Tourist Information for Mazatlan, Mexico

Mary Freeman, Demand Media
usatoday.com

    

Mazatlan offers many wildlife-viewing opportunities.(Photo: seals in mexico image by Daniel Balluff from Fotolia.com )

Once a party city for spring breakers, Mazatlan has evolved into a travel destination for families, older tourists and budget travelers. Situated on the Mexican Gold Coast, the city, with its expansive beaches, has been nicknamed the "Pearl of the Pacific." Even with a population of almost 500,000, making it the largest port city between the Panama Canal and Los Angeles, Frommer's still calls Mazatlan "comfortable, casual, value-packed Mexico at its best."

 

 

Attractions

With 17 miles of shoreline, the beaches -- and the coastal activities that go along with them -- are the main attraction for most Mazatlan visitors. Sport fishing and whale and dolphin watching are all favorite activities here. More recently, golf courses designed by Lee Trevino and Robert Trent Jones Jr. have helped Mazatlan emerge as a golfing destination. Beer connoisseurs can test out specialty brews at the Pacifico brewery located in Mazatlan. Pueblo Viejo (Old Town) sets itself apart from the rest of Mazatlan with its cobbled streets and historic buildings.
 

Accommodations and Dining

Like most resort areas, Mazatlan offers a range of accommodation options. Downtown hotels tend to be on the less expensive side; rates rise as you journey north and into Zona Dorada. The higher-priced hotels sometimes cut their prices during the off-season, between May and September. Nuevo Mazatlan (New Mazatlan) is the most recently developed neighborhood. While most restaurants and hotels are located in Zona Dorada, the neighborhood is a well-known tourist trap. Tourists can find a range of restaurants, from fine dining establishments to the budget loncheries, which only serve lunch. Mazatlan is home to one of the largest shrimp fleets in the world, and fresh shrimp is often on the menu.
 

Climate

Slightly cooler than the beaches to the south, Mazatlan experiences high temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. It frequently rains in the afternoon throughout the summer, and the wettest month of the year is September. During the winter, daytime highs reach into the 70s, while evenings are quite a bit cooler, with temperatures sometimes dropping as low as 50 degrees.
 

Getting There

Rafael Buelna International Airport is 17 miles from Mazatlan; AeroaMexico, Mexicana, Alaska Airlines, Continental Airlines and Aero Calafia offer direct or connecting flights to Rafael. However, departing destinations are limited mostly to the West Coast of the US. From Rafael, travelers can rent a car or take the bus, taxi or colectivo, which usually carries up to 12 people and stops more frequently. Only taxis make the return journey to the airport. The main bus carrier to Mazatlan is TAP, although most bus lines make connections from Guadalajara, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta.

Motorists can drive to Mazatlan from the US by way of Highway 15 from Nogales, Arizona. At Culiacan, drivers should switch to the four-lane tollway, since it is the only safe and drivable road into Mazatlan. From Puerto Vallarta, motorists can take Highway 200 to Highway 68 to Highway 15; these roads are a bit more dangerous and wind through mountains.
 

Getting Around

The public bus system in the city is easy to use and inexpensive. Taxis and rental cars are a better option for tourists making many stops throughout Mazatlan. Pulmonias, or open-air carts, are more expensive than taxis but offer a chance to experience the local culture firsthand.

 

Mexico presides over Convention for Protection of Sea Turtles

geo-mexico.com

 

Mexico is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles, all of which are on the international Red List of endangered or critically endangered species. Participants at last month’s meeting of the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC), have elected Mexico to preside over the organization for the 2013-2015 period.

Luis Fueyo Mac Donald, the Commissioner of Mexico’s National Protected Natural Areas, says that Mexico will lead the efforts to promote the recovery of sea turtle populations in the Pacific Ocean, a priority because the marine animals are seriously threatened. The intention is to raise public awareness about the turtles’ plight and expand regional cooperation to protect turtle nesting and feeding grounds, as well as migration routes.

Selected marine turtle nesting beaches in Mexico.

The next formal meeting of the IAC members will be held in Mexico in 2015.

