Mazatlan Through A Child's Eyes

When we arrived in Mazatlan in December I knew we were in for an adventure as soon as we jumped into this vehicle that resembled a golf cart. Hey, I didn't even have to sit in my car seat! The man that drove the golf cart played really loud music. His vehicle didn't have any windows and Mom & Dad held us tight as the wind blew through our hair as we drove along this really big beach.
We stopped to watch a man jump off this really big rock. Everyone was quiet until he hit the water. Dad gave the jumper some money because that is how he feeds his family.
The next day we did a whole bunch of walking along the ocean. I met lots of nice people selling neat stuff. Dad was kinda strange? He would start yelling numbers out to the lady, and then she would shake her head no and then Dad would start yelling out another number.The nice lady would then smile and Dad would give her some funny money in exchange for a t-shirt.
Later that day we went to this really big fish tank. It reminded me of the movie Finding Nemo. I even got a kiss on the cheek from a big sea lion!
What was fun at night was going out for dinner with my little brother and my parents. We went to this Canada place and this man sang while I ate my burger. Mom and I even had a few dances while Dad kept grabbing these brown pops out of this silver bucket.
Luke and I didn't mind going places cuz we never have to stand in line. Dad was much happier too.
My mostest fun was making sand castles and collecting shells with my brother at Stone Island. We took this big wooden boat across the ocean to this beach. People kept coming up to my Dad to shake his hand and invite us to sit under their grass hut? The whole beach was lined with these huts. We finally stopped at Victor's hut and he kept my Dad fed and watered while we got to play in the sand and water.
The mornings were really funny because when my little brother would wake-up the first words out of his mouth was beach! beach! beach! I guess that was what he must have been dreaming about at night.
All day and night we would see people walking, running and biking along the ocean sidewalk. At night it was really cool watching the sun turn orange and then fall into the ocean. Dad didn't do a very good job explaining how the sun got back into the sky in the morning?
I got to play lots with kids from Mazatlan and learned lots of new words. My most favorite friend was little Eric. His Dad helped fix up our condo. Even though we didn't always understand each other we still had fun playing. Mom and Dad said we can maybe go to school for a few weeks sometime when we visit.
Adios Amigo! Se ya next December!
- Hannah Bunn

My wife and I never believed in our wildest dreams that we would some day have a condo with a view of the ocean on a beach in Mexico. That dream became reality in October 2003 when we found our dream on the internet. We had never been to Mazatlan but took the plunge with an offer subject to viewing the property later that month. The rest is history!

We love our three week trips each december with our two small children. Now we have decided to spend the next school year living in a Mexican middle class neighbourhood as our children spend a school term learning the language and the culture of the Mexican people we so much love!

Alan & Jackie Bunn.

Our web site. www.mazatlancondo.ca

Top Five African Safari Destinations

Author: Bruce Whittaker


Article:
Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going on a safari to experience the wild animals and the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld.
But there are literally hundreds of national parks and wildlife areas in Africa that you can travel to.
And some are definitely better than others when it comes to providing the potential for a great safari holiday.
In my experience, and in the general consensus of the wildlife tour industry and other sources such as the first hand accounts of safari trips in the travel diaries at African Safari Journals, here are the top five safari vacations in Africa:
1. Tanzania - Serengeti
During the annual migration, when the wildebeest and zebra pack up and leave their grazing areas to find fresher ones, the Serengeti is an astonishing place to be.
It's a very good safari vacations in africa destination at other times of the year too but the migration has been ranked by many as one of the wonders of the natural world. Hard to beat in the safari stakes.
2. Kenya - Masai Mara National Park
If you want to see the big cats, this wildlife park is top of the pops. Lion, leopard and cheetah abound and they are relatively easy to spot because of the grassland vegetation which means you get unrestricted views for miles around.
Another big plus is the fact that going off-road is allowed as long as you are not making new trails of your own.
This is one of the few vacations in Africa parks that still allows this and it is a big advantage because the animals will rarely oblige you and stay next to the major roads.
The only downside here is that because of it's popularity there are a lot of people around so if you want to spend time in isolation with nature this is not the place to go.
3. South Africa - Kruger National Park
For sheer variety of species no other place in Africa can come close to the Kruger Park. And because it is so large (larger than Wales) it has a number of different ecosystems that you can pass through in your search for animals and birds.
It is one of the best managed parks in Africa and the accommodation and infrastructure is superb.
4. Botswana - Selinda Reserve
Seasoned safari travellers rate this reserve in north Botswana extremely highly and they return to it again and again, drawn by the very high concentration of wildlife, high standard of accommodation and service and exclusivity.
5. Zambia - South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa is a diamond in the rough, just waiting for enough exposure to bring it to its rightful place in the crown of vacations in African wildlife destinations. But for the moment it's relative isolation as one of Africa's best kept secrets is part of it's charm.
It has a reputation as one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive leopard and it is the birthplace of the walking safari.
About the author:
Bruce Whittaker is the founder and CEO of African Safari Journals which contains many safari travel journals and pictures from previous trips to aid in choosing possible African safari holidays and has been on numerous safaris throughout Africa.

Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica

Author: Clint Leung
Article:
One of the ports of call for our Royal Caribbean cruiseship was Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Probably the most famous site in the region is Dunn's River Falls and we chose to tour it on our own rather than through one of the cruiseship tours. Once we disembarked from the cruiseship, there were cabs and shuttlebuses available at the pier. Cabs to Dunn's River Falls were $22 US for a return trip. Cabs allowed 1-3 people per vehicle. We were also told at the pier that small shuttlebuses also go to the Falls at $5.50 US per person. These were also based on return trips. The only problem with shuttlebuses was that we had to wait until they filled up the shuttle before leaving for the Falls so since we were the first on the bus, we had to wait about 15 minutes for it to fill up. The driver then asks you when you want to be picked up at the Falls for the return trip. Our driver suggested 2 hours to see the Falls so we agreed on this time duration.
Once at the Falls, a woman then came onboard the shuttle to sell tickets for admission to the site at $10 US per adult person which was the same rate at the park's ticket booth. Once inside the Dunn's facility, there were rentals for special rubber shoes as well as lockers. We carried a small backpack so we didn't require paying for a locker. We also brought along our scuba diving booties so we didn't have to rent those rubber shoes on site either. The cruiseship shop was also selling these rubber shoes in advance. Shoes of some type are highly recommended as the rocks on the Falls can be slippery and some of the bottoms of the water pools are a bit rocky. If you have old sneakers you don't mind getting wet, they will be suitable for the climb up the falls as well. Our scuba diving booties turned out to be sufficient. The entrance to the site is at the top of the falls so we took some stairs that were adjacent to the falls to the bottom where the beach and entrance to the climb were.
There are official guides dressed in blue polo shirts and shorts who will take groups up the falls. Normally, they will ask to carry all cameras for you so they can take photos of you as you climb. Of course, they expect to be well tipped for their services. Also, groups were told to hold hands forming a human chain up the falls. This was suppose to make things safer but as we witnessed, this method of going up the falls is not a guarantee against falling. We saw a woman let go and she fell down the rocks during one of the steeper sections. She wasn't badly hurt but we imagined that she sustained some nice bruises. There are various points along the falls where you could get off the falls and back on the stairs to walk up the rest of the way. Not everyone there attempted to climb the falls as many were happy to just walk dry along the side on the stairs. We chose not to go with any of the groups which tend to go up the left side of the falls. We made our way up on our own mostly on the right side. With some breaks for photos, we made it all the way up the falls in about 30 minutes. Going with a group would have taken longer for sure. The water is a bit cool and if you have a wetsuit, it is highly suggested that you wear it for the climb. Cameras used there up the falls are also recommended to be water resistant since they likely will get wet. We left our digital camera on the ship and took one of those $25 underwater cameras.
After climbing the falls, we headed back down to the relatively small but uncrowded beach where the ocean water was warmer until it was time to depart. The exit back at the top of the falls was strategically located at the end of a market so we did have to go through some locals who tried to sell us their souveniers. These locals who worked inside the Dunn's site were hustling but not as aggressively as those in the town of Ocho Rios. The shuttlebus arrived at the site parking lot on time as agreed. The total amount we spent including the park admission and the shuttle was $31 US for the two of us. Taking an organized tour through the cruiseship would have cost more than double this amount. So it is quite possible to tour Dunn's River Falls on your own rather than take the more expensive tours. We were glad that we did see Dunn's River Falls but we thought that it was not nearly as impressive as depicted on photos in travel brochures.
The official website for Dunn's River Falls is http://www.dunnsriverja.com
About the author:
Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca), an online gallery specializing in Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native art as well as free eCards.

