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| Mazatlan Attractions |
There’s plenty of things to do in Mazatlan for those not content
to spend their entire visit on Mazatlan’s wonderful beaches.
Island Hopping:
Three islands dot Mazatlan’s horizon: Isla de Pájaros,
Isla de Venados, and Isla de los Lobos. Each has its own personality.
Venado (deer) and Lobos (wolf) are quiet and undisturbed, perfect
for water sports. Pájaros ("birds”) is popular
for birdwatching. Hundreds of species nest on the island. Regular
amphibian service departs throughout the day from the beach area
in front of El Cid Resort and from other locations. Round trips cost
about $8 US. per person.
The Aquarium and Botanical Gardens:
See over 50 fresh and saltwater tanks with sharks, eels, seahorses,
lobsters, and over 250 exotic species from around the world. Interesting
sea museum, a trained seal show and an auditorium with films about
sea life make this a perfect things to do in Mazatlan activity.
Open daily 9:30am–6pm. A tiny zoo and botanical gardens (el Jardín
Botánico) are nearby. Tel. (69) 817815.
Sea Shell City Museum:
 Located
at 407 Playa Gaviotas Street, in the heart of the Zona Dorada, sits
this treasure trove of seashells. Upon entering, the place will seem
more like a store than a museum. Find gorgeous seashell and silver
jewelry, coconut art, windchimes, all the seashells you could hope
to own. But whatever you do, don't miss their upstairs! Aquariums surround
a large fountain and sea shell mosaics. Here you will find a vast display
of all types of shells, and even some whale bones! Open daily from
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Old Mazatlan/ Downtown/Olas Altas :
If you're seeking Mazatlan attractions outside of the Zona Dorada, we suggest
spending time in historic Viejo Mazatlan. A nice, central starting spot is
the Plaza de la Revolucion at streets 21 de marzo and Benito
Juarez. With a gazebo as its center, this small landscaped park is surrounded
by merchant stalls offering food, cothes, soaps, jewelry, leather goods, and
other handicrafts. There are also plenty of chairs to have a seat in if you
need a good shoe shine. Or just have a seat on a bench and watch the pigeons
bathe in two large fountains. |
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 Facing the Plaza de la Revolucion is Mazatlan’s beautiful Catedral de la Purisma Concepcion (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) open
from 6:00 a.m.-1:00
p.m. and 4:00-8:00 pm. daily. Begun in 1856 and completed in 1899, this Moorish-style
church has twin blue and gold spires and a gilded ornate triple altar.
Just a few blocks from the cathedral is the Plazuela Machado located
at Avenues Constitucion and Carnaval. Named for Juan Nepomuceno Machado who donated
the land, this small park is also built around a gazebo. Beautiful flora set
off the surrounding colonial buildings which are now home to many flavorful cafes.
 Just
to the south of the Plazuela Machado is the famous Mazatlan attraction
the Teatro Angela Peralta. Almost anyone is Mazatlan
will happily tell you her story. A famous opera singer, she came
from Europe to share her talents with Mazatlan in 1883. Carried to
her hotel by her Mexican fans, she sang from her balcony to a large
crowd. Although she was scheduled to give a formal performane, she
succumbed to yellow fever and died before the performance. The theater
itself was completed around 1890, but a 1975 hurricane almost entirely
destroyed its inside. Workers recovered most decorations and re-created
the original design.Iit appears today almost exactly as it did in
the 19th century. The theater continues to operate, hosting folkloric
dance, opera, and symphonic performances.
 After
taking in this famous Mazatlan attraction, go back to the Plazuela Machado
and head west on Sixto Osuna Street. A few blocks down, on the right, you will
find the National Institute of Anthropology and History or
INAH. Altough smaller than would be expected, the museum is free and includes
some intersting finds. While most of the descriptions of artifacts are in Spanish,
there are a few explanations in English. Take in early Mexican pottery, sports
equipment, figurines, and arrowheads. Perhaps most interesting is a display
which contains human remains, including three skulls which illustrate the flattened
foreheadss that were so fashionable centuries ago. A small courtyard in the
back of the museum is home to a sparse metal scuplture garden.
Nearby, at Angel Flores and Ninos Heroes Streets, is the Ben Franklin
Library at Hidalgo Square. This small plaza, named
for the father of Mexican independence, Miguel Hidalgo, was the original sight
of Mazatlan's market. As the area was gentrified and property prices rose, the
market was moved to its present sight a few blocks away. The library, which houses
an extensive collection of Spanish texts as well as study tables and a children's
area, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
No visit to Mazatlan is complete without a visit to the bustling mercado
central, now located at Juarez and Ocampo Streets. This indoor/outdoor
marketplace is one square block of stalls offering clothing, jewelry, produce,
meats, and more. As this is where the locals shop, be sure to bargain with the
vendors. If you don't find what you are looking for at the mercado, there are
plenty of stores on the surrounding blocks to satisfy all your shopping needs. |
