|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Best of Mazatlán |
|
 |
Sprawling over 15 miles of Mexico's irregular Pacific coastline, Mazatlán is more subdued than the country's other Pacific Coast resort towns. Despite the brash all-inclusive hotels that line the Golden Zone (the major hotel and tourist area), the city has an unhurried, weatherworn appeal. Except for the spring break season, which attracts swarms of college kids, visitors are mostly families looking for a convenient beach vacation and nomadic surfers on a quest for the perfect wave. Toward the north, "New Mazatlán" hopes to transform itself into a luxury resort area: The first development, Marina Mazatlán, is in the works, with more scheduled in the coming years.
Mazatlán's geography can be a bit confusing. Use the Malecón to orient yourself; although it twists in and out as it follows the seafront, the boulevard extends north to the Golden Zone from Olas Altas, a beach at the southern edge of town that's popular with surfers. Most of the main attractions lie along this strip or directly off of it. The best way to get around is via pulmonía, the city's trademark open, golf cart-like taxis. There's no meter, but the fare is usually pretty reasonable; if you're wary, negotiate the price before you hop on. Traditional cabs (labeled eco-taxis) are also readily available and have metered rates.
|
 Read entire article here |
|
|
Use this interactive map to explore the sights that await you in Mazatlán. Click on a camera to see a 360° view. Click on a hotel to see the hotels in that area.
| | | | | A sunny Pacific city with affordable prices, Mazatlán provides a full complement of resort-style dining, nightlife, shopping, sightseeing, and sports activities. It’s also Mexico’s largest port, so expect urban pleasures, too. | | | | When to go | | High season runs from mid-December through Easter week. Mazatlán enjoys warm tropical weather all year long; during the rainy season (June through October), expect daily showers and warm temperatures. | | | | Are we there yet? | | Flight times: 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, 3.5 hours from San Francisco | | | | Must-see sights | | Visit Old Mazatlán, home to the city’s famous twin-towered cathedral. The nearby Plazuela Machado includes numerous sidewalk cafés and historic buildings.
Stroll down the palm-lined oceanfront malecón (promenade) connecting Old Mazatlán with the zona dorada (resort area), one of Mexico’s most beautiful walkways.
Take a boat tour to Mazatlán’s three beach islands: Isla de Chivos (Goat Island), Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island), and the Isla de Venados (Deer Island) nature preserve. | |
| |
| | | | | Sample the city’s seafood. More than 500 boats harvest 40 tons of shrimp each year, making Mazatlán the shrimp capital of the world.
During the week preceding Ash Wednesday (late February or March), Mazatlán is home to one of Mexico’s most brilliant Carnaval fiestas.
For a trip off the beaten path, take a first-class bus tour to the mountainside hamlets of Concordia, Copala, and Cosalá. They’re famous for their furniture and ceramics. | |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Mazatlán