Marriage of foreign nationals in Mexico

Marriage of foreign nationals in MexicoThe following are the requirements for marriage in the Federal District (Mexico City). However, marriage requirements prevailing in the thirty-one states of Mexico are in general very similar to those of the Federal District.1. An American or other foreigner wishing to be married in Mexico must present to the appropriate Civil Registry certain documents described in the paragraphs below. All documents from the U.S., except for the valid U.S. passport, must be authenticated by an American authority (usually the Secretary of State), from the state where they originated, who attaches an "Apostille" to the document. 2. In Mexico, only civil marriage is recognized as legal. Persons wishing to do so may also have a religious ceremony, but it has no legal effect and does not replace in any way the legal binding civil marriage. A civil wedding in Mexico is fully valid for legal purpose in the U.S. 3. Civil marriages are performed by the Civil Registry of each municipality (Registro Civil). The address of the main office of Mexico City's Civil Registry is: Oficina del Registro CivilArcos de Belen y Doctor Andrade06720 Mexico, D.F.tel. (011-52-5) 578-71404. Marriages are performed without charge at the premises of the "Registro Civil". They may also be performed elsewhere, but in this case a fee is charged which should be ascertained from the "Registro Civil". 5. Persons desiring to marry must fill out at an application at the corresponding office of the "Registro Civil", which will include a statement as to whether they wish to marry under the system of joint or separate marital property. This application will have to be accompanied by a certificate from a physician in Mexico that they are free of those diseases which are impediments to marriage (a blood test and X-rays taken in Mexico are required). 6. Foreigners are not subject to a residence requirement but will have to identify themselves by a presentation of their tourist cards and of a valid passport and a copy of their birth certificates authenticated and translated as described in paragraph 1 above. Foreigners planning to marry a Mexican citizen should pay particular attention to the special requirements listed in paragraph 9 below. 7. Persons previously married must present proof of the termination of that marriage in the form of a divorce decree or death certificate. If the divorce or death took place outside of Mexico, it must be authenticated and translated in accordance with the information given in paragraph 1 above. Divorced people cannot marry in Mexico until one year after the termination of the divorce. 8. Persons under the age of eighteen cannot be married without the consent of their parents or legal guardians. If the parents or guardians cannot be present at the marriage, they must grant a power of attorney to another individual to exercise the parental consent at the ceremony. This power of attorney must be authenticated and translated in accordance with the instructions given in paragraph 1 above.Note: If the power of attorney is issued by a Mexican Consulate (such as the Consulate General of Mexico in New York), it does not require an apostille to be used in Mexico. To read more about powers of attorney, click hereUnder no circumstances can males under the age of sixteen, or females under the age of fourteen, be married in Mexico. 9. Foreigners wishing to marry a Mexican citizen must first obtain permission to do so from the "Instituto Nacional de Migración" Secretaria de Gobernación (Ministry of Interior). 10. A certified copy of the marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio) prepared by the Registro Civil should be obtained from that office after the marriage has been performed. It is desirable to have the document authenticated by the corresponding Mexican authority, by means of the "Apostille", when applicable.

