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 

For over forty days, the 2011 Cultural Festival in Mazatlan will showcase music, dance, opera along with some visual art exhibitions. The festival opened on October 20th showcasing a Taiwanese percussionist performance and continues through December with its Christmas Gala.

inside the Angela Pearlta Theatre

The festival is all around city, but the it’s cultural headquarters is right in the heart of Mazatlan. It’s in old town. Inside the restored and revitalized theater visitors and the locals can view and enjoy most of the major festival events.

I arrived at the Angela Peralta Theater to see the Mozart Requiem on November 1st, just before the “Dia de los Muertos” celebration parade arched though the cobblestone streets.  Upon entering, I instantly thought, the theater itself is an attraction. Impressive. Then, after exiting after the performance I left inspired and uplifted, the way I like to leave any theater. Great performance. Bravo.

So if you are in town, definitely consider it a great way to enjoy a night of your holiday.

the Mozart Requiem

Mazatlan Cultural Festival Major Events:

All major events are performed at the Angela Peralta Theater at start at 8pm unless otherwise noted. The remaining events are:

November: 

• La Fille Mal Gardée: Friday Nov 18th & Saturday Nov 19th
• Broadway Magic - Saturday, Nov 26th & Sunday, Nov 27th (at 10am)
• Deja Donne, Ps. Martina La Ragione Monday Nov 28th
• Deja Donne, - Not Made for Flying, Tuesday Nov 29th

December:  

• Alberto Cortez Concert, Thursday, Dec 1st
• Orquesta Mexicana de Tango, Saturday Dec 3rd
• Delfos: Cuaderno Viaje [Travel Diary] Tuesday Dec 6th, Wednesday Dec 7th
• Titan Symphony Saturday Dec 10th
• The Nutcracker,  Tuesday, Dec 13th  & Wednesday, Dec 14th (6pm and 830pm)
• Christmas Gala Friday, Dec 16th & Saturday, Dec 17th

Hopefully you have a chance to see a performance, and if you do, please tell us about it.

photos: Craig Zabransky

Mazatlan is in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, located on the country’s western coast. The name Mazatlan is a Nahuatl word that means ‘place of the deer’ and is a favorite tourist destination for many Americans and Canadians, as well as Europeans.

If you are looking for unique things to do in Mazatlan, apart from the numerous amount of fine sandy beaches, there are two main areas of interest to tourists.

The first is the Centro Historico, which contains a number of beautiful plazas and newly renovated buildings from the 18th century. The second is the Zona Dorada, a beach resort with many luxury seafront accommodations.

One of the easiest and most popular ways to explore the city is by driving. Many people choose to hire a car or take a large vehicle, such as a used Volkswagon, as transport throughout the city and to surrounding points of interest.

Tour Mazatlan’s Historic District

Located in the aforementioned Centro Historico is Machado Square. Machado Square is one of the most popular destinations in Mazatlan to visit, not only because of its well restored architecture, but for many reasons such as its local cafes and bars that regularly have live music playing in the evenings.

Visitors can experience even more of the local sounds and culture by visiting the Teatro Angela Peralta. This wonderfully restored building from the 1800s is situated on the western side of the square, playing host to many different varieties of music and drama throughout the year.

Other points of interest in the district include a Spanish exhibition, located adjacent to the Teatro, that explains the history of Mazatlan, and a beautifully resorted hotel located on the south side of the square.

Photo taken by Bryce Edwards

Explore El Mercado Pino Suarez

The city also contains a large market place, known as El Mercado Pino Suarez, which is also located in the historic center of town, located in the historic center of town, known the as El Mercado Pino Suarez. El Mercado is known for selling everything from traditional Mexican crafts, trinkets, souvenirs, to t-shirts.

In the central part of the market, visitors will also find food stalls that sell fresh meat, vegetables and fruit to the local residents.

Experience the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

Photo taken by Trevor Cameron

One of the most beautiful buildings in the city is arguably the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which was finished in 1899,  the same year as the market place was also completed.