In related news, the Central America Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization (Ospesca) has announced that new regulations are now in place to protect sea turtles in Central America and the Dominican Republic. The regulations should greatly reduce the numbers of turtles caught in shrimp nets, which now have to be fitted with Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). TEDs are metal grids of bars attached to shrimp trawling nets; they have openings designed to allow larger animals, such as sea turtles, to escape, while keeping shrimp inside.

Aeromexico Increases Connectivity From Dallas/Fort Worth To Latin America

DALLAS, July 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, now offers customers more options for connections to cities in Mexico and Latin America on its two daily flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Mexico City. The airline provides business travelers the possibility of same day round trip travel options on the carrier's 99 - seat modern Embraer 190 aircraft, with the following schedules: Dallas/Fort Worth – Mexico City*         AM 2689 6:25 a.m. 9:14 a.m. Daily AM 2683 2:08 p.m. 4:57 p.m. Daily         Mexico City – Dallas/Fort Worth*         AM 2682 10:10 a.m. 12:59 p.m. Daily AM 2688 5:53 p.m. 8:42 p.m. Daily   *Schedules are in local time and subject to change without notice.     Aeromexico provides Dallas/Fort Worth customers extensive connectivity options from Mexico City to destinations like Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Tampico, Tuxtla Gutierrez and Zihuatanejo in Mexico, and to points beyond, such as Bogota, Caracas, Guatemala, Lima and San Jose in Latin America. The carrier thus affirms its commitment to continue to provide world-class service to the 47 destinations it serves in Mexico, 18 in the United States, 10 in Latin America, three in Europe, two in Asia and one in Canada, which is the reason why it was ranked the "Best Airline in Mexico" for the third year running in 2012, by Global Traveler magazine. About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. The Group operates more than 600 daily flights from its main hub in Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features more than 80 cities on three continents, including 47 destinations in Mexico, 18 in the United States, 10 in Latin America, three in Europe, two in Asia and one in Canada. The Group's current fleet comprising 110 aircraft includes Boeing 777, 767 and 737 jet airliners and the latest Embraer 145, 170, 175 and 190 models. In 2012, the airline announced the most significant investment strategy in aviation history in Mexico, to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft including 90 B737 MAX jet airliners and ten 787-9 Dreamliners. The carrier will begin to operate its first Dreamliner in October 2013. As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Aeromexico offers passengers 1,000 destinations in 187 countries through the 19 SkyTeam airline partners rewarding passengers with benefits including access to 530 premium airport lounges around the world. Aeromexico also offers travel on flights operated by its code share partners Alaska Airlines, Avianca, LAN, TACA and TAM with extensive connectivity in countries like the United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia and Peru.   SOURCE  Aeromexico

Two New Hotels for Mazatlán

Posted by Murry Page on 20 Jul 13

mazmessenger.com

Governor Mario López Valdez and the Secretary of Tourism held a press conference with investors, Stephen B. Allgood, president of AB Hospitality, and Michael D. Foley, president of MDF Companies.

Two U.S. real estate investor groups, AB Hospitality based out of Valley Village, California and MDF Group, LLC based in Denver, Colorado, announced the construction of two new hotels for Mazatlán. The hotels are planned as 4 and 5 star hotels in the northern part of the city.

According to the investors the land has been purchased and construction of the hotels will begin later this year.

On Friday Governor Mario López Valdez, and the Secretary of Tourism, Francisco Manuel Córdova Celaya, held a press conference with the investors, Stephen B. Allgood, president of AB Hospitality, and Michael D. Foley, president of MDF Companies.

Both hotels will be built in the beach area, north of Mazatlán and the State Government has agreed to approximately eight miles of new roads to extend the tourism to the area in which the hotels will be built.

The hotel to be built by AB Hospitality Group is budgeted to cost $127 million and will include 400 hotel rooms and 40 penthouses. Construction will take place in three phases; the hotel will be called Sapphire Beach (Playa Zafiro).

The MDF Group will invest $ 12 million in a luxury hotel in Nuevo Mazatlán, also north of the city.