Tourists be aware The Darkside Of Wildlife Trafficking

Mazatlán is a place associated with sunny beaches, tropical vegetation, and exotic fauna such as parrots or iguanas. Visitors most often will encounter young boys on the beach offering to take a picture of them posing with their “pet” iguana. A trip to Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island) will put them in contact with local restaurant owners who will casually mention that they have a parrot for sale. Many tourists will decline the offer and not think much of it while others, who were seeking to buy a parrot, will come back to their hotel or rental place with a parrot extracted from the wild.
From 1998 to 2000, the world trade in parrots totaled over one million birds. The United States have stricter laws in place now and parrot imports have declined considerably while captive breeding has increased. Almost all parrot species along with other types of wildlife are protected by an International treaty (Convention On International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife ad Flora) which has been signed by 160 countries, among those, Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Today, roughly 17,000 parrots are imported into the United States each year and approximately 3,500 of them are taken from the wild. It is estimated that at least 20,000 birds are smuggled from Mexico each year. The effect of the illegal trade of parrots into the United States has devastating effects on the wild populations of Mexican parrots. Large Macaws and Lilac Crowned Parrots do not produce a large number of offspring and can not rebuild their wild populations quickly, therefore, excessive trade has been detrimental to the long term survival of the some of these species (WWF).
When people think of parrots, they have the romantic idea of a beautiful trained parrot living in a large cage as their pet, well fed and with all the necessary veterinary care. Yes, they are charming intelligent creatures who can make excellent pets, but to what cost? Pet parrot owners in Mazatlán should realize that mortality rates prior to arrival with the final pet owner, ranges from 5 to 60 percent.
Why such a high mortality rate?
This is due to the way birds are trapped in the wild: Poachers use long mist nets that tie between two trees and leave it in place for one or two days. During that time, many other birds get trapped and die due to dehydration. In some cases reported this year near the Village of La Noria, a poacher left a net for days and would only come back to retrieve 10 parrots that he could commercialize without much risk, and would leave 50 or more birds doomed to a slow and painful death. More deaths occur when the trafficker rushes to detach the bird from the net in an effort to avoid detection by authorities, and often leaving the parrots head hanging from the net, only to toss the body to one side.
If the trafficker succeeds in trapping a good number of birds (50 or 60 is common), he places them in a small cage which he will carry through farm land, away from main roads where he will walk for hours until he reaches Highway 15. From there, he will usually take a second class bus on route to a Northwest border town where a contact person will be awaiting the precious cargo.
Military Macaws, Lilac Crowned and White Fronted parrots are found in the mountains near Concordia, Mesillas and the south of Sinaloa. Mazatlán’s location plays a strategic role in wildlife trafficking because it is a popular tourist destination for foreign visitors and it is the path that all traffickers coming from Nayarit are forced to use.
What happens when a trafficker is caught transporting wildlife?
There are Food and Agricultural produce checkpoints in a place south of Mazatlán called La Concha, (along with various others along Highway 15), which is the final checkpoint before reaching Mazatlán. The same checkpoints have also anti-drug inspection agents (P.G.R.) which have jurisdiction on the matter since the illegal transportation, trading or possession of wildlife without the proper documentation is a Federal crime punished with imprisonment and heavy fines.
The most recent case happened on January 19th, where an anonymous caller informed that a red pick up truck with Nayarit License plates was carrying 510 Passerines (buntings) 4 toucans and a crocodile. Authorities decided that it would worth setting up an operation and radioed Federal and State law enforcement agencies to join the search.
PROFEPA, the environmental protection agency has a champion inspector with excellent detectives skills who was assigned to the case and he was the one to spot a vehicle that matched the description. And there they were the 510 birds kept in two small cages holding approximately 250 birds each, along with another smaller cage holding the 4 toucans, and a juvenile 50 cm. long crocodile in a sack. The place for the arrest of the criminals was El Salado, La Cruz de Elota, Sinaloa.
By that time, the media representatives, sensing that something big was about to happen were already on the alert and when the federal agents arrived in Culiacan, they were camera ready. The local and national Television networks cameras covered the news and the case was broadcast nationwide in the evening news.
It was indeed sheer luck that a citizen made the phone call to report the incident, and as the director for environmental inspection called it, it was “Un golpe de Suerte” for the Environmental Agency to launch a blind pursue. The coordination between agencies was excellent. This will certainly reinforce the faith of citizens who decide to file a complaint and see that thanks to their phone call, arrests are being made.
The birds were placed under the care of Conrehabit (wildlife rehabilitation agency) in Mazatlan, whose members rushed to prepare the cages at midnight, immediately receiving an urgent e-mail message from PROFEPA Culiacan. “We need help with 510 birds, afraid they will die”. Past experiences have told Conrehabit that cages must always be ready but never did the members imagine that they would have to make room for 510 colorful buntings (Passerina ciris & Sporophila torqueloa).


