Mazatlan Mexico by Ella Patterson, Global One Travel Writers Assoc.
Mazatlan Mexico is a destination with a split personality. This was my first trip to Mazatlan and I learned real fast ... that it was a city with lots of pride. Mazatlan is full of culture, heritage and history. The lifestyle lends itself to all who visit. Despite the importance of its visitor industry, Mazatlan remains very much its own city. It nicely balances its double identity as Mexico’s largest West Coast port with being one of the country’s most popular beach resorts. Mazatlan Mexico is the second largest coastal city after Acapulco with nearly 700,000 inhabitants. It has the largest port facility between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal, and is home to Latin America’s biggest fleet of commercial shrimp vessels (over 500 boats). Nearly 40 thousand tons of shrimp are processed each year, making Mazatlan the shrimp capital of the world. Mazatlan Mexico has three distinct zones. The port and downtown area ("Old Mazatlan”) are at the southern end of a peninsula that separates the Pacific from an enormous saltwater estuary. To the north is the zona dorada (also called the "Golden Zone"), home to nearly all of the Mazatlan Mexico visitor attractions. Between the two is a long curved stretch of mostly undeveloped beach that serves as a buffer between the port and resort zone. This separation allows the resort community to coexist nicely with one of Mexico’s busiest commercial ports. Since the 1950's, Mazatlan has been a major component in Mexico’s visitor industry. Mazatlan Mexico grew up hosting weary American motorists who found it a welcome oasis on their journey south. As air service improved, the resort became a mainstay of Mexico’s burgeoning tourism industry. Mazatlan has probably introduced more Americans and Canadians to Mexico than any other resort. One of the best things going for Mazatlan Mexico is its combination of affordable comfort and laid-back seaside charm. I got a chance to really experience Mazatlans lifestyle, and believe me I like it. It's a liad back kind of city where the crime is nearly none, the people are friendly and the food is bountiful. Its long, wide sandy beaches with rolling surf (quite similar to the beaches of Southern California) are lined with fun, open-air bistros and bars. Dining in Mazatlan Mexico, especially for seafood and nightlife, are excellent. Shopping is also first rate, with several fine art galleries and handicraft markets. For the sports enthusiast, Mazatlan offers the usual assortment of water sports along with some of the world’s finest deep sea fishing. Surfing is excellent, as is hunting for waterfowl. The port really comes to life during the city's annual pre-Lenten Carnival celebration in late February or early March. Dating back to 1898, this Mexican-style Mardi Gras features parades, fireworks, and round-the-clock street dancing and festivities. Mazatlan Mexico remains a favorite of many West Coast vacationers who return year after year for the flavor, fun, food and fishing. _____________________
Often referred to as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatl�n, or land of the deer, is located on the Pacific Ocean at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexicos second largest coastal city, with nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatl�n and Zona Dorada or �Golden Zone,� with a seven-mile coastal road between the two.
Mazatl�n has an international sports-fishing reputation with Mexicos largest Pacific Coast port featuring the largest fleet of commercial vessels. Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the worlds second-tallest lighthouse.
Mazatlan offers all the best of Mexico. All in one place! For more information and to book your reservations today, visit www.gomazatlan.com.
