Hanging out at Joe's Oyster Bar; fresh shrimp for sale on Aquiles Serdán; a musical celebration at the Municipal Market.
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Living inexpensively is practically a competitive sport among the thousands of snowbirds that nest in Mazatlán each winter. They get to know the bus routes, taco stands and fish markets, and they keep up with hot deals—like the $5 burgers during Monday Night Football at Yoopers (Avda. De Las Garzas; 011-52-669-668-2247). They shop and dine like locals, learning the art of low-cost fun from full-time Mazatlecos. With these insider tips, you’ll be amazed how far your budget stretches.
DIY FOOD FEST
Kitchens are among the best perks at the resorts on the golden beaches in Mazatlán’s Zona Dorada. Stock up on basics at the Soriana supermarket, a short bus ride (around 90¢*) from most resorts. But the real fun is in meeting the butchers, bakers and anglers selling at city mercados (markets) and in neighborhood shops.
You’ll get first dibs on the morning catch if you rise early to greet the returning pangeros (fishermen) at dawn on downtown’s Playa Norte. Or sleep in and then head to the sidewalk shrimp market on Aquiles Serdán, where you can haggle with las changueras—apron-draped ladies who sell shrimp, octopus and other mariscos from ice-packed plastic buckets.
Over at the Municipal Market, formally known as the Mercado Pino Suárez (at Aquiles Serdán and Melchor Ocampo streets), take time to admire the wrought iron façade—this art nouveau madhouse dates to 1899. Inside, the counters are overflowing with mangoes, pineapples, tomatoes and all manner of chilies, spices and beans. If you know you’ll be washing your fruits and vegetables in purified water, you should be able to bypass the peelable produce rule and gather some lechuga (lettuce) and fragrant cilantro. If you’re looking for a plump chicken, you’d best shop early—the meat and fish aisles grow more pungent as the day progresses. Several stands sell the plaid plastic totes no self-respecting homemaker would be without (the ones bearing the likeness of Frida Kahlo or the Virgin of Guadalupe make great souvenirs). While you’re in the area, pick up a $5 arrangement (of gladioli, say, or sweetheart roses) at the nearby flower market (Aquiles Serdán at 16 de Septiembre). Splurge on pastries at Panamá Bakery (Benito Juárez and Cañizales; 011-52-669-980-2333).
DAY TRIPPING
In the 10 minutes it takes to putter by boat from downtown’s port to Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island), it feels as if you’ve returned to Mazatlán’s Zona Dorada circa 1960. The island—actually a peninsula—faces the port and cruise ship dock and has one of the best beaches around. Mild waves lap at a long stretch of tan sand lined with seafood shacks selling pescado zarandeado (whole grilled fish in a spicy glaze) with tortillas, rice and beans. Island excursions include a leisurely cruise, lunch and open bar (Viajes el Sábalo; 011-52-669-986-9980; $35 per person). Replicate the experience for about half the price by taking a bus (90¢ from the Zona Dorada) and water taxi ($2 round-trip), then hitting Lety’s, midway along the beach, for a lunch under $20 for two.
Mazatlán’s not all about sand and sea. The city is surrounded by lagoons, villages, ranches and mountains, all worth exploring. Our favorite countryside getaway involves a 40-minute drive to El Quelite, a beautifully preserved 19th-century village at the base of the Sierra Madre. Humble stucco, brick and wood houses buried in fuchsia-colored bougainvillea line quiet cobblestone streets by the plaza’s filigreed gazebo and modest church. The main attraction here is lunch at El Mesón de Los Laureanos (across from the plaza; 011-52-669-965-4143; $20 for two), where Dr. Marcos Gabriel Osuna greets every guest like an old friend. You’ll meet Lola, the roving green parrot, and choose from a tasty menu of regional chilorio (shredded pork), codorniz (quail) and lengua (beef tongue), or quesadillas for the less adventurous.