The 4 toucans were numbed after being on the road for at least 5 days but otherwise, in pretty good condition. It was decided that their survival was a priority so phone calls were exchanged with the director of the Mazatlán Aquarium and a plan was set for them: A large parrot exhibit cage would be their home and the young crocodile would be placed in a separate pond.
PAINTED BUNTING
The foreign community in Mazatlan has been very supportive of social causes and it has always responded to the SOS calls from the wildlife association. Phone calls by residents offering to buy seed and help with bird care were received and before day´s end, two 100 lbs. seed sacks were sitting in the driveway of the association president´s home. Thanks to the organization skills of Rhonda Mathews, volunteers Herman and Ann Heynen, Rich and Leigh Ann Baker, the Mortons and the Setterbos, the birds are getting fresh trays of seed and water everyday.
For those new to Mazatlán, it is important to remember that birds such as Passerines are a migrating species that come from the U.S. and Canada to their winter grounds in Mexico.
In helping preserve Mexican wildlife, we are also preserving the wildife in your country. Support the conservation efforts of the small local wildlife association whose members are Mexican, Canadian and U.S. residents. Visit: www.faunamexico.com to find out about their work.

Section: Editorial
Author: Martha B. Armenta
Headline: Tourists be aware The Darkside Of Wildlife Trafficking
A native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico who moved to Mazatlan after marrying very young. Her husband, also a native from Sinaloa, is a marine biologist who did his Ph D in the U.K. (Isle of Man) where they lived from 1977-81. Years later, the couple and their 3 children returned to Isle of Man from 1992-93, in an effort to expand their children´s education and to reinforce their bilingual skills.
She studied a degree in educational science at the Sinaloa Autonomous University and worked for their language centre for some years until she started her own business for bilingual services, English/Spanish classes and translations.
For a period close to 2 years, she moved to Arizona where she taught at Paradise Valley Community college for a short time and for the Arizona Department of Education.
In Mazatlan, apart for being involved in her business,s he also founded a conservation association named CONREHABIT, A.C., www.faunamexico.com, which works in habitat conservation projects, environmental education and wildlife rescue with the help of foreign and national volunteers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlán

History

Mazatlán (which means 'land of the deer') for the herds that once migrated along the beautiful countryside.

'Old' Mazatlán, the traditional town center, dates from the 19th century. Tourists started coming in the 1930s, mainly for fishing and hunting, and some hotels began to appear along the Playa Olas Altas, Mazatlán's first tourist beach, in the 1950s and that's when Mazatlan became know as the 'Mexican Riviera'. The town continued to grow steadily through the 1960s. From the 1970s onward, a long strip of modern hotels and tourist facilities has spread north along the coast.

With a population well in excess of half a million, Mazatlán continues to get bigger and bigger. Still, part of Mazatlán's charm is that it's not just one big tourist resort.
Transportation

Mazatlán International Airport is 20 km south of the city on Highway 15. Several airlines schedule flights to and from this airport every day. The average price for a taxi is 200 pesos, roughly a 30 minute ride. You also have the option of airport buses which cost 38 pesos per person. The bus will drop you off wherever you are staying.
An inexpensive way of getting around town is the 'Pulmonia'. A Pulmonia is an open air vehicle, similar to a golf cart, usually seat two to four passengers. The word pulmonia comes from the Spanish word for 'pneumonia'. The old residents got the idea that riding an open air car can give you a cold!! They are cheaper than taxis and they are a lot of fun.

Mazatlán has regular taxis, often called 'eco-taxis', which are usually painted red-and-white or green-and-white.

They also have local buses which run along main routes. From the downtown central plaza they head along the malecón, continuing north through the Zona Dorada to various north-end destinations, which are marked on the windshields. Fares should run less than half a dollar.

