Mazatlan- Mexico

Amazing Cliff Divers, Mazatlan, Mexico

Toros at the bullfighting arena in Mazatlan.

Located on Mexico's Gold Coast, Mazatlan is the closest Mexican resort to the United States, and it's been a favorite destination for those looking to soak up the relaxed pace of life along the Pacific Coast for decades.

Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Pacific," Mazatlan offers everything from full-service all-inclusive resort life to intimate villas, hotels and private residences available for short- or long-term rental. It is in every respect a top-notch vacation getaway, but without the often relentless push to go, see and do present in so many places. Mazatlan embraces tourists, but is a full, rich city in its own right above and beyond its attractiveness.

The people of Mazataln are friendly and embrace tourism. We had the fortune of meeting up with Luis, a friendly driver and tour guide who had given our friends that we were with a tour years before. The trip started with a quick stop by his house, so he could pick up a cooler full of beer for us. He then took us to see the amazing cliffdivers on the dramatic, rocky, Pacific coast. We then toured a bull ring, and had an encounter with the bulls! The fantastic day ended with a trip to one of Mazatlan's best beachfront restaurants, where we dined on oysters, frog legs, and the best margaritas. I wish I knew the name of the place, must have been the margaritas! We were entertained by the mariachi band and the cock fights on the beach. We wanted to get bullfighting posters, but the arena was closed, despite our private tour. Luis was kind enough to send us them weeks after we got back from our trip!!!

Mazatlan is the sailfish capital of the world, was the first Mexican port (resort) to develop a tourism infrastructure. Mazatlan, located across the Sea of Cortez from Los Cabos, enjoys a slightly dryer climate than those beach resorts farther south along the Pacific. Famous for its giant shrimp from the area and great sport fishing, Matzatlan has been luring visitors for decades. The waters off the coast are always warm and perfect for water sports such as swimming, surfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving year-round. There’s also a 10-mile stretch of beach from the old city, up the coast and past the hotel and shopping area know as the Zona Dorada. The popular beaches include Playa Los Asbalos and Playa Las Gaviotas. Less populated beaches, north of town, are Playa Las Brujas and Playa Los Cerritos. Fuerte Carranza, an old Spanish fort, is located near the town and is where Mazatlan defended itself from the French invaders in the 1860.

Carnival time in Mazatlan is celebrated one week before Ash Wednesday every year. This celebration dates back to 1898 and is a "fiesta" of music, dance, fun, and parades. Considered the third most popular in the world after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.