Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner Journeys: 10 New Landmarks That Considerably Add to the Charm of Mexico's Mazatlan

Thursday, February 21, 2019

10 New Landmarks That Considerably Add to the Charm of Mexico's Mazatlan


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This wasn’t our first time in Mazatlan. It’s my third and my husband's fifteenth (see this previous post on classic landmarks of Mazatlan). A City Tour was something we did not think we were going to do again. But it was free for all El Cid’s Elite members. So on one Wednesday morning, we joined a whole bus full of eager first-timers. To my surprise, there are new landmarks that either I had not noticed before or are truly new. As a matter of fact, when we went around in our car or used public buses, we found even more. Here are the ten new landmarks that have considerably added to the city's charm.  

From the City Tour

The Zona Dorada or Golden Zone is a shopping zone just a block away from El Moro. It was built to supplement Old Town shopping. It was here where I found a beautiful silver Aztec-inspired pendant during my first City Tour. Sadly, it didn't have matching earrings. On this second City Tour, we stopped at a brand new Jewelry Store (#1). It features a huge silver lion for a mascot. I finally found my matching earrings. 

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After the shopping zone, we quickly reached the Malecon, the longest boardwalk in Latin America, and perhaps the world, at all of 21 kilometers. There was a colorful Mazatlan City Sign (#2) that surprised me. It is a great addition to all the classic monuments that are memorials to life in Mazatlan built along the boardwalk (the Family, the Pulmoniya, the Lady, the Fisherman’s Memorial, and the Dolphins. Maybe I didn't notice it before but I was also surprised by the Baseball Monument (#3). It was curious but then I found out that baseball is a very important sport for all Mazatlan residents.


Soon after the monuments and the fishermen’s section of the Malecon, we reached the Punta de Clavadistas or Divers’ Point (#4). This was another new thing for me because we did not go this far before. There were two divers who regaled us with their skills at jumping to the sea from the high 50-ft cliff, avoiding the huge rocks, and returning to the small park (to do it all over again), swimming against the big waves hitting the rocks.  

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The last stop of our City Tour was lunch at Roca Mar fronting the Malecon. It was our chance to taste something else other than El Cid food (good Mexican Cazuelitas). On the way there, I saw for the first time the Acuario Mazatlan (Mazatlan Aquarium) (#5). In writing this article, I found out that it actually opened in 1980. There are shows of sea lions, divers, and even sharks. I guess I have not been that much interested because I have always preferred to see animals in the wild for some time now.


From Days Out

On a separate day out, we visited Juarez Market (#6), the other large market in Mazatlan that overflows every Sunday morning. We took the Cerritos Juarez bus from El Cid. We got off to a labyrinth of streets around the original concrete building near the church. Those streets were teeming with people peddling their wares: from clothes, toys, and housewares to fruits and vegetables, shrimps and fish, meat and poultry, and even all kinds of cakes. In fact, it is where I found Dior knock-off sunglasses for just US$10. I went back for another pair before going home.

cakes galore at the flea market


the art piece we bought with the artist Dory
Every First Friday of the month, there is an Art Walk at the Centro Hispanico (#7) near Old Town Mazatlan. We took the Sabalo Centro bus from El Cid and got off at the Mercado. There are about fifty galleries included where many paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, and other decor art are offered. At about the time we were ready to go back to El Cid on Feb. 1, we found a unique wooden collage of classic painting-like photographs of sixteen Mazatlan doors at the Beaupres Gallery. Bill returned with the car the next day to pick it up. It proved right that we drove down to Mazatlan with our car despite the warnings (see this previous post on our drive down to Mazatlan). What a find!

But the newest developed area in Mazatlan is to the north of the city. Every time we drive there, we feel we are back in the US. Sear's, Walmart and Sam's Club (#8), Mazatlan Galleries Mall (#9). and a new Centro de Convenciones (#10) are its most important landmarks. We do a lot of shopping there for toiletries, clothes, and gifts. It is also where we watch English movies. Finally, at the state-of-the-art Mazatlan International Center (Centro), you will find the world's largest mural, a three-dimensional mosaic of tile called the "Sea of Cortez." Lovely to look at both up close and from afar, it measures 25x59 meters, made from 105 panels of 3x5 meters each.

Sea of Cortez at the Convention Center
With a population of 650,000, Mazatlan is not just a resort town like the other beach capitals of Mexico. An old city with many landmarks that you wouldn’t want to miss,  its beauty comes from its colorful history and thriving economy, not entirely based on tourism. Called the Shrimping Capital of the World, it is founded on both agriculture and aquaculture. My previous post was on two small Mexican towns, one to the north, the other to the south. I have yet to write on four other day trips from Mazatlan. We will be kept busy. There may even be another future post on new landmarks that will again considerably add to Mazatlan's charm.

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102 comments:

  1. 10 new landmarks that add considerably to the charm of Mazatlan in Mexico.

