All I hear when I visit Mazatlan is “you should come for Carnaval, it’s the third biggest in the Americas” (behind Rio and New Orleans). Well this year, I made arrangements to come. I arrive this Thursday (the 7th) and will spend a week.  Needless to say I am beyond excited.

Every year Mazatlan´s Carnaval is the most highly awaited event for thousands of residents in this seaport city and for tourists who, for almost a week, can laugh and dance the night away. The ocean front malecon closes to vehicle traffic for a kilometer and a half  for five days and is completely transformed. Enormous dance floors move in and are flanked by dozens of booths selling food, beer, mardi-gras masks, confetti, serpentine and all kinds of souvenirs.

And I’ll be there. Here is a look at what activities I’ll be attending.

Friday Feb 8th

• Heading to Teodoro Mariscal Baseball Stadium (yes Baseball is popular in Mazatlan) for the Coronation Ceremony to the Flower Games Queen

Saturday Feb 9th

• Burning of Bad Humor at Olas Altas (not sure what this, but I suspect it will be interesting)
• Naval Battle Celebration – Fireworks Show at Olas Altas (The Mexicans fought the French Navy on the Bay of Mazatlan during the same conflict that produced the Cinco de Mayo holiday)

Sunday Feb 10th

• The First Carnaval Parade: For Carnival’s 2013 edition, there will be 34 floats decorated with sculptured figures of Movie characters, some measuring as much as 4 meters high, 10 meters long and 3 meters wide.

Besides the traditional royal floats constructed for decades by Rigoberto Lewis, spectators will see creatively-lighted floats designed by lighting engineer Jorge Osunaand his team and Jorge Gonzalez Neri

Monday Feb 11th

• Light Parade at night at Malecon.

Tuesday Feb 12th (Fat Tuesday)

• Second Carnaval Parade on the Malecón.
• Spend time enjoying the final fiestas until Ash Wednesday when Lent, the season of penitence,
  begins. (I think I’ll need a confession afterwards)

Also, besides the Carnaval focus, I definitely plan to enjoy some beach time on the sands of Stone Island and time at the  RIU hotel. Follow my activities on twitter under hashtag #CarnavalMaz (or my twitter handle @StayAdventurous) and for photos definitely check out my instagram feed @StayAdventurous and Facebook on the StayAdventurous page.

stay adventurous, Craig

Photos are from Carnival 2012 and were provided by Julio Birrueta the Director of Marketing for the Mazatlan Hotel Association at GoMazatlan.com

Mazatlán famous for its golden sand beaches in its golden zone is also starting to be known for its cultural offerings. In the  “Centro Historico” or “Old Town” section of the city, visitors have the opportunity to gather with friends and explore the seaside city’s cultural destinations.

Malecon

Considered the heart and life of Mazatlán, the four-mile seaside promenade malecon stretches along the coast from the Golden Zone all the way to Old Town.  And as you walk, you’ll discover several beachfront restaurants, discos, night clubs, and sculptures. There are also always great sunsets on the malecon too.

Museo Arqueolgia y Museo de Arte

The Museo Arqueologia, the small archaeological museum located in Centro Historico, features pre-Hispanic artifacts and includes a contemporary art exhibit, which outlines pre-Hispanic Sinaloan history and culture.

The art museum, located in a beautifully restored building is filled with outstanding examples of 20^th and 21^st century Mexican art. It features both local artists and the work of artists from all over Mexico.

Plazuela Machado (Plaza Machado)

Built in 1837 and recently restored, the Plazuela Machado is one of the oldest plazas in Mazatlán. Featuring architecture influenced by the French and Spanish 18^th century architects it is the sidewalk cafes that really give its European feel. Also the theater, museums and galleries are all with in a short walking distance.

El Faro Lighthouse

The El Faro lighthouse, located 523 feet above high tide cast its first light in 1879. El Faro’s beacon can be seen for 30 nautical miles and is the second-highest operating lighthouse in the world.

For the adventurous, you can hike (or really climb the steps) to the top in the early morning hike and watch the sunrise.

Angela Peralta Theater

Founded in 1874, the Angela Peralta Theater, named for the distinguished Mexican soprano, is a must when visiting the city. And since its reconstruction a decade ago it has become an important center for cultural development in Sinaloa and Mexico. I’ve watched two shows in the theater, each extremely impressive.

photos by Craig Zabransky at Stay Adventurous Travel Photography

I met Simon on my last trip to Mazatlán. During a sponsored dinner he joined us to discuss his project MazatlanMyCity. Although I can’t vouch for the calamari that evening, I certianly can vouch for the cervezas and conversation. And after learning about his ambitious project, I asked if he’d mind answering a few questions for us on AllAboutMazatlan.com He agreed, so here goes:

1)  Simon, when we talked I couldn’t help but notice your English accent. What brought you to Mexco and specifically to Mazatlán?