Hotel

Mazatlán offers a wide variety of accommodation choices ranging from budget hotels to 5 star resorts. You can choose from luxury villas, penthouse suites with panoramic views, deluxe condominium units, elegant resorts and motels.

The camp trailers and backpackers will also find lodging that suits their needs, and be assured they will all be close to the beach surrounded by shops, nightspots and restaurants.

For detailed hotel information or to reserve a hotel in Mazatlán, please visit: http://www.easytraveling.net

Beach

Mazatlán has one of the longest stretches of white sand beach in Mexico. Its gentle slopes and calm waves of uninterrupted 16 km of sandy beach is most inviting. Not to mention the most beautiful sunsets of the Pacific Coast. Water temperature of 65-75 degree year round is ideal for all sorts of aquatic sports.

Olas Atlas Beach - the main beach, is where first tourism began in the 1950s.

Cerritos Beach - warm, beige-colored ocean water bathes the coarse sand on this gently inclined beach.

Playa Los Pinos Beach - is where local fishermen sell their catch. The water temperature waries between warm and fresh.

Norte Beach - perfect place to enjoy the seafood. Restaurants are scattered along this beach facing the open sea. This is one of the longest beaches in the country.

Sábalo Beach - with the magnificent view of three big islands, this beach is ideal for tourists, Mexican vendors, swimming, practicing water sports or just enjoying a lazy day.

Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island) - Southern end of Mazatlán peninsula, is a short 5 minutes boat ride from town. It offers miles of mostly undeveloped sandy beach lined with coconut groves and open-air restaurants.

Isla de Venados - you can see three rocky islands from Mazatlán's beaches. Isla de Chivos (Goat Island) is on the left, and Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island) is on the right. In the middle, Isla de Venados (Deer Island) has been designated a natural reserve for protection of native flora and fauna. These secluded beaches on the islands are wonderful for a day trip, and the clear waters make great snorkelling.

Shopping

Mazatlán is the place when it comes to shopping. You can buy almost anything in any color, style and taste. Souvenirs are abundant, and plenty of bargaining opportunities from T-shirts to precious stones.

Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) - is the main shopping area of Mazatlán for souvenirs and arts & crafts. Hugh selection of handcrafts from all over Mexico. The shops and galleries feature an assortment of clothing, jewelry, seashells, leather goods and furniture.

Plazuela Machado - for a more authentic Mexican shopping experience. Located in Old Mazatlán, the municipal market features open air stalls packed with food, clothing, pottery, handicrafts, piles of fresh shrimp, fish and produce, and some of the best vanilla you will find in Mexico. The assortment varies and the price is right.

Flower Market - in the place where the old bus station used to be, now it is selling nothing but flowers. Several dozen stalls surround the building at the corner offering a color burst and delicate perfumes. The Flower Market is open 24 hours.

Dining

The Mazatlán dining scene centers around fresh seafood, many varieties of shrimp, fish, octopus, clams, oysters, shark, squid. Mazatlán is the shrimp capital of Mexico, their shrimps are prepared in every way imaginable. Seafood is always a good choice.

The local restaurants serve almost every cuisine from American fast food to great steaks, prime rib, Italian and oriental food. Fiesta nights are popular, featuring the finest in Mexican cuisine and entertainment. Restaurants tend to be casual and meals are reasonably priced.

If you want a light breakfast, make sure you try "licuado": Fresh fruits (papaya, melon, banana, mango, etc.) are blended with milk and sugar or honey. You can add wheat germ (trigo), oatmeal (avena), nuts or whatever they've got. You can specify water instead of milk (con leche).

There should be no cause of concern for drinking water. Most restaurent and hotel used purified water and ice.
Nightlife

The nightlife in Mazatlán starts late and will live up to your expectations. Many of the nightclubs and discos do not even open until 9 or 10 pm and close around 3 or 4 am.

A large selection of dancing, live music, Mexican Fiestas and Theme Night Spectaculars, and festive watering holes to choose from. Music at local bars, sport bars and discotheques ranges from easy listening piano bar music for a quieter evening to mariachi groups or tambora bands.

Most places don’t require cover charge, but some do. Many bars offer ‘ladies nights’ during the week with free admissions and drinks.