ON THE TOWN
It won’t cost you a single peso to see the art that’s displayed along the city’s beachside malecón (promenade). Bronze sculptures present an open-air history of the city—there’s a pulmonía (one of Mazatlán’s famed open-air taxis) and a beer-brewing vat to honor the local Pacifico brewery. Native-born movie star Pedro Infante is memorialized on a motorcycle pointed toward the sea, while an enormous sculpture of a lighthouse, marlin, fisherman with his net and a voluptuous nude woman honors the fishing fleet. The 12-mile-long malecón is busy day and night with joggers and couples strolling arm in arm. Crowds gather at the foot of Sánchez Taboada for impromptu shows at Cliff Diver Hill.
Old Mazatlán’s Plaza Machado is a virtual stage show on weekend evenings: Artists set out beaded jewelry, musicians play sax and guitar, giant screens display old black-and-white movies, and waiters rush about at sidewalk cafés. At the heart of it all is the beautifully restored Teatro Angela Peralta (Plaza Machado; 011-52-669-982-4444; culturamazatlan.com.mx). Tickets for red-velvet balcony seats run around $10 for performances by visiting orchestras and dance troupes.
Kids can’t resist the bizarre creations, like tacky shell roosters ($5), at Sea Shell City Museum (407 Avda. Playa Gaviotas, Zona Dorada; 011-52-669-913-1301; free admission). The artisans’ market next door has some surprising finds, especially at the tiny store Hecho a Mano, where silly coconut masks go for $12 and miniature skull figurines for $10. By now it must be time for two-for-one drinks at Joe’s Oyster Bar on the beach (100 Avda. Rodolfo T. Loaiza; 011-52-669-983-5333) or happy-hour specials at pretty much any Zona Dorada bar. Now do you feel like a pata salada (sandy-foot local)?
STAY
RCI-affiliated resorts in Mazatlán include:
ROYAL VILLAS
An all-inclusive resort on Mazatlán’s
main strip, steps from the beach. 500
Calzada Camarón Sábalo, Zona Hotelera
Member Review:
“The beach at this resort is fantastic, with
calm, clear water.”
EL CID EL MORO BEACH
Amenities include a golf course, spa,
10 tennis courts, eight pools and nine
restaurants and bars. Avda. Camarón Sábalo
Member Review:
“We had a wonderful (huge) balcony
where we enjoyed our morning coffee.”
THE INN AT MAZATLÁN
Right on the main drag, with two pools,
hot tubs and an optional all-inclusive
package. 6291 Avda. Camarón Sábalo
Member Review:
“Afternoon happy hour offers the best
mango margaritas in the city.”
MAYAN PALACE REGENCY
MAZATLÁN
Ten minutes by bus from Mazatlán,
this quiet beachside resort has a pool and
restaurant. Avda. Sábalo Cerritos, Zona
Hotelera Norte
Member Review:
“Used the local bus system, which is
cheap and convenient.”
For more information, including complete member reviews
(as member reviews have been condensed),
visit RCI.com or call
Weeks: 800-338-7777
Points: 877-968-7476
Club Members, please call your specific
Club or RCI telephone number.
NON-RCI AFFILIATED RESORTS:
HOTEL POSADA FREEMAN
ZONA DORADA
777 Avda. Camarón Sábalo;
011-52-669-989-4400;
bestwestern.com; doubles from
$79 per night
HOTEL PLAYA MAZATLÁN
202 Avda. Playa Gaviotas;
011-52-669-989-0555;
hotelplayamazatlan.com; doubles
from $117 per night
HOTEL LA SIESTA
11 Paseo Olas Altas, Old
Mazatlán; 011-52-669-982-2663;
lasiesta.com.mx; doubles from
$50 per night
HOTEL MARIA CORAL
Isla de la Piedra; 011-52-669-981-9491;
hotelmariacoral.com; doubles from
$64 per night
*Prices throughout have been converted to U.S. dollars.
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
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