Originally I came here for a much needed winter break and I chose Mazatlán because at the time I was working out of our head office in New York (still also living and working in London) when a friend recommended it to me

2)  A great recommendation, how long have you been in Mazatlán and how long do you plan to stay? 

I have been in Mazatlán for almost 8 years and as of this moment I don’t have any plans to live elsewhere

3)  Ok, but many people don’t know Mazatlán as a destination, why should tourists and ex-pats consider the destination as a place take holiday or even relocate? 

the beach. photo: Craig Zabransky

Mazatlán is a working city that has real culture, great entertainment and restaurants and fantastic beaches. But to me it’s all about the people and you would be hard pushed to find a more friendly and welcoming local community than that of the “Mazatleco’s”

4) I always love a good beach, but I understand what you say about the Mazatlecos, you can see it in their faces. So you are hooked, but why did you start the site MazatlanMyCity.com? What do you hope it accomplishes? 

I started it because I believed that, in particular, the North American media were ”misinformed” about life in Mazatlán. As an expat living in  Mazatlán – that eventually began to frustrate me – and I conceived MazatlanMyCity as a way of combating that  error.  I hope it becomes a valuable social media tool for the international community and, as part of an overall mix, help provide a greater reality to the way people consider Mazatlán as a tourist destination or as a place to retire

Simon.

 5)  The site, MazatlanMyCity offers access to many videos? If I am thinking about spending one week holiday there this winter, what series should I make sure I catch? 

Tricky question – probably “Lifestyle Legends” but “Spirit of Mazatlan” would be tough to ignore

 6)  Ok, great. I’ll catch them. I also realize the site just started, but how do you see the site one year from now?

A year from  now I want MazatlanMyCity.com to be a “must go to” site to capture the wonderful aspects of life in Mazatlán.

 7)   Well, that site and AllAboutMazatlan.com too of course. Ok, final question, if you could make everyone learn one thing Mazatlán, what would that be?

Manaña is more than a word it’s a way of life!

Well said. Thanks again for your time.

 I’d like to thank the Mazatlan Hotel Association and the PR firm for the dinner, drinks and  my introduction. Also, the photos are from Mazatlan My City and also Stay Adventurous Travel Photography. 

I’ve traveled to Mazatlan more than a handful of times and enjoyed each adventure. It has become one of my favorite destinations in Mexico. The culture, cuisine, and cervezas are all reasons why, but one of my favorite reasons is truly the people. Yes, I find the people of Mexico and especially Mazatlan warm and hospitable. The magic of the pearl of the Pacific might not be found in oysters but rather in the faces of the locals who call it home.

Little Girl at the Aquarium

Mazatlan life is often based on the sea, so it makes sense they have an Aquarium. Here at the seal show a little girl gets a close-up.

the seal went in for a kiss

Señor Frog at a Baseball Game

I don’t think many people realize Señor Frogs was actually started in Mazatlan. And apparently he never misses a baseball game. Yes, baseball is one of the many surprises of Mazatlan.

Cliff Diver

fresh from his dive... it's a thumbs up.

Mazatlan, just like Acapulco offers cliff diving. This diver was fresh from his dive giving his fans the thumbs up. Here is a complete story: the cliff divers of Mazatlan.

Old Town Art

When walking around the revitalized Old Town you notice a vibrant art scene. This face was one of the many on a wall found in one of the local art galleries.

it's art, it's not scary

El Super Perro

No city is without its characters and Mazatlan has a few, including the luchador dog.

the dog rode in style too.

El Mercado

When meandering the market in Mazatlan I found some happy faces too.

Well, those are some of the faces you’ll find in Mazatlan. Let me know what you think.

All photos are from Craig Zabransky of Stay Adventurous Travel Photography

I listened to a local bird, a cousin of the legendary quetzal, and heard it call “Coa… Coa” in the barren mountainous terrain outside of Mazatlan. Then just a few minutes later the guide strapped my safety harness and equipment to the steel cable and asked if I was ready to take the next zip-line across the dry season rain starved jungle canopy. My confidence soared after the initial cables, so by the eighth I was completely ready and excited. I said “Si.”