One thing for sure, you will love Mazatlán after dark!

Event

There's always something happening in Mazatlán. They have several activity events every month.

What to See

Acuario Mazatlán (Mazatlan Aquarium) - located half a block east of Avenida del Mar at Avenida de los Deportes #111. Over 250 species from around the world of fresh and saltwater marine life from colorful reef, fish to moray eels. Interesting sea museum and an auditorium with film about sea life. Daily show of sea lion and exotic birds is presented several times everyday in an open-air amphitheater. There is an adjoining botanical garden with various tropical displays and small zoo with crocodile exhibit.
Mazatlán's Aquarium, one of the largest in Latin America, it's perfect for a family visit. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m, admission is charged.

Old Mazatlán Historical Zone - the oldest part of the city just inland from Playa Olas Atlas. In the heart of Old Mazatlán is the large 19th-century cathedral with its high, yellow twin towers and beautiful statues inside. Two blocks south, the attractive Plazuela Machado is the centre of a large historic area of Mazatlán. It's surrounded by unique sidewalk cafes and beautifully restored historic buildings such as the Teatro Ángela Peralta, built in 1860. Blocks of historical building structures and private residences including rows of town house with wrought-iron and stone trimline the narrow streets.

Cliff Divers - the cliff divers are a tradition in the Old Mazatlán. They jump into a small shallow cove and come very close to the rocks. The divers are not paid and they only jump for tips and for fun. This is also where families gather and enjoy food and snacks from street vendors, including the fresh coconut drinks.

Activities

Mazatlán is famous for its sport fishing - especially for marlin, swordfish, sailfish, tuna and dorado (dolphinfish). There are plenty of fishing operators, all of whom should offer tag and release options. Water sports such as scuba diving, water-skiing, sailing, parasailing and boogie boarding are all available year-round. The best surfing is at Punta Camarón and 'Cannons', off the point near the old fort on Paseo Olas Altas.
Guided Tour

A tour guide is a good way to see the city highlights, the history and several points of interest surrounding towns and area. If you want to enjoy the sights and best shopping of Mazatlán. We recomand Frank as your guide, he will meet you at your hotel, at the cruise ship dock or at the airport with a very comfortable, clean and air conditioned vehicle. He speaks English and Spanish, very friendly and knowledgeable about the city, and he will answer any of your questions. Visit his website at www.mazatlan-tours.com

Jungle Tour - the tour boat will pass the harbor featuring the largest shrimp, tuna fleets in the country, Mexican navy boat, the Pacifico Brewery, the shrimp packing plants and the thermoelectric plant where power is produced for the state of Sinaloa. You will cruise through mangroves-lined waterways and inlets, and up to Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island). It is ideal for bird and nature lovers. You could see the Mexican Brown Pelican, Sea Hawk, Blue Heron, Osprey and other exotic water fowls in this protected wildlife refuge. The tour stops at a native farm for a snack. You will go for an wonderful ride through the coconut plantation to a private beach. Where you would enjoy sunbathing, horseback riding, or a stroll down the beach looking for seashells and maybe the largest sand dollars. A delicious charcoal-grilled fish, Mexican rice, homemade tortillas, and coconut candy desert will be served. On your return, get ready to enjoy the Pelican and Frigate bird show.
Recommended Reading

"Mazatlan IS Paradise" by Charles A Hall. This book is available at La Vina church and Mazatlán Book and Coffee Shop in Mazatlán, also online at www.iuniverse.com or www.amazon.com-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This article is just a small portion of what Mazatlán has to offer. There is so much about its history, beach, real estate, rental, medical, dining, what to see and do, events, wild life rescrue, charity, fishing, bird watching and much more.
I highly recomand reading the book mentioned above "Mazatlan IS Paradise". Then you will fall in love with this city as I did.

Whatever your passion, this is the place. Mazatlán, where you can still experience the "real Mexico" with friendly people, very good food and activities to choose from, and nice long streches of sunny beach and spectacular sunsets.

About the author:
Yvon Marier, waiting to retire and moving full time to Mazatlán. For more info about your travel booking, go to:
http://www.easytraveling.net