The cathedral is currently going through a gentle restoration in order to restore it to its original condition. Inside you will notice the golden statues that complement the interesting light displays from the stained glass windows during the daytime.

Visit Mazatlan’s Zona Dorado

A popular tourist destination in the Zona Dorado area of Mazatlan is The Acaurio Mazatlan, an impressive and family friendly aquarium with a vast array of activities to enjoy during your stay.

This facility includes an aquarium with many tropical species of fish, as well as a Sea Museum with some impressive examples of skeletons from both large and small marine mammals, coral exhibits and dated fishing methods.

Acaurio Mazatlan also offers opportunities for swimming with sharks and sea lions, and also includes a botanical garden with dozens of species of trees from all over the world.

Golf at the Estrella Del Mar Golf Course

In contrast to some of the more energetic activities by the beach such as water skiing or swimming with sharks, and beyond the markets and tourist sites, there is the Estrella Del Mar Golf Course. Considered to be one of the best in Mexico.

This 18-hole course is a must for the avid golfer, with its wonderful setting by the ocean over three miles of beaches, beautiful lakes and tropical scenery.

Mazatlan has something for everyone, offering a host of travel adventures from relaxing on the beach, taking in a round of golf or taking in the local sites and culture.

What is the most appealing to you?

On the other side of the long oceanfront malecon away from the heart of Mazatlan and its Old Town, visitors find ‘zona dorada’ or the golden zone. The strip of hotels stretch from the Hotel Playa Mazatlan on one side to the El Cid Marina and Beach on the other. Here tourists come to enjoy both days and nights at the beach.

A Day in the Golden Zone

The golden beaches provide the perfect setting for swimming, water sports, and taking strolls on the sand with a cerveza. The beachfront is lined with numerous restaurants and smaller talapas style places too. Here beach goers can order fresh seafood and I recommend the oysters.

One day I watched locals pluck a dozen oyster right from the sea and shuck them for me instantly. That’s fresh. Delicious too.

surf's up in the Golden Zone...

Also, visitors can enjoy numerous water sports. Surfing has gained an increased popularity after the 1st (annual) and very successful Quicksilver tournament held this past summer. On my last visit I paddled out past the break to carve a few waves myself.

But whether tourists select an active day or just relaxing to recharge the batteries, the beaches of the Golden Zone provide the chance for a perfect, your perfect, “beach day”

The Golden Zone heats up after the sun sets

As the day comes to end, most stop and savor the sunsets of Mazatlan. The colors often surprise and seem to always delight. After the final toast to the day, the night begins and so does the fiesta. 

an impromptu fire show during dinner.

Here the restaurants, and clubs create a perfect night setting for romance or excitement. From quiet, quaint ocean front dining to a complete late night of dancing at one of the many night clubs, visitors enjoy the options available.  Plus, you don’t need to travel far. Everything is a short ride in the safe and special Pulmonias (Taxi).

Mazatlan offers much to see and do outside the typical beach vacation, but sometimes you just need the beach to enjoy a few days and nights.  And when you do, it’s the Golden Zone of Mazatlan.

Photos: All by Craig Zabransky

Autumn arrived and the action begins in Mazatlan. Here is what’s  happening in Mazatlan this fall:

A New Season of Baseball in Mazatlan

Baseball, one of the surprise activities of Mazatlan, returns this October with the local Venados (deer) de Mazatlán. Home games are a short taxi ride from anywhere in town and the tickets, beers, and food are relatively cheap at the game. It is a favorite pasttime among both tourists and locas and the games keep a festive atmosphere with prizes and performances by dancers and mascots.

Baseball is the most popular sport in Mazatlan

The International Photography Symposium

October marks the return of one of Latin America’s premier photography events. Now in its seventh year, award-winning photographers travel from across the globe to attend.  The photographers, tourists, and locals can view exhibitions, take workshops, listen to lectures and partake in roundtable discussions. The event takes place October 27-29.