(from Noroeste)

 

How to shop in Mazatlan, Mexico

Ocean Malandra, Demand Media
usatoday.com

Mazatlan features a rugged coastline on the Pacific Ocean.(Photo: seals in mexico image by Daniel Balluff from Fotolia.com )

 

Featuring a charming historic colonial center and a string of modern resorts that line its golden sand beaches, Mazatlan has long been one of Mexico's prime Pacific coast tourist destinations. Besides the plentiful water-sport and beach-bum activities, Mazatlan also is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, fine art, souvenirs and high-end products.

 

 

Step 1

 

Visit the Mazatlan Arts and Crafts Center. Located in the Zona Dorada, Mazatlan's modern resort district, the center features an immense selection of handmade artisan products from all over Mexico, including textiles, pottery and woodcarvings. Prices are considerably lower here than in some of the surrounding boutiques and tourists shops, especially if you are willing to bargain.

 

Step 2

 

Browse the wares at Gallery Michael. Offering high-quality handicrafts from local ethnic groups, like the pottery and blown glass from Tlaquepaque, Gallery Michael is one of Mazatlan's premier boutique shopping experiences. The shop also features finely-made silver jewelry from Tasco and other silver cities in the interior of Mexico. Gallery Michael is located in the center of the old historic core of Mazatlan.

 

Step 3
Get lost in the Mercado del Centro. Located in the old historic center of town, the Mercado del Centro is where the locals shop, and besides the numerous stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat and spices, a variety of vendors also sell crafts, souvenirs and clothing at rock-bottom prices. Bring cash and be prepared to bargain heavily.
 

Step 4
Escape the heat in La Gran Plaza. Mazatlan's central shopping mall, La Gran Plaza features department stores, a huge supermarket and a wide variety of specialty shops. The mall is three blocks from the beach, between Zona Dorada and Old Mazatlan.
 

Step 5
Buy jewelry in the Zona Dorada. Because diamonds are tax-free in Mexico, Mazatlan and other major tourist centers have a booming fine jewelry industry that caters to foreign customers. In Mazatlan, a variety of fine jewelry shops are clustered around the Zona Dorada that offer custom sizing, engraving and setting.
 

Step 6
Wander the streets of Old Mazatlan. Many of the old colonial mansions that line the streets of the historic core of Mazatlan have been recently renovated and turned into boutique shops that offer everything from handmade furnishings to fine art by local artists.

 

Travel Checklist for a Romantic Week in Mazatlan, Mexico

Nicole Vulcan, Demand Media
usatoday.com

Mazatlan's colonial look makes it an inviting place for romantic walks.(Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images )

 

If you're headed for a romantic week anywhere in Mexico, what you'll need to bring depends on how often you plan to leave the hotel. If you're planning for a lot of time sequestered with your honey, the packing list could consist of merely a swimsuit to wear to the beach. Chance are, though, that you'll be spending at least a little time exploring what the local area has to offer. In Mazatlan, that includes nightlife, beach life, and plenty of opportunities to get close to nature.
 

 

The Basics

Since the beaches are often first on people's minds when they plan a trip to Mexico, you and your sweetie will want to make sure you are prepared for a little beach time. You'll definitely need at least one swimsuit, though having an extra can be handy for times when your suit hasn't quite dried from the last dip in the Pacific. Your hotel will likely have all the beach towels and chairs you need, but don't overlook the other essentials that will ensure you don't spend your vacation holed up like a burned piece of toast. A sunburn is not very conducive to snuggling. Bring sunscreen -- hotels charge a premium to buy it on-site -- as well as a sunhat, sunglasses and a cover-up such as a small robe or T-shirt.
 

Active Adventures

Mazatlan has much to offer in the way of outdoor exploration. Tufted Jay Preserve outside the city is a destination for hiking and birdwatching, while the islands, Isla de Chivos, Isla de Pájaros and Isla de Venados, feature wildlife refuges and snorkeling on your own or with a group tour. If romantic jungle hikes are your thing, be sure to bring sensible hiking shoes with good soles. With temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the mid-80s, Mazatlan is definitely on the warm side most of the year.

