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Bob & Wendy

In Mazatlan we wanted to do 2 things, see the historical sights in Old Town where the ship docks, and then go up to the Golden Zone (resort beach area) to do some shopping and hit another resort for some sun and pool/beach time.

Tractor-pulled trams take people from the ship across the dock to the terminal where you pick up cabs. We took a $5 per couple cab ($4 because we split it with another couple) to the Mercado Market, tons of flea market shops in a covered square block, but too touristy, then walked 1 block south to the huge historic cathedral and Revolution Park, pretty area. Wendy sews, and found a local non-tourist fabric store to die for, prices about 10-20% of what she’d pay at home. Then we walked down to the ocean boardwalk, might have been a short $2 or $3 cab, then north along the boardwalk to see the cliff divers. Here’s a link to a map of Old Town, shows the whole area but many streets not marked: www.advantagemexico.com/mazatlan/images/maz_oldtown.pdf
And here’s one that has the streets and sights marked: www.pacificpearl.com/Images/map3.jpg and here’s a suggested walking tour, page 3 of this link: www.guide2mexico.com/cities/mazatlan/mazindex.htm

The cliff divers survived and then we caught a $10 cab to the Golden Zone. We wanted to have lunch with a view of the beach and ocean, and hit El Capitano’s on a recommendation, which was good. Lots of tables facing the surf, some live entertainment and dancers, 2 beers and shared combo platter for $10.50. Then hit some shops and then got a $2 cab to the El Cid Castillo, a resort that welcomes cruisers for free day use. Do not bother with the El Cid timeshare people at the dock unless you think 1.5 hours of your time is worth a free lunch and drinks. Don’t bother with more of them in the El Cid lobby, just go straight to either of their 2 large pools or beach. Even at peak time, about 2pm, we found loungers, and a waiter got us 2 towels and 2 good marguerites for $7 (he needs to leave your ID with the towel attendant, which you get back when you return your towels to the pool … bring any cheap ID). While there we discovered another great place for a meal, beside the north pool, under the huge thatched roof, called La Concha. Upscale, lovely tables, open air to the sea, other tables outside on a stone patio, great view. $10 cab back to the ship, another day in paradise.