The eighth zip-line ended on a platform created high in a Huanacaxtle tree. The landing provided stunning views of a blue agave fields, the jungle canopy, and needed shade on the hot summer day. And on this particular tour (I’ve taken the zip-line tour more than once) I arrived first and left the platform last.  It is the only platform on the nine zip-line cables the guides used a “FILO” (first in last out) approach with the participants. It was for safety, but I didn’t mind this platform was my favorite.

waiting to take the first zip-line at Huana Coa. Photo: Matt Gibson

As I waited I realized I was in this tree where I first learned the story of how Huana Coa took its name. Plus, on this tour in just the last few minutes I witnessed it first hand. Huana was for the tree I was standing in and Coa for the bird I heard just a few moments earlier. This was a true Huana Coa Adventure.

Taking the Zip-line across the jungle canopy in summer. Photo: Raymond Walsh

Huana Coa offers more than Zipline

The nine cable canopy adventure is the main draw to visit Huana Coa, but it is not the only adventure activity available for visitors.  The tour outfitter also offers an ATV adventure to the small town of Noria and horseback riding.  Plus, regardless of which tour you chose, all can be (and are) coupled with the Los Osunas Blue Agave Distillery Tour and Tasting.

the alternative ATV tour in "green" season. Photo: Craig Zabransky

For many visitors Mazatlan offers beaches, sunsets, and the culture of Old Town. I agree. But for those seeking a taste of adventure, the option to visit Huana Coa is definitely one to consider. I’ve visited many times and I am sure to return again

Photo credit to Matt Gibson for”Waiting to take the Zip-line”, Raymond Walsh for  ” Taking the Zip-line” and Craig Zabransky “ATV” I also want to thank Huana Coa, the Mazatlan Toursim Board, and Ogilvy PR for inviting me. 

Can you see my smile? I am extremely excited. I am returning to Mazatlan to attend its Temporada
Primavera and specifically the Dia de la Musica (Day of Music). I will be attending as an invited guest and participating with fellow travel bloggers on a five day/ four night long weekend adventure this June 6th-10th. Here is an overview of what is planned.

Our Planned Activities

Mazatlan offers adventure and culture to its visitors. Our group will be partaking in these activities in Mazatlan and more…

• Huana Coa Adventure. The adventure outfitter provides the availability to zip-line on a canopy adventure or take an ATV tour. Afterwards there is always the tour and tasting at the blue agave distillery – Los Osunas 
• City Tour on the FunBus. I will be spending an afternoon visiting Old Town. We will explore the Malecon, Historic District, Angela Peralta Theater, Museo Arquelogia, Museo de Arte, and Casa Hass
• Bay Cruise aboard Kolonahe Trimaran. An open bar cruise through the Bay with a stop on Deer Island for relaxation, lunch and some water sport activities(snorkeling, kayaking and banana boat riding)

in action, the zipline at Huana Coa. (photo from Jared Smith)

Our Restaurant Reservations

No trip to Mexico is complete with out enjoying the cuisine. And with a return to Mazatlan, I definitely look forward to tasting the fresh seafood especially its famous shrimp and the freshest oysters. Some places include:

• Shrimp Bucket – The original Senor Frogs restaurant (Senor Frogs started in Mazatlan) will provide shrimp every which way and I plan to try a few methods.
• Pedro & Lola’s. Located in the heart of Old Town, the Plaza Machado, here you enjoy the views, the vibe of the square, and the meal.
• La Casa Country Although Mazatlan is famous for its seafood, the state of Sinaloa (Mazatlan is in Sinaloa) is also know for cattle. It will be pleasant to try a steak.
• La Puntilla. Located on the water, the seafood is fresh and I look forward to returning to sample its ceviche.

La Puntilla. (photo: Craig Zabransky)

Our Accommodations

We will be staying at the El Cid Marina and Beach Resort. Personally, I look forward to returning here, it is a unique property in the Golden Zone because it includes a marina. Also, we will visit the Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay, and Hotel Playa Mazatlan for breakfast.

sunset from the balcony at El Cid Marina (photo: Craig Zabransky)

Of course the agenda is packed. Plus we will be also meeting many local artists, expats who call Mazatlan home, and select travel industry folks. So, if you need any questions answered, let me know below.  And if you are on twitter you can also follow us. We will be using the #goMazatlan and #WeVisitMexico hashtags.

When people think of paradise, many people dream of an idyllic beach, a gorgeous sunset, and the perfect person to spend the day with. And many people find such a paradise in Mazatlan. I know, I’ve been there. But when you really start to think of such a paradise, I’d like to recommend you add a perfect food – fresh oysters.

