Articles on some of the world's most romantic destinations by
professional photographer Eleanor S. Morris

Mazatlan, Pearl of the Pacific
by Eleanor S. Morris

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Mazatlan, "Land of the Deer" in the Nahuatl language, has a romantic history, from the days of the pirate Francis Drake to the nights of the Opera diva, whose name adorns the historic theater in Old Mazatlan. Totorame hunters and fishermen, French conquerors, German traders, Chinese refugees, Spanish colonizers, blend in with tales of Drake and Sir Thomas Cavendish sailing the seas after galleons brimming with gold and silver from the Copala mines at the center of what is today Old Mazatlan.

One of the oldest cities in Mexico, Mazatlan has grown from one of the most important ports in the country into a booming resort. And there are two sides to Mazatlan to explore and enjoy; to the north, the Zona Dorada, the Golden Zone of glorious beaches, and to the south, the historic downtown area, Old Mazatlan.

ZONA DORADA

The pride and glory of Mazatlan are the beaches, more than 15 miles of beautiful sand beaches curving along the blue waters of Mazatlan Bay. Each one has its own distinctive characteristic, suitable for every type of beach activity or water sport. All year long temperatures are mild, and the sun shines every day. Surfing, sailing, parasailing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing for spectacular sailfish, dorado and marlin--choose your sport and your beach.

Party with the locals at some beaches, enjoy beauty in peace and quiet at others, not to mention magnificent sunsets and romantic evenings out under the stars, enjoying the music of Mexican guitars.

Beach and water sports--beach volleyball and horseback riding--vie with golf and tennis. The principal hotels and clubs have tennis courts, and both beginning and seasoned golfers can take advantage of world-class courses along the beautiful Pacific, courses designed by golf stars like Lee Travino and Robert Trent Jones.

OLD MAZATLAN

Part of the adventure of Mazatlan is the contrast between the beaches and resorts, and the charm of the old town, the historic Mexico. From Boulevard Olas Altas on the waterfront, take Sixto Osuna to the Museo de Arqueologia to view Pre-Columbian artifacts before turning left onto Venus and Constitucion streets to Museo Casa Machado. Here you can see the splendor in which Mazatlan's 19th century aristocracy lived.

The square in front, Plazuela Machado, is lined with restaurants and cafes for coffee lovers, who enjoy watching young students coming from rehearsals at Centro Municipal des Artes adjoining Teatro Angela Peralta. The theater is a national heritage of Mexico, originally named Teatro Rubio. But when it underwent a period of restoration in 1936 it was renamed to honor the famous Diva, who died in Mexico. Plaza Machado is the center of the cultural and artistic activities in Old Mazatlan.

Further on you'll reach the Cathedral of Mazatlan, an unusual mosaic of architectural styles, and the government offices of the Palacio Municipal on Plazuela Republica. And just a block away, and not to be resisted, is the Mercado Pino Suarez, the market redolent with scents of food and the scent of the fresh leather huaraches.

There are many restaurants located in Old Mazatlan, as well as along the coast of the Zona Dorada. Among the culinary specialties that Mazatlan offers are fish roasted on the beach, delicious smoked marlin and shrimp aguachile. For the best fish and seafood, try Costa Marinera or Los Arcos. For great cuts of meat, Casa County and El Bambu. International? There's Ernie Tomato's, Mangos or Señor Frog's. For top-quality Mexican food, you'll find it at the Plaza Machado in Old Mazatlan and Guadalajara Grill in the Zona Dorado.

As for night life, in Mazatlan going out to dinner, listening to music, dancing and meeting people from all over is the thing here. Nighttime entertainment is endless, beginning early in the evening and going on until dawn at discos, bars and restaurants, entertainment for any age, taste and budget.

HOTELS

Mazatlan has a wide variety of hotels, such as El Cid Resorts, Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Hotel Pueblo Bonito, Hotel Costa del Oro, Holiday Inn, and many more along the Zona Dorado on the bay.

El Cid promises "endless vacations" at any one of its four Mazatlan properties: El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel, Marina El Cid Hotel & Yacht Club, El Cid Granada Country Club and El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel. And to take advantage of the all-inclusive Honeymoon Package at El Cid's El Moro or El Cid Granada, you don't have to be a newlywed to have a romantic rendezvous. Long walks on the beach, captivating sunsets, the splendors of Mazatlan, are all yours to share with someone special.

Included in the plan are all meals, unlimited drinks, room service, boogie boards and kayaks, free golf clinics, free tennis clinics, sailing, daytime beach and pool activities, live shows and theme party dinners, fitness center with steam and sauna, and even a climbing wall! For more information: www.elcid.com.