PACIFIC COAST “MEXICAN RIVIERA”

BY CLAY LARROY

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Mazatlan Overview

The holiday destination of Mazatlán is the most important port on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is also the shrimp capital of the world, with the largest fleet of commercial shrimp vessels in Latin America. This attractive city also has the reputation of being one of Mexico's premier beach holiday resorts. The contrast between commercial port and tourist resort is interesting and sets the place apart from other popular resorts. Travelers will find world-renowned deep sea fishing, miles of lovely beaches, excellent seafood, a variety of water activities and a choice of accommodation to suit all tastes. Fondly called the 'Pearl of the Pacific', Mazatlán boasts Mexico's longest and prettiest waterfront promenade, or malecon. This is the city's defining characteristic, and much of the city's life can be viewed from here.

The colonial old town center is the heart of Mazatlán, where the busy main plaza, alongside the 19th-century cathedral with its blue and gold motifs, and the open-air market, are a hive of activity. The city emanates a combination of laid-back seaside charm and affordable luxury, its beaches lined with bars and outdoor cafés, and the sky above filled with colorful parasails. Sunbathers and hawkers compete for space on the city beaches, and fishing vessels and jet skis circulate in Mazatlán bay.

Shopping in Mazatlan

Mexico is a great place to shop for diamonds because the gems can be purchased here tax-free. The best place to seek out jewelry is Mazatlán's Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) tourist area. The streets of the Golden Zone are a paradise for greedy shoppers, where jewelry, designer clothes, seashell souvenirs and almost anything else imaginable can be found within the tiny boutiques and vast emporiums. The Mazatlán Arts and Crafts Center is a treasure-trove of handmade goods. Wandering the Central Market in Old Mazatlán is a colorful shopping experience, with busy street food stalls under bright umbrellas in front of little stores selling a hodge-podge of crafts, clothing and novelties. Away from the sea, on the Avenida de los Deportes, is a large shopping mall, La Gran Plaza, which has a supermarket stocking essential. Shops generally open from around 10am and stay open until late.

Dining in Mazatlan

Shrimp in every guise is the mainstay of Mazatlán restaurants. A favorite spot for tasting this tempting crustacean is the tourist-oriented El Shrimp Bucket on Olas Altas, the original of the chain of restaurants that has proliferated throughout Mexico. Great cuisine here is not confined to shrimp, however: Asian and Italian restaurants abound, along with some superb authentic Mexican eateries. Favorites among these include Cenaduria El Túnel, near the Angela Peralta Theatre, famed for its chicken gorditas and the best pozole (pork stew) in town. Copa de Leche is a popular restaurant, with lovely views, where you can dine while listening to the waves washing onto the shore. There is a fairly good choice of dining options around the Plazuela Machado, including the upmarket al fresco Pedro y Lola and the Beach Burger, reputedly offering the best hamburgers in Mazatlán. For a quick snack opt for a hotdog or taco from a street stall, or find a cheap meal at the Central Market where a few restaurants offer inexpensive daily specials.

Activities in Mazatlan

Mazatlán, like any busy seaside resort, has a lively nightlife with a plethora of dance, live music and drinking venues. Extremely popular are Mexican fiesta theme parties that are organized by the larger hotels. Most of the nightclubs and popular pubs are to be found in the Zona Dorada, offering a variety of music from chilled piano playing to lively local mariachi groups. One of the favorites for locals, offering sizzling Latin beats, is Mundo Bananas, on Avenue Camaron Sabalo. The young crowd tend to favor the Fiesta Land complex at the southern end of the Zona Dorada, which is packed with restaurants and lively clubs like Bora-Bora and Valentinos. Those whose tastes run to other than dancing will find plenty of sports bars, karaoke bars, cocktail bars, and brew houses in which to spend a fun, social evening.

Things to be aware of in Mazatlan

There are lots of hawkers on the beach in Mazatlan and this can become a nuisance to travelers. Don't stray too far from the tourist areas alone as travelers are easy targets for petty crime.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!