~ The City of Mazatlan, Mexico ~
Vacationers come
and frolic on the beach beside their “Golden Zone” hotels, while
in the old town at the tip of the peninsula, life goes on in the old-Mexico style: in the markets, the churches, and the shady
plazas scattered throughout the traditional neighborhoods.
Mazatlán is situated on the
Pacific Coast of Mexico, almost directly across from the tip of the Baja peninsula. Mazatlán
has its own airport, as well as ferry service to La Paz.
Set at the
foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains on a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlán is one of the
Mexican Riviera’s premier resort areas. Its remarkable scenic beauty is complemented
by a delightful festive atmosphere and a wealth of exciting activities.
Although Mazatlán
is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations, it has another identity as the largest port in Mexico, with a bustling economy independent of the tourism industry.
Because it was a city long
before it became a beach resort, Mazatlan is less touristy than some of its neighbors on what the cruise industry
calls the Mexican Riviera. Places like Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, which like Mazatlan are ports of call on the cruise ship circuit, were tailor-made as resort developments.
The City is
concentrated in two areas: In the north, there is the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone)
where the majority of hotels and restaurants are located. In the south there is El
Centro (downtown) where the heart of the city is. These two centres are linked
by Avenue Del Mar, also known as the Malecón, which is a scenic beach-front avenue that bridges the gap between the two areas.
![Mazatlan, Mexico! [south view] Click to Enlarge!](/imagelib/sitebuilder/misc/show_image.html?linkedwidth=actual&linkpath=http://www.virtual-travel.info/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/mazatlan_south-view.jpg&target=tlx_new)
