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barmarr

Nov 2, 2007, 8:13 PM

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Mazatlan first trip

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We have been spending winters in Puerto Vallarta for several years, but this year we have decided to add 2 weeks in Mazatlan during early January. We will be staying in the Gold Zone and want to know a little more about Mazatlan.
Like, is it safe to eat where the locals eat? What should we see and do during our 2 weeks?

All suggestions are welcome.

(PV has become very, very commercial and expensive. We are hoping that Mazatlan will fill our winter needs of warm weather and local Mexican culture.)

Ron Pickering W3FJW

Nov 2, 2007, 11:26 PM

Post #2 of 4 (2082 views)

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Re: [barmarr] Mazatlan first trip

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After spending a month there last year, I would highly recommend spending time further south toward the central part of the city. If you don't require a high priced fancy hotel, I would suggest the Belmar Hotel which is sorta funky and very unfancy but has a bit of history with various movie stars staying there in the 40s and 50s and is across the street from the beach. As I said, it's not fancy but includes 2 large beds and very little else. The price was $32US for two last year and I suspect is probably the same this year. The old part of the city is within walking distance and has a lot to offer including plenty of restaurants to choose from. A few of the expats spend time at Puerto Viejo which is a bar and has a seafood menu. That is 1/2 block to the south of the hotel and a good place to find out where and what to see just by asking an expat or two. Very friendly place to spend a bit of time and enjoy a drink.
Enjoy your trip. I sure enjoyed mine.
Getting older and still not down here.

(This post was edited by Ron Pickering W3FJW on Nov 2, 2007, 11:27 PM)

mazgordon

Nov 4, 2007, 9:22 PM

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Re: [barmarr] Mazatlan first trip

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I agree with the previous poster that the Gold Zone is a lot like Vallarta. You'll have virtually the same experience. There are some other places to consider on Olas Altas besides the BelMar, however - equal to the GZ in creature comforts but lacking the hucksters you may be wanting to avoid.

You might take a look at Casa de Leyendas, a very nice B&B a block back from the beach or Best Western Hotel Freeman or Casa Lucila, a new boutique hotel. A little less expensive would be Hotel La Siesta. These last three have ocean views and should be checkable with a Google search.

You can certainly eat where we locals eat. Just look for places that are popular - if you see a lot of people there you can be sure it's safe. This is true anywhere in México. Of course the flora in your tummy will be different from ours when you get here and you may need a bit of adjustment, but that shouldn't be too bad.

Yes, this is a true Mexican city with a lot more going on than Vallarta. Besides the mercado in Centro Historico, Stone Island, and world class sportfishing be sure to check out our wide variety of cultural offerings in the Plazuela Machado, at the Teatro Angel Peralta and the Museo del Arte.

¡Echar todo la carne al asador!

(This post was edited by mazgordon on Nov 4, 2007, 9:41 PM)

ncferret

Nov 10, 2007, 2:45 PM

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Re: [barmarr] Mazatlan first trip

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Your best bet for learning more about a 2 week trip to Mazatlan would be to go to TripAdvisor.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g150792-i257-Mazatlan_Pacific_Coast.html

There are thousands of posts and reviews from many of your fellow travelers. Food, activities, and places to stay are well covered.

I agree that the Golden Zone is a lot like PV, only not as upscale. Spending some time in Centro Historico is probably just what you are looking for and here is a list of places to stay -

http://www.maztravel.com/kwiki/CentroHotels

Casa De Leyendas, a B&B, is rated number one on TripAdvisor and the hosts Glen and Sharon are wonderful people and good friends.