Travel & Leisure featured Mazatlan as one of the world’s top emerging places for travelers in its October 2008 issue. Known as “The Pearl of the Pacific” the golden-sand beaches stretch for 16 miles along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the Mexican state of Sinaloa.
My western chapter of SATW witnessed firsthand this Pacific coastal city and its rich cultural offerings, ecological tours, world-class sporting events, culinary delights, and vibrancy of color at this prime Mexican destination. I was wined, tequila-ed, dined and welcomed at every step and turn during my 5 day visit.
For many years, Mexico vacations have been synomous with value, and Mazatlan is no exception. Roundtrip and non-stop flights from major U.S. cities (including Denver on Frontier airlines) makes Mazatlan just as attractive.
My host hotel was the lovely resort El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel and stayed at the tallest and most elegant landmark, El Moro Tower. My suite was like a small apartment, and the view was simply incredible! (A grateful nod to the lovely housekeeping staff who cheerfully cleaned up around me while I wrote in my room.)
We began with a City Tour (courtesy of Trolley Tours) to get familiar with the insides of Mazatlan, which includes stops at its city open market, visit to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the cliff diver point, shrimp flea market, city monuments and a glimpse at the monument size of Mazatlan.
The highlight of my day was the welcome reception at Old Town Machado Square, where Mexican hospitality delighted us with a huge mariachi band and local Mexican dancers showcasing many colorful costumes, dances and celebrations — and tequila — that make Mexico so appealing.(Click here to view picture of dancer at Welcome reception at Mazatlan’s Old Town Machado Square) An introduction to the royalty of the upcoming mammoth celebration of its city-wide pre-Lenten Carnival topped off the evening.
The next morning my 6 am wakeup call came way too early, when Aries Fishing Fleet van picked me up for my deep-sea fishing trip, departing from El Cid Marina Beach Hotel. My team of four, along with the skipper and first mate, reeled in two prizes — a 110 pound marlin and 20 pound mahi mahi.  Instead of catch and release, the fish were donated to a local charity. (Click here to view:  Deep-sea fishing in Mazatlan)What a great way to spend the sunny Mazatlan day — and I even took a snooze on deck, lulled to sleep by the gentle waves of the sea.
Dinner on our own that night was a recommended visit to nearby Los Arcos, walking distance from El Cid. We were treated as royalty and the freshly made ceviche and fresh catches of shrimp and lobster make it a double-treat.
The Mexican Artisans and Tequila Factory Tour were expertly guided by Trolley Tour. La Noria is a community of handcraft workers, many of which have not left their small village. The Tequila Factory was way worth the afternoon away from the beach, as the taste of the 100% blue agave at Los Osuna (pioneers of tequial production in Mexico) is not available in the U.S. — yet, and I’ll be first in line when it does.
Other highlights:
Mexico might be perfect for vacations, but Mazatlan was made to return often.
Hasta la Vista,
Diana
Read more about Mazatlan getaway at Denver Travel Examiner