Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Peso & US Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 500,000 people call Mazatlan home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Mazatlan Mexico: Warm during the day, and cooler at night.The best times to visit Mazatlan are from November until May, The weather is very pleasant. Mazatlan in June, and definitely from July through September, it is quite hot and humid. January through March are the coolest months, with typical daytime temperatures in the high 70's to low 80's (20-25°C) and evening temperatures in the low 60's°F/15°C.
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Description:
Seasoned and first time cruisers will admit that the exquisite Mazatlan, the "Pearl of the Pacific," located 674 miles north west of Mexico City, is truly a tourists’ dreamland. Mazatlan serves to be the single largest port in between the Panama Canal and Los Angeles. At this commercial cargo port, passengers are transported via complimentary shuttle from the ship to the festive port area where you enjoy tourist shops, a bar, and tables set up under shaded trees.
The largest of Mexico’s Pacific ports of call is located 20 miles below the beautiful beaches and unforgettable cliffs of the Tropic of Cancer, located on a peninsula. Mazatlán relies heavily on fishing and tourism and the resorts of the Golden Zone are world famous.
The first settlers of Mazatlan were the Totorames. They were hunters, gatherers, and fisherman and inhabited Mazatlan until 1531, when the Spaniards settled. During that time, the area was rich in gold and silver, and the settlers, pirates, and everyone else who passed through tried desperately to get their hands on some of the precious metal. In 1806, the city was incorporated, and then, in the 1830’s, a municipal government was established. It was at that time that Mazatlan started to emerge as an ever-growing seaport. Since then, the port has grown into one of the largest fishing fleets for shrimp and tuna in the world. Also a fabulous tourist resort, Mazatlan is now opening first class hotels and premier restaurants all the time.
Cabs, both sedan and golf-cart style are a great way to get around. They charge per person so be sure to negotiate the fee before you get in. Keep in mind that major car rental agencies have shops in new or old towns but National is the only one at the pier.
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Attractions |
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This is a great stop for the cruise vacationer who loves to golf. The golf scene is ever evolving and continues to entice tourists, as well. There are very few places where you can tee off on a lush, sparsely populated course on a beautiful morning in December. The rich and powerful have made Mazatlan’s yacht harbor their favorite destination. The tremendous sportfishing, some of the best in the world, and the spacious, glorious beaches continue to be two of the most enticing features of Mazatlan.
There is a tremendous selection of accommodations and activities that have not yet reached the masses. As a result of this most of the resorts are less expensive in comparison to other Mexican destinations. Zona Dorada (the Golden Zone) is the center of Mazatlan. This is the location where you can find the majority of the tourist hotels, most of the fancier restaurants, and a tremendously active nightlife. The Golden Zone is any place north of Punta Sabalo, and this is where one of Mazatlan’s most well known city attractions (Fiesta Land) is located. Fortunately, almost all of the attractions, nightlife, hotels, and clubs are within walking distance of one another. One of the more popular bars is Senor Frogs.
Highlights include the Mazatlan Cathedral, genuinely historic and dating back to 1855, the Plaza Republica, downtown’s central gathering place, and the Central Market, or Mercado, behind the Cathedral (bargaining is definitely encouraged). The market has stalls selling everything from sides of beef to tourist trinkets. Other attractions in the old town include the Museo de Arqueologia, the Art Museum at Casa de la Cultura, and Plazuela Machado, known for its sidewalk cafes.
*Watch the daring high-flying divers off of Divers Point, a ten minute walk (or quick taxi ride) from the old town. Typically they perform when a crowd gathers.
*Shopping, people-watching and beach bumming on the beaches of the Golden Zone.
The main drag is Rodolfo T. Loaiza -- ask your taxi driver to drop you at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan, which is pretty much in the thick of things.
*Eco-tours. You can go kayaking around Mazatlan’s offshore islands. If you prefer there is also birdwatching in mangrove swamps. Snorkeling, jet skis and parasailing are among the water-related options.
Beach goers also enjoy the Golden Zone. Most beaches are good for swimming and those along Playa Gaviotas and Playa Sábalo have the best facilities. Parasailing is a daredevil activity widely offered along the Golden Zone beaches and jet skis are also available for rent. The best beach for a half-day visit and active types: Playa Sabalo & Playa Las Gaviotas -- two of the beaches in front of hotels in the Golden Zone, are centrally located and offer activities from people watching to watersports rentals.
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More Information |
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Phone: 800-432-7772
Web: www.go2mazatlan.com
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