Mazatlan

MAZATLAN

THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR SUN & BEACHWORSHIPPERS OF ALL AGES

Even in a country renowned the world over for its sensational beaches, the 20 miles of sand found in Mazatlán are especially wonderful. How else to explain its popularity among Mexicans themselves, who flock to the city’s Golden Zone—the “Zona Dorada”—particularly for the Semana Santa celebrations in the run-up to Easter as well as the throbbing carnival in February. If the native beach connoisseurs all choose Mazatlán, perhaps you should too.

This popularity actually goes back centuries. The great American chronicler of the seas, Herman Melville, spent a prosperous few weeks in Mazatlán in 1844. A century later, Jack Kerouac was among those seduced by the beaches, halting his insatiable travels through the region to take a dip in the “magnificent surf”. These days, Mazatlán is the perfect destination for sun-worshippers of all ages, who find every ingredient required to elevate a standard beach holiday into a trip of a lifetime.

In all, there are 13 separate beaches in and around the city, each with its own identity. In the south, for example, Stone Island is reached via a five-minute boat trip and then offers warm waters, palm trees, and plenty of options either for intrepid water-sport addicts or simply those who want to laze in a hammock. A little further north, Olas Altas means “Beach of Big Waves” and is a must for thrill-seeking surfers.

You can see some intriguing sealife in the tide-pools at Playa Los Pinos, and it’s also here that the local fisherman unload their daily hauls. Delicious fish is cooked and sold at street stalls, where it could not be more fresh.

There’s nowhere better for people-watching than the broad Playa Norte, while the popular spots playas Camaron and Gaviotas are right in the centre of the Golden Zone and offer exquisite beach life a matter of steps from your hotel.

Further north, Playa Cerritos and Playa Bruja have become hotspots for ocean-side dining in one of numerous top-end restaurants. Meanwhile Playa El Verde Camacho is a certified conservation area, where Olive Ridley sea turtles—the smallest sea turtle species in the world—come to nest in their thousands.

Although nothing can change the breathtaking beauty of the ocean, today’s visitors can also rely on firstrate hospitality in Mazatlán, which has some of Mexico’s best places to stay, plus plenty of activities both day and night. One of the region’s most alluring old towns can also be found here, while its glorious promenade— the Malecón de Mazatlán, which is nearly 13 miles long—allows for some of the most picturesque strolls in the country.

The Malecón wends its way through many differing waterside areas, including charmingly intimate sections of beach, through the docks and past the Devil’s Cave (“Cueva del Diablo”) where pirates used to hide their plunder. There are countless places to eat or drink, or else simply to stop and watch the world go by. It is never more sublime than at sunset as the deep orange bleeds into the water and then vanishes below the horizon.

The three close-lying islands visible from Mazatlán’s beaches are known as Bird Island (Isla de Pajaros), Deer Island (Isla de Venados) and Goat Island (Isla de Chivos). As the names suggest, these islands comprise a nature reserve and attract a large and healthy array of wild animals. Day trips are possible, but are well regulated to protect the valuable habitat. There are numerous other chances for boat trips—both leisurely cruises and high-octane speedboats—some of which can take you up close with dolphins, turtles, seals and shore birds.

Mazatlán Aquarium is another option to take a peek at the rich underwater brilliance of the Pacific. There are fine examples of all the most colourful marine landscapes, in addition to areas for freshwater species. The aquarium’s gardens are a great place to see some of the wonders of land and sky too, with deer, racoons, boas, iguanas and crocodiles in residence, as well as several birds of prey and trained macaws.

It’s always a hit with visiting children, who will also love the Mazagua Water Park, just to the north of the city, which is a huge complex of swimming pools and water slides. There’s plenty of opportunity to simply sit back and relax in the sun as well.

The best way to get your bearings in Mazatlán, and to begin to appreciate the full majesty of the city, is to climb up to La Faro lighthouse, the highest such structure in Mexico. The base of the lighthouse is situated more than 500 feet above sea level, on the peak of the Cerro del Creston hill. There’s a well-maintained path to the top and then some breathtaking birds-eye views across the picture-book blue of the ocean, the beaches that line it, and then the town.

If you ever feel like a break from the beach, the beautifully restored Old Mazatlán presents a splendid example of a historical Mexican town, complete with buzzing central square (the Plazuela Machado) and neoclassical cathedral. Building began on the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion in the mid 19th century and it is now the spiritual heart of the city, looming over the beautiful Plaza de la Republica and its garden and bandstand.

You should also take a visit to the Cannobio House, which was once believed to be the location of the Fountain of Youth. Whether or not the local legend is true, Mazatlán is one of Mexico’s most invigorating locations, sure to encourage an extra burst of energy in any visitor.