Mazatlan, one of the most important ports and second largest costal city (after Acapulco) on the Pacific coast. Located in the southern region of the state of Sinaloa, 212 km (131 mi) southeast of state capital Culiacan, Mazatlan has the largest port facility between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal and is know as the Shrimp capital of the world.
   The climate is warm with an average year-round temperature of 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Known as the Pearl of the Pacific because of its beautiful beaches and its abundant marine life, it has become an important site for international fishing tournaments such as the Bisbee's Billfish Classic.
   This destination combines traditional architecture in its Historic Center, known as Old Mazatlan, with modern hotels and restaurants in the Zona Dorada, a 10 km (6 mi) strip with beautiful beaches such as Playa Norte, Playa Gaviotas and Playa Venados. These areas are ideal for surfing, diving and sailfish or marlin fishing. In Old Mazatlan, you can visit la Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion (The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception) and walk down beautiful streets lined with 19th-century constructions.
   Mazatlan 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.
   Here you'll also find natural treasures such as el Cerro del Creston, where you can do ecotourism outings and go rock climbing. At Creston's peak you'll find a lighthouse, which is the world's second tallest (only the one at the Rock of Gibraltar is taller). You'll also find fantastic golf courses with ocean views. For boating enthusiasts, Mazatlan has two marinas that offer docking and maintenance service for all kinds of boats. Among the cultural and sports events that you can enjoy in the port town are: The Jesus Arnoldo Millan International Golf Tournament, the Grand International Tennis Tournament, the Mazatlan Cultural Festival, the Sinaloa Arts Festival and the world famous Mazatlan Carnival, a weeklong celebration that takes place in February. During this event, floats pass by the main avenues and plazas. What's more, you can dance in the streets to the beat of drums into the wee hours of the morning.
   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, Mazatlan offers the usual assortment of water sports along with some of the world's finest deep sea fishing.

GETTING THERE
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 Zone.

WHEN TO GO
Mazatlan enjoys temperate, tropical weather year' round, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to mid. 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.