 DISTRICTS
Zona Dorada
This "Golden Zone" is on the northern extremity of Mazatlan and is
immensely popular with tourists and pleasure-seekers as there are virtually all
the comforts of a resort precinct here: modern style homes, long strip of sandy
beaches, American chain restaurants like Burger King and Baskin & Robbins as
well as Mexican chain grocery stores. This is a recommended stomping
ground for easy accommodation, dining, souvenir shopping and entertainment.
El Centro Historico (Old Mazatlan)
While Zona Dorada is on the northern extremity, this historic center is located
on the southern extremity and also on the beach. Visitors will be treated
to the sight of historic buildings which line up along the narrow streets, many
of them heritage of the Spanish colonial period. This is the place to go
if you want to observe the genuine port town atmosphere as most of Mazatlan's
industrial activity takes place here.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Acuario Mazatlan
The Mazatlan Aquarium is sure to be a hit for children and adults alike.
As one of the largest and best of its kind in Mexico, the aquarium boasts a
collection of over 200 species of marine animals such as sharks, sea lions, eels
and seahorses. A playground and a botanical garden are adjacent to the
aquarium where you can visit the small crocodile exhibit.
Museo Arqueologico de Mazatlan
Bost pre-hispanic artifacts and a permanent contemporary art exhibit can be
found in this charming and compact archeological museum. The site of the
museum is only a short walk from Olas Altas.
Teatro Angela Peralta
The Teatro Angela Peralta is a national historic establishment which was
built in the late 19th century. The theater was named after one of the
world's great divas. Its regular schedules include folkloric ballets as
well as classical ballets, jazz, opera and symphony concerts.
Plazuela Machado
This small square teems with picturesque old buildings and colorful town
houses, many undergone restoration during the 1998-99 downtown beautification
program. Several small galleries had also moved to this area because of
the neighborhood's rigorous artistic activity. If you are fascinated by
the atmosphere of an artistic community, this site definitely deserves a visit.
Plaza Principal
It is hard for the visitors to Mazatlan to miss the sight of Plaza Principal
or Plaza Revolucion as it is in the heart of the city and manifest an
illustrious milieu of the lives in Mazatlan. There are vendors,
shoeshiners and people of all ages and walks of life out and about for a stroll.
While you're at the plaza, do not miss the Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception which was built in the 1800s with unusual decoration style.
BEACHES & ISLANDS
Playa Los Cerritos
Playa Los Cerritos, or known in short as Cerritos beach is a great spot for
both beginner and experienced surfers. The main attractions apart from the
ideal waves are the scenic physical beauty of the turquoise blue ocean and the
overall surroundings which make surfing here an exhilarating experience.
Los Pinos
This old Spanish fort has now become a well-known site for surfers today.
Commonly known as "The Cannon", there are plenty of activities to be
found and enjoy at Los Pinos. Whether you are looking for a place to sail,
scuba dive, water ski or parasail, this is an ideal spot for them all.
Playa Norte (North Beach)
The North Beach is often frequented by local residents of Mazatlan
themselves. This strippy white sand beach extends for six miles beyond the
coastal road and is equipped with facilities for swimmers and surfers.
There are also small restaurants with mariachi music nearby where you can pop in
and take a break from sun-bathing or water-sporting.
Playa Sabalo
A stretch of beach with palm trees and gentle rolling waves, Playa Sabalo is
rated the best beach for swimming, sunbathing and water sports in Mazatlan.
The entertainment complex as well as hotel facilities are also located close by.
Olas Altas
Olas Altas lives up to its name (Olas Altas=high waves) by generating the
biggest waves in summer which is pure paradise for adventurous surfers.
It's an "in" spot for other activities like tramping, shopping, having
a drink or just relaxing.
The Three Islands
The Three Islands, Isla de Pajaros (Birth Island), Isla de Venados (Deer
Island) and Isla de Chivos (Goat Island) have become an emblem of Mazatlan.
They all boast austere beaches strewn with inviting soft sand which is perfect
for sunbathers or just to chill out by the beach. Isla de Venados in the
middle is definitely an excellent place for snorkeling as you can observe the
view of Isla de Chivos and Isla de Pajaros from here. It has been also
designated a natural reserve of native flora and fauna.
Isla de Piedra
Isla de Piedra or the Stone Island on the east of the Mazatlan peninsula can
be reached by a short boat ride from town. The wide, sandy beach here is
lined with coconut groves and open-sided, palm-thatched palapas restaurants,
some of which have music and dancing on Sunday afternoons and holidays.
Reasonably-priced accommodation scan be found and hundreds of surfers come to
surf here.
NEARBY
Concordia
Concordia was founded in 1565 and has since maintained its petite colonial
town atmosphere. The town is known for its high quality pottery and
hand-carved furniture. Other interesing features include the 18th-century
baroque church with elaborately embellished columns and hot mineral springs.
Concordia is located in the Sierra Madre foothills and is only 45-minute drive
east of Mazatlan.
Copala
Copala was also founded in 1565 and numbers among one of the Mexico's first
mining towns. It offers a secluded hideaway for whoever seeking it, being
a small town which can be toured on foot. Copala is 40km past Concordia on
highway 40.
Cosala
This charming colonial mining village in the mountains north of Mazatlan
dates from 1550, and boasts a handsome-looking 17th-century churc and a museum
in a colonial mansion on the plaza. 15km from town is Vado Hondo which is
a bathing resort with large natural swimming pool and attractive waterfalls.
|
