Located on the Pacific Ocean just at the entrance to the Sea of Cortez, Mexico’s second largest coastal city might not be one of your first destinations when you think of traveling south of the border, but Mazatlán’s recent growth and revitalization make for a magnificent Mexico vacation. Its colorful old town, sunset stretch of golden sand beaches, celebrated nightlife, and Tropic of Cancer climate (same latitude as Hawaii) create a coastal paradise.
Situated in the state of Sinaloa, the name Mazatlán actually originates from the indigenous Nahuatl language meaning “place of the deer.” Yet today with access to some of the most abundant sport and commercial fishing it makes its mark a seaport city often nicknamed the Pearl of Pacific.
Flights to Mazatlan (MZT) take most people head to resort areas of Nuevo Mazatlan or to the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada), but part of the charm of your trip must be spending a day touring the old part of the city.
When you walk the vibrant, colorful streets you will eventually meander your way to Machado Plaza, the ‘corazon’ of the city and the traditional site of the Carnaval celebration. Make your way past the famous restored Angela Peralta Theater, named for Mazatlán’s opera singer, who legend holds sang her last concert out the window just before yellow fever took her life.
Walk towards the sea to find the Malecón. This long seaside route enables you to experience the vastness of the city and enjoy the many artistic treasures on route. Most of the sculpture parade provides references to the town’s dependence on the sea, but it also includes the iconic open air taxis known as “pulmonias,” and one that celebrates the birthplace of the Pacifico brewery one of the many German immigrant contributions to the city.
Just before you return to the Golden Zone, the adventurous can stop to meet the local Oyster fisherman and sample their hour old catch. Coupled with hot sauce and a fine Pacifico pilsner it can set the perfect mood for your afternoon siesta and the evening’s nightlife.
Travel Tip: Sport fishing for marlin, sailfish and dorado, seems to slow some in November, but it gives way to Shrimp season. Bounteous buckets of shrimps of all sizes dominate the local downtown markets and can be found for 30 pesos a kilo (just over a $1USD per pound). But for the best shrimp dish in the city, you need to head to Bahia Mariscos and order the “Camarones Zarandeados”
Hotels: Although many of the typical US based hotel chains still have not built resorts in Mazatlan, you can still find many options in the coastal city’s 10,000 rooms. In Nuevo Mazatlan you can select one of the Conde Nast Top 20 Mexican Resort, Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay or opt for the trendy vibe of the Crown Plaza. If you want to stay in the Golden Zone, there you can select from the multiple options provided by El Cid Hotels.
Flights: You can find direct flights to Mazatlan from Houston on Continental for $298 roundtrip and from Phoenix on the 2009 Golden Deer award winner (Mazatlan Tourism Award) US Air for $423 roundtrip. From New York connected through Mexico City on Aero Mexico.
© Cheapflights Ltd Craig Zabranksy