Mazatlan is famous for its shrimp with one of the largest shrimping industries in the world, but don’t overlook its other seafood, especially its oysters. After a day at the beach in the Golden Zone enjoying the sun and surf I often find myself ordering a dozen. Always delicious. And one time I even watched a few gentlemen take a rubber tube out past the break to fill it up with oysters, the very oysters I ordered. That’s paradise found.

on the beach, I also added a ice cold pacifico to truly enjoy paradise

This Friday photo post coincides with the #frifotos (on twitter) theme paradise. And a true paradise includes fresh oysters for me, what does it include for you?

Photo: by Craig Zabransky.

Until my first visit to Mazatlán, I never really knew about its malecón. Actually, and surprisingly, it is one of the largest (or longest) in Latin America. The seaside promenade stretches well over ten kilometers in its main section and always seems filled with activity plus wonderful views of the beach, the bay, art and culture. It is Mazatlan.

a portion of the promenade

Art Sculptures on the Malecón

Numerous sculptures line the malecón, but unlike its cousin in Puerto Vallarta the sculptures are not just a few blocks apart, but rather a greater distance. People walk or jog on the promenade and you can too, but the entire way would take the better part of the afternoon to see each sculpture up close.

a sculpture of the iconic taxi on the malecon

What I enjoyed most about the sculptures is how they tell the story of the city. Whether it is a performer who called Mazatlán home, a dedication to the sea and it is way of life, or even a tribute to the local brew or taxi, the sculptures represent the city. Again it is Mazatlán.

The Malecón after Sunset

As much as people walk or take a romantic stroll along the sea at night, you’ll also find car traffic at night as the local night clubs, especially for Valentino’s are so close. Plus, it can be the perfect place to watch a sunset too. The length has an advantage here as you can definitely find plenty of space to secure your own place along the promenade for romance, solitude, or to be with all your friends.

Also, at night the roadways are as perfectly safe at night just as they are in the daytime. It still serves as the main artery for the traffic, tourists and locals alike, traveling between Old Town and the Golden Zone.

when the sun sets, it heats up

Best Way to See the Malecón?

To walk the malecón is possible, but it is a long way. Certainly some stops along the way are possible (cerveza and fresh seafood are available) but I recommend a pulmonia taxi. The local open air taxi similar to a golf cart can take you from Old Town to the Golden Zone (or vice versa) along side the malecón. And any visit to Mazatlán must include activities in both neighborhoods. Plus, the pulmonia taxi always makes for a memorable part of any trip to Mazatlán

All Photos are Craig Zabransky

I am often asked if Mazatlán is safe? Is Puerto Vallarta safe? Is Mexico safe? I am not going to sugar coat the facts, but I often think people don’t realize all the facts. The resort areas in Mexico are safe for tourists to visit.

I was recently interviewed on Cruise Radio pertaining to the port of Mazatlán and explained my take on its safety. You can listen to the episode here. But in talking to the Cruise experts I learned about the drastic change to the industry and how those changes might affect a community. So I was happy to see that a group of foreign expats from both the US and Canada decided to frame and send an open letter to the Cruise industry. Below is that letter.

Cruise Ships on the Mexican Pacific...

(the letter)

OPEN LETTER TO:

*Cruise Lines International Association [CLIA]

*Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association [FCCA]

FROM: Concerned Foreign Residents of Mazatlan

SUBJECT:  Mazatlan Remains A Premier Destination For Pacific Cruises –SPECIAL REQUEST

On behalf of thousands of Americans and Canadians living in Mazatlan, Mexico, we are writing to request your assistance in dispelling certain myths regarding the safety of foreigners in Mazatlan.  We are deeply troubled by the perpetuation of these myths by some members of your association, as exemplified in a December 2011 statement issued by Holland America to travelers, which states in part, “Due to guest safety concerns the call to Mazatlan has been replaced with an additional day in Puerto Vallarta with an overnight on board ship.”  Of course, we are equally concerned by the ongoing distortions and amplification by the North American media when reporting events in Mazatlan.

We understand that some of your members, including Holland America, have already begun making arrangements to return to Mazatlan in late 2012 and early 2013.  We applaud this return; however, by emphasizing sensational warnings, like the one above, then delaying their return to Mazatlan by a year, these companies are denying their patrons a unique travel experience.  This action, in turn, makes it difficult for the city, its businesses, and citizens, to maintain the infrastructure required to effectively support cruise-goers.

