MAZATLAN

Situated just South of the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan is the most northerly of all Mexico’s major resorts.
An agreeable climate and almost 12 miles of beaches make it extremely popular.

Mazatlan is the ancient Nahuatl (Aztec) word for “place of the deer”. The city didn’t really come into its own until the mid-19th century, when it became northwestern Mexico’s most important port.

Most visitors base themselves in the Zona Dorado (Golden Zone), created about 50 years ago, where the hotels rise high, the shopping is frenzied and the waterfront sunsets are breathtaking. Historic Mazatlan is worth visiting for its beautifully restored, Italianate Teatro Angela Peralta, named for a famous Mazatlan-born opera singer, and its intriguing cathedral, neo-gothic on the outside, Baroque on the inside, and noted for its gilded altar.

Although there is a lot of territory to cover, just about every district is self-contained , each having hotels, restaurants, and shops, and there is always waterfront, miles and miles of waterfront. The malecon, a sidewalk atop the 6 mile long seawall, runs from the Zona Dorada to Viejo Mazatlan. In between the olden and the golden Mazatlans, is a large city where most residents live. Vibrant neighborhoods are filled with families supported by fishing, farming, the port, the Pacifico Brewery, the Marino coffee company and other industries that make the city go.

Cerro de Neveria (Ice Box Hill), a residential area named for caves that in the 1800s stored ice imported from San Francisco to keep seafood fresh, has the area’s best views. The off-shore islands of Venados, Lobos and Pajaros all offer an enticing combination of wildlife and uncrowded beaches. These islands are easily reached by small boats. Isla de la Piedra, however, is not actually and island but a peninsula across the estuary. Famous for its sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms, it is the site of one of Mexico’s largest tourist developments, the Estrella de Mar.

Acuario Mazatlan is Mazatlan’s aquarium with more than 50 tanks with sharks, sea horses, and multicolor salt and freshwater fish. Around the corner form the aquarium is Bosque de la Ciudad, the city’s best real park. With 29 acres of shaded playgrounds, trails, and a train to ride, it’s a great place for kids both young and old.

Mazatlan offers many beautiful hotels and wonderful restaurants, and of course the magnificent sunsets. So whether you are fishing, golfing or shopping , or just sunning on one of the beautiful beaches, you will always enjoy Mazatlan.

Links: Fishing:
www.basselsalto.com www.starfleet.com.mx
Tours:
www.mazinfo.com/jungletour/index.htm
www.mazinfo.com/marlin/
www.oletours.com
www.allaboutmazatlan.com