Fishing and Golf Tournaments with El Cid Resorts

Mazatlan is not just savory shrimp and fresh oysters. The first-class fishing draws top anglers from around the world and this tournament hosted by the Marina El Cid is one of the highlights. Participants enjoy festive dinners, cocktail parties, an award ceremony, and plentiful fishing off the Pacific coast.  The El Cid Dorado Shoot-Out Fishing Tournament takes place on November 5th.

The popular Marlin.

The 27-hole championship course, El Cid Granada Golf & Country Club, hosts a fall tournament. Amatuer golfers compete for thousands of dollars in prizes including vacation packages. The golf tournament is November 11 – 13

The Pacifico Marathon

With the beautiful coastal scenery and fantastic weather it is no surprise the athletes converge on Mazatlán to compete in the annual marathon.  Contestants can compete in a weekend of races that include a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon. The races take place on December 3-4.

Well, those are some of the highlights this autumn for Mazatlan. Any questions, or if you want to make the public aware of other events, let us know.

photos: both by Craig Zabransky

To experience a place, we often need to explore its local marketplace. Inside the Mercado Municipal de Mazatlan, the city’s central market,  you’ll find nearly everything for sale. And it’s divided into sections to help you navigate your way as you meander through and potential purchase a few items for souvenirs to take home and also eat as you walk or back at the hotel.

Where is the Market in Mazaltan?

Most tourists stay in the Golden Zone or spend their time out in the all inclusive resorts located in Nuevo Mazatlan, but for those looking to see the true coastal city in action, my advice visit this market. The entrance is just one block from the main Catholic Cathedral in Old Town.

The best way is to take a Mazatlan taxi and take an afternoon trip to escape from the sun to take in some culture instead of rays. In a few hours, you can visit the historic church, the marketplace and learn so much about Mazatlan the city.

What can I buy in the Mazatlan Market?

Everything really. Again, locals shop here along with tourist, so really everything is available and for sale inside the market. Plus, just like many global markets, you’ll find an overflow of merchandise on the streets too.

Here are a few items, you’ll find.

Shoes and Hats...

fresh produce

patriotic dresses... and loads of clothes

coffee mugs and other souvenirs

meat, tons of meat, fish (and shrimp) is found elsewhere

Well, and if you have any questions about what else is for sale, or want to share a unique item you found at the market, I await your comments. And of course until then, happy shopping.

photos: by Craig Zabransky

Mazatlan, the ‘Pacific Pearl’, is a vibrant and colourful city which has a rich and varied cultural history. This exuberance is as apparent in the local cuisine as it is anywhere else, and Mazatlan food and drink is considered among the very best in Mexico.

Image by Sarah Korf

Traditional Mexican Food in Mazatlan

Mazatlan is sometimes referred to as the Shrimp Capital of Mexico. If you like seafood, then prepare for a real treat, as you can enjoy superb shrimp and other seafood delicacies cooked in a variety of traditional recipes. Check out the catch of the day menus at “La Costa Marinera”, “Los Arcos”, or the aptly named “El Shrimp Bucket”.

There are plenty of options for meat eaters and vegetarians as well, including classics like salads, steaks, bean chili and burritos. Traditional Mexican restaurants and tavernas such as “Tacos Luna”, “El Corral” and the “Guadalajara Grill”, are great places to visit. You’ll be able to enjoy full, hearty meals for great value, in the company of local clientele.

Alternative Food at Mazatlan Restaurants

Of course, there’s not only Mexican food available if you’re eating in Mazatlan. You’ll find plenty of specialist restaurants, including Chinese, Indian and French cuisine, as well as establishments that serve a broad range of international flavours. “El Parador Español”, “Villa Italia” and the “Prime Rib House” are all highly recommended, with great food and flawless service.

In Mexican restaurants, the bill won’t be brought to you until it is asked for, so make sure to keep this in mind! Tipping is always appreciated, although sometimes, larger chains will cover your tip with a surcharge for service. The majority of restaurants will accept both VISA and MasterCard, which will save you from having to deal with handfuls of foreign notes!

