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Mazatlán is Mexico's second largest coastal city (after
Acapulco). It has the largest port facility between Los Angeles
and the Panama Canal, and is known as the shrimp capital of the
world.
Mazatlán has three distinct zones. The port and
downtown area ("Old Mazatlán") are at the southern end of a
peninsula that separates the Pacific from an enormous saltwater
estuary. To the north some four miles is the Zona Dorada, home
to nearly all of Mazatlán's visitor attractions.
With about 8,000 units of lodging, Mazatlán is one of
the few resorts in Mexico that offers ultramodern deluxe resorts
alongside budget beachfront hotels. Its long, wide sandy beaches
with rolling surf (quite similar to the beaches of Southern
California) are lined with fun, open-air bistros, bars and
strolling vendors hawking their wares.
Dining (especially for seafood) and nightlife are
excellent. Shopping is also first rate, with several fine art
galleries and handicraft markets. Sightseeing combines
 a
few colonial-era sites with more contemporary attractions. For
the sports enthusiast, Mazatlán offers the usual assortment of
water sports along with some of the world's finest deep sea
fishing. |
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GETTING THERE
Aeromexico, American, Continental, United and US Airways
have non-stop and connecting service from Phoenix to
Mazatlan. There are shuttles and taxis outside the
airport. It will cost about $25 to get to the hotel sone.
WHEN TO GO
Mazatlán enjoys temperate, tropical weather year–round,
with temperatures ranging from the mid–60s to mid–90s.
Easter is the most crowded time because Mexican schools
are out, and lots of families come to the coast. The
best time to go is November through April, to avoid the
rainy season and summer heat.
GETTING AROUND
Pulmonias, open-air vehicles, are everywhere. Prices
start at about $3 for a five-minute hop down the Zona
Dorada. For a trip downtown, take the bus. It's 80 cents
one way, compared with $10 for a pulmonia. Taxis also
are widely available, and bicycles can be rented.
SWIMMING SAFETY
The hotels have lifeguards, and they put up red flags
when the water is unsafe. PLEASE BE WARNED: The waters
off Mazatlan can have dangerous undertow. |
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