offeringhas to offer. There is so much about its history, beach,
a color burst and delicate perfumes. The Flowerreal estate, rental, medical, dining, what to see and do,
Market is open 24 hours.events, wild life rescrue, charity, fishing, bird watching
Diningand much more.
The Mazatlán dining scene centers around freshI highly recomand reading the book mentioned above
seafood, many varieties of shrimp, fish, octopus, clams,"Mazatlan IS Paradise". Then you will fall in love with
oysters, shark, squid. Mazatlán is the shrimp capital ofthis city as I did.
Mexico, their shrimps are prepared in every wayWhatever your passion, this is the place. Mazatlán,
imaginable. Seafood is always a good choice.where you can still experience the "real Mexico" with
The local restaurants serve almost every cuisine fromfriendly people, very good food and activities to
American fast food to great steaks, prime rib, Italianchoose from, and nice long streches of sunny beach
and oriental food. Fiesta nights are popular, featuringand spectacular sunsets.
the finest in Mexican cuisine and entertainment.