We realize also that your members, just like those associated with any other industry, need to make decisions based on customer demand and other important factors.  Our concern is that distorted claims that Mazatlan is unsafe, serve to undermine demand, not only among cruise patrons, but tourists overall.  The perception, not only affects the businesses that serve these visitors, but denies foreign residents, like us, the pleasure of drop-in visits from many of our friends cruising the Pacific.

As part of the recent production of a U Tube Video, producers sought responses among the foreign community in Mazatlan to the question, “Is Mazatlan safe to visit?”   From the input received and our own perceptions, we are able to conclude the following:

• Is there violence in Mazatlan?  Of course there is, but no more than the major cities cruise guests hail from or most of the ports of call your members currently serve.  In fact, the peace and serenity of Mazatlan are among the many reasons close to eight thousands North Americans choose to spend a good part of their year here.

• Is the violence in Mazatlan targeted toward tourists?  Absolutely not.  The U.S. State Department website notes that violence is primarily between criminal organizations and occurs outside of tourist areas.  Our collective experience in going about our daily business also supports this conclusion.

• Is there petty theft in Mazatlan?  Yes there is.  Just as in other large cities, visitors and residents alike are encouraged to take basic precautions. And, in fact, the State and local governments have instituted an enhanced permanent Security Plan of which no doubt you have been informed.

Mazatlan is called the “Pearl of the Pacific” for a reason.  It offers unique opportunities for visitors to enjoy genuine Mexican hospitality and culture, including beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and superior art and jewelry. Besides 20 excursions dedicated to cruise passengers, Mazatlan hosted, in 2011, more than 40 annual events, including the international Carnival, several professional golf and fishing  tournaments, International Motorcycle Week, The Great Pacific Marathon, etc.

As residents of Mazatlan, we want to reassure travelers that our beautiful city is not only safe, but also a “must see” Pacific Coast destination.  So, we request that you please forward this letter to the appropriate contacts at your member institutions.

In sum, we appreciate the numerous factors that your members must consider when deciding ports of call.  We simply ask that you assist us in educating these members on the facts regarding traveler safety in Mazatlan, and the adverse impact that unsubstantiated statements can have on our community.

We should also emphasize that this letter has in no way been initiated or endorsed by any Mexican organization, or authority.   As we hope you can see, our message to you is a heartfelt reflection of concern, by the foreign residents in Mazatlan.

Sincerely,

*Foreign Residents of Mazatlan

(close letter)

*I left off the specific email names and addresses of the addressed and senders to allow for privacy. But I did think it was very interesting that the expat community understands the impact the cruise industry has on a city, its people and the community. A community they now call home.

A special thanks to Jimm Budd a columnist from the Reforma paper in Mexico. He shared the letter with me and keeps a pulse on the Mexico Tourism industry. You can visit Jimm on Facebook and also at his travel site.

Photo: by Craig Zabransky

Can you visit a Tequila distillery in Mazatlan? Yes and no. Yes, you can visit a distillery that makes a 100% blue agave spirit, but no it officially can’t be labeled Tequila. Just as a sparkling wine outside of the Champagne region of France must take on a different name, all “Tequila” not from the Tequila region of Mexico can not be called Tequila. And the town of Tequila, Mexico is much closer to Guadalajarra and not reachable from Mazatlan on a day trip.

it tastes just like tequila...

Blue Agave Tour

So a Tequila tour might not be possible, but a Blue Agave tour and a chance to visit a distillery is an option from Mazatlan.

fields of blue agave...

Los Osunas, a small and humble operation is a place committed to quality, not mass production. A tour lasts forty-five minutes and starts with the initial process of heating up the “pineapple” or the heart of the Blue Agave and takes you all the way through two distillations and ends with eventual aging in oak barrels.

The Los Osunas distillery provides a peak into the process of how Tequila is (and was) made. And it’s all in a working distillery.

Los Osunas Repasado

At the end you are offered a taste and a chance to sip or shoot a shot of the Los Osunas Repasado. A repasado is aged in barrels from two-eleven months (anejo is aged longer). And the Repasado is an impressive double gold award winner from the San Francisco World Spirit Competition.

award winning...

Therefore my advice, sip it. Taste it and savor it. What you’ll realize is that’s it’s good, real good. (and it has no worm – that’s Mezcal). Bottles are also for sale at a reasonable price too. They can make a great souvenir if you can hold off from opening it before you leave Mazatlan.

the distillery... Los Osunas

Photos: All photos are from Craig Zabransky