As such, a pair of low-cut hiking shoes and low-cut socks will help protect your feet while keeping you cooler than high-top hiking shoes. Also pack a lightweight pair of pants and lightweight T-shirt, as well as a bottle of insect repellant to deter any bugs you may encounter in the jungle -- a serious mosquito attack can put a damper on your vacation. Summertime is also the rainiest season, so bring along a light rain jacket if you're headed there in June, July or August.
 

Nightlife

Mazatlan boasts a huge Carnival celebration during February, so if you're headed there around that time, be prepared to party in the streets -- and bring along your festival gear. Other times, you'll find a decent amount of nightclubs, bars and restaurants to fill your nights. For men, typical club attire includes a button-up or collared shirt with lightweight pants. Women can get away with showing a bit more skin; a basic tank dress or short sleeved shirt and skirt is acceptable for the nightclubs in Mazatlan. Flip-flops are not the footwear of choice for Mexican people visiting a club or restaurant, but in most cases they'll be perfectly acceptable.
 

At the Hotel

Pack a few extras to unwind after an adventurous day. Since there's a good chance you got plenty of sun, be sure to bring aloe vera or a soothing massage oil. While most hotels offer some kind of room service, and many stores in Mazatlan have some of the snacks you might find at home, they'll likely charge an arm and a leg. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the hotel, consider bringing a few of your favorite snacks -- or better yet, surprise your sweetie with favorite sweets and snacks. Don't forget the fun things to while away the time, including card games and books that you and your partner enjoy.

 

Monuments in Mazatlan, Mexico

Don Amerman, Demand Media
usatoday.com    


    

Monuments throughout Mazatlan celebrate the city's history and culture.(Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images )

Mazatlan, known throughout Mexico as the Pearl of the Pacific, is a major port city on the country's west coast, roughly 225 miles due east of the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. The city is the second largest in the Mexican state of Sinaloa and is home to nearly 440,000 residents. Mazatlan is also a major tourist destination, and scattered throughout the city are several impressive monuments, most of which celebrate Mazatlan's cultural heritage or events in its colorful history.

 

Monumento al Pescador

The Monumento al Pescador, or Fisherman's Monument, celebrates Mazatlan's rich heritage as a fishing center. This landmark on the Malecon, Mazatlan's waterfront promenade, features the figures of a solitary man and a woman, in between which is a tall structure representing the city's famed lighthouse, El Faro. Sculpted by Rodolfo Becerra Gomez, the monument also features a ribbon-like element, which represents the Tropic of Cancer to mark Mazatlan's physical location. The man in the monument represents the strength and determination of Mazatlan's fishermen, while the woman calls to mind not only the women of the city but also the beauty of Mazatlan.
 

La Continuidad de Vida

By far Mazatlan's largest monument, La Continuidad de la Vida, or the Continuity of Life, is also a major landmark on the Malecon. It features a naked couple standing atop a giant snail's shell and overlooking a pod of leaping dolphins. The sculpture represents the ideal of continuum of life in harmony with nature. The male figure extends his arm as if to offer his female companion a future in which they will prosper and work to protect all of nature's living things. The snail shell on which the man and woman stand is significant because of its relationship to the snail, a traditional symbol for the eternity of life in the universe. Always impressive, the monument should be seen both during the day and at night, when it is beautifully lit.
 

Pacifico Brewery Monument

Unveiled in 2000, this monument celebrates the 100th anniversary of Mazatlan's Pacifico Brewery, which opened on March 14, 1900. The centerpiece of the monument, which is also located near the Malecon, is a huge copper vat capable of holding more than 6,300 gallons of beer. German immigrants Germán Evers, Emilio Philippi and Jorge Claussen founded Pacifico, which was sold in 1954 to the Modelo Group, one of Mexico's largest beer producing corporations. Brewery workers helped to design this Mazatlan landmark.
 

Lopez Saenz Monument

On New Year's Eve 1999, shortly before the arrival of the new millennium, Mazatlan unveiled this starkly contemporary monument from its native son, artist Antonio López Sáenz. The monument depicts a stylized Sinaloan family contemplating the future. López Sáenz's monument, which was cast in bronze in a Mexico City foundry, sits on the Malecon.