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Bob-in-Iowa

Oct 20, 2004, 8:15 PM

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Beaches north and south of Mazatlan

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My wife and I decided to check out a new part of Mexico and try some of the little beach towns south of Mazatlan. I realized that Copper Canyon was not that far north and since she has always wanted to go there, we’d give it a shot. I know there have been posts on the subject, but I never paid much attention since I always assumed we would have to fly to Phoenix or something and then do a tour. Actually, it is somewhat closer for us than, for example, Colima. Anyway…
Does anyone know how busy the Copper Canyon RR and accommodations along the way will be around the third week of November e.g. should I make hotel reservations? I presume we will be staying in Creel at least a couple of nights. Since it is the downside of the busy season, I’m guessing it shouldn’t be too bad?? Also, are there any little beach towns between Mazatlan and Las Mochis? There is no information on this are that I could find – Lonely Planet doesn’t appear to cover it and the Pacific Mexico guide stops at Mazatlan.
And, if you’re really feeling helpful, are there any good websites about the beach towns south of Mazatlan, or is anyone willing to give me some insights? Modest, Mexican, and low key is great.
(I also posted this on the Travel forum)
Thanks!!

Esteban

Oct 21, 2004, 7:24 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1874 views)

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Re: [Bob-in-Iowa] Beaches north and south of Mazatlan

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Although I haven't been to the beach there, Guasave has accomodations at the beach, "Las Glorias", which may have something to offer. About an hour north of Mazatlan is a town called Cruz de Elota. It's a little inland from the ocean but there may be a hotel there. If you stayed in Cruz de Elota a quaint inexpensive farm community town, you would be very close to the beach. The area between Los Mochis and Maz is mostly agriculture. There are many small ejido properties but finding a room could be next to impossible.

Kimpatsu Hekigan

Oct 21, 2004, 10:10 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1863 views)

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Re: [Bob-in-Iowa] Beaches north and south of Mazatlan

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I've stayed at the beach at Playa Las Glorias that Esteban mentioned on several occasions, the last time about a year ago. The beach is about 25 miles west of Guasave on a paved 2-lane road that winds through farm fields and around salt lagoons before getting to the coast.

There's only one place to stay there that I know of: Mr. Moro's RV Resort:

http://www.ontheroadin.com/...ificnorth/mrmoro.htm

This place caters mostly to RVers, though it does have a motel with fairly primitive and overpriced rooms (last time I was there it was N$400/night, take it or leave it). There's an above-average restaurant on the premises, though again, I thought the prices were high.

The beach is right out your front door, though, and is basically a long stretch of sand as far as you can see in either direction. The water is fairly shallow for a long way out, and I did see people swimming. Interesting beachcombing at low tides. I've heard there's a bird sanctuary nearby.

Just a bit of a heads-up. The road between Guasave and Los Mochis is a four-lane divided highway, but it is not a cuota and it is not limited-access. This means there are numerous side roads from agricultural areas that join the highway in strange places and lots of slow-moving farm equipment on the highway, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. Pay careful attention as you drive this stretch...

HTH,

-- K.H.

P.S. You might try posting your Copper Canyon questions on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree board. Lots of C.C. experts hang out there and there's a C.C. trip report up at this moment:

http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/categories.cfm?catid=17

Before enlightenment: Chop wood, haul water.
After enlightenment: Chop wood, haul water.