Drink up! There are Great Bars in Mazatlan

If you’re just looking for a drink, then there are plenty of sophisticated bars to choose from in Mazatlan. Stop off for a cocktail at “Jungle Juice”, or perhaps a more intimate drink at the stylish venue “Mango’s”. Other bars feature live music and stage shows, while some just focus on partying – much like the “Tequila Sports Bar”. Lots of hotels and bars run a fiesta night, with particularly raucous celebrations held at the “Pueblo Bonito” and “El Cid” hotels.

Image by Bryce Edwards

While in Mazatlan, be sure to check out some of the local landmarks and attractions. There are always plenty of things to do in Mazatlan, ranging from cultural excursions to action-packed family adventure holidays. Although, Mazatlan’s single most standout activity is it’s dining. The restaurants in Mazatlan are outstanding, and this is the first place to come, if you want to try some of the world’s finest examples of Mexican cuisine.

Mexico offers so many destinations to watch a sunset. So many chances to watch the spectacular. And I am a fan. A big one.

I recently explored the Sunsets of Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan offers its share too. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites each from a different location and each a different sunset moment.

• Nuevo Mazatlan

The growing resort area north of the Golden Zone and Old Town, Nuevo Mazatlan offers tourists the all-exclusive luxury resort option.  One such place, the Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay, provides balcony views of the Pacific Ocean and the colors of the sunset.

the view from the Pueblo Bonito property.

• Golden Zone

Mazatlan is not solely a resort town, but the Golden Zone is the part of the city dedicated to attract tourists. Originally started by a ‘gringo’ with the establishment of the first hotel the 1950s, the zone has grown and is now lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars. Whether this is your scene or not, you can’t argue with the scene mother nature provides at sunset.This image after opening the sliding glass door to my room at Hotel Playa Mazatlan.

the view from my room at Hotel Playa Mazatlan

• South of Stone Island Beach

Beyond Old Town and passed Stone Island, the Estrella del Mar property provides hotel rooms as well as private condo ownership and rental. And as with any proper condo community, the property has a club house. One evening when touring the grounds, we stopped outside for a Margarita and this magic.

at the Estrella del Mar

Well these are some of my favorite sunsets from Mazatlan, what are yours?

Photos: Craig Zabransky

Yes, Mazatlan has a popular baseball team. Actually, it is the city’s most popular sport. Surprised? I was, but after attending a game last winter, I can attest to its popularity. And baseball probably isn’t the only surprise you’ll find in Mazatlan, it offers many.

• Baseball. Although I was not surprised to see the game being played, I heard of winter ball in Mexico, I was surprised to see the stadium packed with cheering Mexican fans. This was not a tourist event. Yes, some tourists came to watch (I did), but it was a Mexican fiesta. A good one too.

• Mazatlan is on the same line as Hawaii. I don’t often think where Hawaii is located, I just dream of an idyllic American vacation spot. And that dream includes a perfect climate. Well, I was surprised to learn Hawaii and Mazatlan are on the same latitude. So, that means similar climate, right? I can tell you, I enjoyed the weather in Mazatlan.

• It’s not an Old Spanish Colonial City. Old Town, the Heart of the City, doesn’t date back to the Spanish Colonial times. The famous Plaza Machado, the Opera Theatre, and colorful cobble stone streets are all from a more recent history. Mexican history. And an afternoon or evening in this part of  town is something to cherish.

• Cliff Diving. Wait that’s Acapulco, right? Yes, Acapulco is famous for it’s cliff diving shows. But in Acapulco it is a show; it is on a schedule. Here in Mazatlan, visitors can just head down to the water, on the south end of the Malecon and watch. Then after a diver is satisfied with enough the pooled tip money – they’ll dive. Watching the fearless plunge to the sea never ceases to amaze me.

off the cliff he dove...

• Mardi Gras. The Mazatlan Carnaval ranks as one of the world’s biggest and best. Some estimates put the party as the third biggest (behind Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans, I suspect) in the Western hemisphere. Knowing how much fun I typically have in Mazatlan, I look forward to the day my trip coincides with Fat Tuesday.

Well those are some of the many surprises Mazatlan offers its visitors. Tell us, what surprised you most?

Photos: Both by Craig Zabransky