The first time we visited Mazatlan was while on a 7 day Sitmar cruise back in the 70's. There was hardly anything there that resembles what we see today. It was more a fishing village than anything else. Tourism was a long ways off at that time.
The N. Amsterdam arrived early, and we were able to watch the entrance into the harbor while we dined in the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast. Even though we have been here a few times over the years, it still did not jog our memories. Compared to the Mexican ports we just visited, this is a much larger commercial facility.
The ship was cleared by 9:15am, and we watched the tour groups file off. As they left the gangway, a food and drug-sniffing dog was used to check each passenger. For safety reasons, we were required to take an open-air trolley between the ship and the cruise terminal. And it said as much on the front of the When & Where newsletter today. This is the first time the request to carry your ship card, a photo ID, and the Covid vaccination card was not printed on the first page. Hopefully a sign that things are getting better. We still had to wear masks leaving and re-joining the ship, as well as in the shops onshore. We simply left ours on.
We left the ship around 10am, and found the temperature to be a tolerable 78 degrees. It was going to be a mostly sunny day, but eventually hot in the sun. Humidity was not bad.
Following the blue line in the sidewalks, we began our trek towards Old Town. Walking through the terminal after the shuttle ride was brief. In fact, one of us almost did not get out of the shuttle as part of the hem of a blouse was hooked on the metal part of the seat. Now what is the likelihood that we would get the shuttle that had this flaw? And that one of us would sit in that seat? I said I can't get up, I thought quietly, but the lady in front turned around and offered her hands to pull me up. Had to explain I was stuck, and would rip the blouse. Working the fabric backwards, it got loose and I was out of there in a flash. Lucky me…..
The door at the end of the terminal dumped us right in the middle of a taxi war to get your business. Must have said no thanks a hundred times. They were not too pushy. We looked for the blue line, and found it started outside the terminal. Part of it was a painted line, but most of it was like a series of rubber strips leading us through a residential neighborhood. Actually, these homes were well-maintained and more than likely under surveillance. There were three passengers walking well ahead of us, so we were not alone. Never at any time did we feel nervous about our surroundings. Several years ago, Mazatlan had some unfortunate violence aimed at tourists, and for this reason, this port was dropped from all itineraries for several years. We were glad to see it back.
Walking on a tree-lined street, we came across a small Catholic Church, Maria Del Mar. Around there, we took a right turn, and followed this street until we reached a stop light. Right across the highway, the historic route began, starting with the Angela Peralta Theater. There happened to be a ship's tour group there as we walked by. That's where we were approached by an English-speaking lady, who could have been mistaken for one of the tourists. She pointed out the nearby sights we should not miss, then went into a talk about Cielito Lindo, the high end jewelry store in this area. Handing us a flyer with a 15% off discount, she went on to the next person she spotted. Passing the Machado Square, we headed straight for the Cathedral Basilica of Mazatlan. Entering a huge square, we saw Republic Square first where a truck load of military police were roaming around the area, armed with rifles no less. There would be no "smash and grab" robberies here for sure. The Basilica was the main point of this entire block and worthwhile seeing the interior. We took many photos discreetly.
If we had gone another block up the street, we would have found the Pino Suarez Market, where, we were told this morning, you buy your ingredients in the market downstairs, then go on the upper level, and prepare your own dishes. It is most popular with the crew, and we heard that today many of them went there to cook.
Following the jewelry vendor's directions, we located Calle Angel Flores, where a row of colorful houses are located. It was near here, that we came across a nice couple from the ship, who showed us a city map, which we failed to see at the terminal. The lady said her husband had picked up an extra one, and offered to give it to us. Yes, we would love it. She added that she had no idea why he picked it up, so it was meant to be to help us out.
We came out at the Pacific Ocean near the Little Deer statue and many nice-looking restaurants and hotels. Down below the road was Olas Altas Beach to the left, and Olivera Tent Sea Pool below. Many statues lined the roadway such as Dolphin Woman, Jose Angel and Salvador Lizarrugo statues, and the Mazatlan Woman. In the same area was the Monument to the Diver, who we did see dive headfirst from the top to a tiny pool of water below. Crazy. Across the road in the granite wall, was a red-painted gate that was named the Devil's Cave or La Cueva del Diablo. Actually there is nothing there but the facade, but it a good photo op.
Goddess of the Seas was another monument with a very large one by the name of Life's Continuity with two statues of a woman and a man with a series of dolphins over a fountain. It was quite impressive. From here, the road started to go downhill towards the Sister Cities Park. However, knowing we had to hike back uphill was enough to turn us around and head back. Many vendors were in the area of the high diver, and one fellow with a case of silver items caught our eye. Checking it out, he wanted over $100 for a complete set of an opal hummingbird pendant, a bracelet and matching earrings. Way too much, although the silver was 925, but opals? Not so sure about that. He dropped his price every five seconds until he arrived at $50. Not sure I needed a bracelet, he would not bargain for the three piece set. Telling him we would think about it, we walked further down the hill. It took maybe five minutes, when he came running after us with the pieces in a bag. The price ended up at $25. Everyone was happy.
From here, we back-tracked, utilizing a few benches on the way back. At Plaza Machado, some folks asked us for directions to the Blue Line, since they had taxied from the ship to the Cathedral. Eventually, they followed us back through the local streets which were basically empty by now.
Looking through the terminal shops for a few minutes, we went outside and took the next shuttle back. By 1:30pm, we were enjoying ice cold sodas on our veranda. And ended up with some snacks instead of a Lido lunch. Since we had made reservations for the Tamarind tonight, we wanted to be good and hungry.
The ship left around 5pm after the last of the tour folks came back late. Once we were through the entrance to the harbor, we turned south heading towards the next port of Puerto Vallarta. This kept the blazing sun in our room until it set before dinner time. Many boobys appeared as well as pelicans, diving for flying fish and other sea delicacies.
Dinner in the Tamarind was excellent tonight. There were very few diners left, so we had extra attention from the staff. Starters were spring rolls and pot stickers. Followed by ramen soup and Thai salad. One of us had the wasabi-crusted tenderloin, and the other had the Mongolian lamb. Both were mouth-watering tasty and tender. Really full, we decided to try the mango posset, but sharing just one. It was not too sweet and just right. With all of the walking we had done today, we felt we deserved a treat.
Tomorrow will be another hiking day in Puerto Vallarta, hoping it will not be too hot.
Bill & Mary Ann
Friday, April 22, 2022
Report #124 Mazatlan, Mexico 9am-5pm Wednesday April 20, 2022 Sunny And Hot 85 Degrees
