Top 5 Reasons to Visit Mazatlan

latinflyer.com  

July 13th, 2012

by Mark Chesnut

Looking to justify your next Mexico beach vacation? In this EXCLUSIVE VIDEO, we jet down to Mexico’s Pearl of the Pacific, to check out the top 5 reasons to visit Mazatlan. 

1. The Beach
It’s no surprise that the #1 reason to visit Mazatlan is the beach. The Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone, is square one for many visitors, thanks to its wide stretches of sand and many hotels. You’ll always find plenty of fun and activities here. 

2. The Historic Center
Downtown Mazatlan is dotted with beautifully restored historic buildings, including the ornate cathedral and lots of postcard-perfect private residences. 

3. The Culture & the Cuisine
Mazatlan offers experiences that few other resort cities can. After all, not many beach destinations are home to a landmark building like the gorgeous Angela Peralta theater, where you can attend live concerts, dance and theater performances. Just a few steps away, you can enjoy live music while dining at lovely open-air restaurants like Pedro y Lola. Wherever you have your lunch and dinner, don’t miss out on Mazatlan’s tasty cuisine — the city is a major shrimp port, so the seafood is especially fresh. 

4. Sightseeing
Be sure to plan at least a day to tour the city of Mazatlan and its surroundings. You can join a guided tour or do it yourself, by taking one of the fun, open-air taxis called pulmonías 

Have your camera ready for the interesting sculptures along the waterfront Malecon — as well as a performance by the Mazatlan cliff divers. I also enjoyed a trip to Stone Island, which includes  a fun boat trip and live music while dining along the beach. 

Also worth the trip is Isla Venado, or Deer Island. The scenic boat ride provides lots of photo opportunities, including — if you’re lucky — an upclose look at a sea lion or two. The final destination — Deer Island — is an unspoiled paradise with lots of sand and good swimming conditions. 

5. Fun Day Trips
Within less than an hour, you can arrive at historic towns, or perhaps learn how to drink homemade agave Tequila-style drinks at Hacienda Los Osuna. Also nearby is Huana Coa, where you can take a fast-paced canopy ride through nature. 

In Mazatlan, you won’t have any problem finding lots to do — although, of course, you could just lie on the beach.

How to Drink Tequila and Agave - Mazatlan-Style

PHOTOS & VIDEO BY MARK CHESNUT 

Published on June 8th, 2012

latinflyer.com

In this EXCLUSIVE VIDEO, you’ll see exactly how to savor Tequila, the world-famous Mexican drink (although actually, what I drank is called agave, after the plant from which it’s made — just like Champagne is only Champagne if it’s from that region in France, you can only call Tequila “Tequila” if it’s from the town of the same name). 

My education began at Vinata Los Osuna, a beautiful hacienda near Mazatlan, Mexico, where agave plants are raised and the spirit is produced. Tours are available to the public here, showcasing the process behind the product, with plenty of time to sample the creation afterwards. With the help of a friendly bartender, tour guide and my traveling companions — not to mention plenty of salt and lime slices — you can be drinking like a pro in no time. 

An enthusiastic tour guide at Vinata Los Osuna shows how to drink Tequila and agave.

Agave Adventures in Mazatlan

18 December 2013

travelandescape.ca 

Adrienne Brown

Here’s an adventure for your next Mexico vacation: tequila tasting and thrillseeking, all in one place. (Just don’t throw up on the zipline.)

Much the same way sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it’s from the Champagne region in France, blue agave liquor can only be called tequila if it’s from the Tequila region in Jalisco, Mexico—but that doesn’t mean other regions aren’t also producing top-quality spirits.

Mazatlan, Mexico, for example, is home to the Los Osuna Agave Azul plantation and distillery. Not only do they grow all the blue agave (a large, spiky plant that looks similar to aloe) they need for production, but they cook, mill, ferment and reduce it on site too: blue agave spirit from start to finish. They also invite visitors to tour the facilities, no matter whether it’s the off season or they’re making spirits full-force.

Credit: Adrienne Brown

Before you can toss back a few sample shots, though, the Huana Coa Canopy Adventure team wants to take you for a ride around the distillery’s property so you can get a feel for the size of the operation and what they do, and have a little fun.

Choose from the following to get your heart rate up, then calm your nerves afterward with a tour and tasting!

Ziplining

This is Huana Coa’s signature adventure. Zip and fly through the canopy and over the agave plants before planting your feet back on terra firma.

Horseback Riding

Looking for something a little more laid-back than ziplining? Hop on a horse and take a tour of the plantation at a slightly slower pace.

ATV

Prepare to get dusty! You’ll kick up plenty of dust as you make your way around the trails of the plantation and get the lay of the land.

Shutterstock

After you explore the property, it’s time for your tour and tasting. First, walk through the distillery while your guide breaks down the process step-by-step. Next, belly up to the bar and sample some Los Osuna for yourself. Note how smooth it is compared to the cheap tequilas you probably find in your local liquor store back home. Just remember to take it a bit easy—it’s a long, bumpy ride back to your resort!