Mazatlán, a resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico,(I've included a map of it's location in the attached slide show) located 15 miles south of the tropic of Cancer, and often referred to as the "Pearl of The Pacific". This historic city with a resplendent colonial district offers everything from spectacular beaches, a 16km long Malecón, perfect for walking, biking or rollerblading, all inclusive resorts such as the  Riu Emerald Bay Resort, to a selection of various other well known hotel chains such as El Cid, Pueblo Bonito, Holiday Inn and Ramada.

Some Quick Facts
Language: Spanish; English spoken in tourist areas
Location: On Pacific Coast of Mexico - 560km (347 miles) North of Puerto Vallarta 502km (311 miles) NorthWest of Guadalajara
Currency: Mexican Peso, US dollars accepted, ATM "Cajas Automaticas" machines are everywhere.
Electricity: 110V-60 cycles.
Population: Approximately 650,000 inhabitants.

If you are arriving by air you will be landing at the Rafael Buelena International Airport, 27 km southeast of the Zona Dorada. Transfer time to the hotel zone is about 40 minutes depending on traffic. Should you need to fly to Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos as I did, a small airline called Aereo Calafia www.aereocalafia.com.mx will get you there, and they offer daily flights.

Major cruise lines also offer Mazatlan as a port of call.

Okay so you're settled in your hotel room, and you've soaked up some sun, and had your time on the beach. Now it's time to explore the other side of Mazatlán. Head for Pueblo Viejo (old town). Getting here is easy by public transit or taxi. The bus from your hotel will cost you 8 pesos or about 80 cents, (some are air-conditioned). Taxis are everywhere and it will cost you about $7 to get into Old Mazatlán from the Zona Dorada area but agree on a price before you go. Alternatively take a pulmonía an open air taxi that looks like a golf cart and is unique to Mazatlán, you need to experience it, priced slightly more than a regular taxi and again agree on a price before you proceed.

Exploring the old town is easy, everything is within a short walking distance, the Moorish-style Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception serves a s a good starting point and identifiable landmark with its twin towers. Across the road is the Plaza de la Revolucion with a gazebo as its center. A block away you will find the Central market, full of fresh produce, meats, dry goods and more, it's a busy place any time of the day.

About four blocks south west from the Cathedral you will find Plazuela Machado. This small park is surrounded by colorful colonial buildings which are home to cafes, restaurants, a museum, a theatre and the Hotel Machado. On weekends the small street that intersects this area is closed down to vehicular traffic and the surrounding restaurants set up tables and provide live music to accompany your dining experience, with affordable prices.
Walk the surrounding streets as I did and you will see a cultural renaissance happening. Old buildings are being restored into colorful boutiques, restaurants and wine bars, the transformation is amazing.

Another area to check out is Olas Altas (tall waves) this area is a short walk from Plazuela Machado. here you'll find Hotel Belmar, Mazatlán's first resort hotel, and it's still operating. Sunset beach, Olas Altas' beachfront is lined with restaurants, gift shops and is perfect for watching the Pacific sunsets and for surfing.

More Things to see and do:
The Lighthouse - El Faro - the second highest natural lighthouse in the world. Gibraltar is the first. You need to walk up a steep hill, and being in reasonably good shape helps.

Clavadistas, Cliff divers - off the Malecón not too far from Olas Altas, usually perform in the morning, not as high as the cliffs in Acapulco, and they expect tips for their performance.

Acuario Mazatlán - one of the largest aquariums in Mexico with over 52 tanks. On weekends next to the aquarium you'll find a thriving flea market, great for browsing.

Mazagua - water park - wave pools, water toboggans and more, located across the road from the new Riu Emerald Bay Resort. Take the "Cerritos-Juarez" bus if you are coming from the hotel zone or you can take a cab.
Surfing. several areas for surfing around Mazatlán. The most popular spot is a beach called Playa Bruja to the North of the city. The waves easily reach heights of 8-10 feet and you can rent surfboards from someone on the beach. Away from the crowded beaches of Zona Dorada. Another surfing location is right next to Valentino's on the Malecón. Waves are not nearly as good as Playa Bruja.

Nightlife - Mazatlán is a party town, big with spring breakers, some popular places -Joe's Oyster Bar, Valentino's, Cherry and Señor Frog's.
Pacifico Brewery - Take a tour of the place that makes one of Mexico's finest beers - Pacifico

If you want to get out and explore more of the area, I've noted some excursions that are offered for sale at any of the hotels in Mazatlán
A, Country Tour that takes you into the Sierra Madre Mountains  and into the colonial mining towns of Malpica, Copala & Concordia.
Deer Island tour one of the 3 islands just off the coast in front of Mazatlan.
Huana Coa Canopy Tour - 12 platforms with 9 ziplines plus vertical descents to get your blood flowing, at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountain range.
City Tour and of course an evening Sunset Cruise, several more available check them out when you get to Mazatlán.

That's a quick overview of my 2 day trip to Mazatlán, hope to get back and take advantage of some of the tours.

Bottom line, it's a great beach destination, a good place to absorb some culture and it's quite affordable.

Questions? you can email me at [email protected]