A visit to Mazatlan in early January 2009.
Taxi from the airport was $25.00 U.S-not a bad price since it's about a 40 minute ride. Many hotels can get shuttle for you which are a bit cheaper. The one warning is when you go thru the door for a Taxi, the nice folks trying to help you are selling time shares. Keep walking and go outside to ask for the taxi.
The weather was incredible, about 78-85 every day. Some evening were a bit chilly but that meant about 55 so just need a long sleeve shirt and/or jacket.
Must go-spend time in the Historic District, no time share vendors, some interesting building, and some of the best restaurants in the area. Also prices seemed cheaper than golden zone restaurants. A favorite was Topolo at 629 Constitution. They make a salsa with grilled tomatoes in front of you using a mortar and pestle (the mexican food processor). Everything on the menu was wonderful-very subtle flavors and fresh seafood.
The Perllata theater is in the Historic district and is about $1.20 to enter. The theatre was rebuild after it had been in shambles. It is a nice relaxing place to walk around and there is a Art Show on the second floor.
A great place for a professional massages is Mayo-near Mary's Cafe in the Golden Zone. Maree and Jackie were both great. In the same area, Mary's Cafe is also good for breakfast..
Rico's Cafe a coffee shop in the golden zone has deep rich wonderful coffee and nice atmosphere. At night they have live music-mellow guitar type.
A few good restaurants:
Topolos-see above
Vitoro's-Italian, near Panchos. Wonderful seafood linguine-the linguine was el dente, the fish very fresh, and the sauce had the right amount of herbs.
Aree LuLu's-again near Panchos behind the Shrimp Factory. They have a baby lobster, grilled shrimp, and fried mahi mahi for $11.00 U.S. The lobster was so fresh, it seemed like it had just come from the sea. Went back a second time for this treat.
Loco Locos-good breakfast and right on the beach so best views you can get. This is closer to Pueblo Bonito.
A great walk is start at the Historic District and go to the Water Front where the divers drive. There is road with a sidewalk that goes up a hill like a bridge. It was an incredible walk with views to the south and some nicely renovated historic houses.
Overall, Mazatlan is a great place to relax and just forget the world. Relax, have fun, and explore...