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Mazatlan

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Overview: Often a one day stop on Mexican Riviera cruises, Mazatlan is a working commercial city moonlighting as a tourist heaven. Despite its port industry and beach resort Mecca status, Mazatlan retains the ambiance of a colonial fishing town.

Although mega resorts line its long beaches, Mazatlan still has a historic colonial city centre, most apparent in Plaza Machado at the heart of Old Town. An iconic waterfront walkway and a breathtaking view of cliff divers add to the charm but the miles of beaches lure most the tourists.

Cruises dock at a primarily commercial port and connect to the cruise terminal by a free tram. The cruise terminal has a small shopping area and waiting taxis for a ten minute ride into the city centre. Contact:

The main tourist office is on 100 Rodolfo Loaiza St
Tel: +52 (669) 985 1221
www.gomazatlan.com

Transport: Taxis are the best way to get around town and to the Golden Zone from the cruise terminal. Taxis are readily available from the terminal. Pulmonias, small open air taxis that can hold four people, are unique to Mazatlan and can be caught from the terminal as well. Attractions: A long stretch of sand across the beaches of Playa Camaron and Playa Gaviotas attracts water activities of all kinds. Mazatlan is also one of the premier deep sea fishing locations in the world. The Golden Zone is a popular resort area for shopping and dining as is Old Town, emitting an old world colonial ambiance. Many choose to further stroll the popular waterfront walkway and don't miss watching cliff divers from Divers Point. Restaurants:

• El Tunel - popular place for great Mexican cuisine
• Beach Burger - great burgers on the beach
• Shrimp Factory - big variety of monster sized shrimp

Best dish: Shrimp cooked every which way

Shopping: The Golden Zone is an aptly named golden opportunity for souvenir and knick knack shopping and is made for tourists. Old Mazatlan has slightly more authentic markets where crafts can be purchased. A shopping mall, La Gran Plaza, offers any modern necessities including a supermarket.

Best buy: Gemstones (only from licensed stores)

Excursions:

• Golf on top designed courses
• Go back in time in the abandoned town Copala
• Kayak to nearby islands
• Off-road in dune buggies
• Cruise into the sunset