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  2. Mazatlan is a great place to roam. I love Mazatlan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My husband loves it and would like to return and live here!

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  3. Those cakes look delicious Carol! Plus the baseball monument looks neat, and bizarre too, LOL. Like stone people. Who can toss a mean fastball.

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  4. Mazatlan is definitely a terrific Mexican destination filled with culture, art, and great food.

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  7. I haven't been to Mazatlán in 20 years, things have changed and still remain the same which in this case is great. I love all the focus on local arts there.

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  8. Don't really know much about Mazatlan, but I enjoyed reading about it. Would love to visit the Mazatlan Aquarium. I understand you were more interested to see the animals in the wild, but I just get mesmerized by the underwater life every time. :)
    It's nice that the town is not all touristy like some others. Would definitely read more about the Mazatlan landmarks, thank you.

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    Replies
    1. I am very glad you liked it. We love Mazatlan and stay here 3 months every year!

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  10. I do love the mural of the Sea of Cortez. Interesting to know that it is the world’s largest mural. An art walk also sounds like a fun thing to do for local arts and crafts. Some good finds on this visit to Mazatlan.

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    Replies
    1. I am beginning to wonder what else we will find next year!

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  11. Not sure I would have done a tour with a whole bunch of first-timer's but look what all you would have missed if you hadn't! I didn't know the longest Latin boardwalk was there nor that they had so many US-based companies like Sears and Walmart. I love the mosaic mural too!

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  12. I have wanted to see cliff diving for so long, I love boardwalks so I would for sure spend a lot of time here and taking selfies with the Mazatlán sign!

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  13. I haven't been to Mazatlan so this was all very interesting to me! I've been to Puerto Vallarta which has a long Malecon so this seemed similar. Love the window collage! It seems strange that there would be the American chain stores there. Since Sears stores are closing here I wonder if they will stay open there?

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    Replies
    1. Don't know but it looked like a ghost town, unlike the Mexican drpartment store .Lverpool.

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  21. Although it's been a few years since we've been there, we still love Old Town and getting out into the surrounding area. And you're right, the markets are excellent to discover local foods and just fun to wander through.

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    Replies
    1. Great you have seen Mazatlan but there are do many new things!

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  24. Hi Carol. Thx for sharing these new landmarks for us to check out while in Mazatlan. It's a great destination!

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  25. You seem to make sure good use of your timeshares! And I love visiting markets in Mexico.

    ReplyDelete
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  28. I don't remember any of those landmarks from my own visit to Mazatlan about 10 years ago. Guess it's time to go back! Loved that shot of the cake table at the flea market, especially with that guy looking longingly at his choices.

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  30. Yes, it's sad to see how these US chains are conquering the Americas - and the rest of the world, for that matter. I am so happy to see that there are still countries that are not as globalized - such as e.g. Viet Nam or Sri Lanka :-D

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    Replies
    1. But I like it as an American tourist. Especially since we stay fir 3 months. Many other Americans stay fir even longer, some for six to nine months.

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  31. The Mazatlan City Sign is so beautiful and colourful - love it! 😍 All the landmarks are fab, Acuario Mazatlan would be top of my list - always love seeing aquarium animals 🙂

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  32. I first went to Mazatlan in 1998. Its so beautiful there. I remember walking around the golden zone to shop. Its a great place to walk around and enjoy

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  33. Another great post with lots of fun details! I'd love to see the Sea of Cortez mural -- I'm always on the lookout for vibrant street art!

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  34. I love the Sea of Cortez mural, it's such a difference to normal bland walls. I also like taking photos at all of the pueblo names, it helps me remember which photos are from where, if nothing else!! :D

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    Replies
    1. Exactly. I was beginning to think they are do commonplace. But I found each one to be uniquely in character with the town's vibe!

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  35. Public Art must be the best thing a city can do for its people. It brings so much colour and life.

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  36. I love how you were able to discover new things in a city you've been to before, and maybe more importantly, you were open to discovering new things by taking the tour again! Mazatlan seems large in every way, from its population size to the Malecon length to that gigantic beautiful mural! It was great seeing your perspective on it!

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    1. Many thanks for your eonderfwo comment. We love the city. That's why we have chosen to stay here 3 months a year.

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  37. These new landmarks are all fabulous and worth noting down. The thing that held my attention most was the food stall :) Did you gorge on Mexican food?

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  38. Cakes on streets? Wow! They look yum. I love how passionately you write about offbeat places in Mexico. Loved the article.

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  39. Mazaltan looks very colorful rustic town in Mexico. I loved those delicious cakes and there are so many varieties in flea market. Baseball monument looks interesting.

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    Replies
    1. Lots of interesting stuff. Bet I will find new landmarks every year!

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  40. What an enticing city! I love the colourful murals and the busy markets of Mazatlan and I bet those cakes are mouth-watering too.

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  41. I had a chance to visit Mazatlan and it is a marvelous destination. As you pointed out, the shrimp are really outstanding and that alone worth the visit.

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  42. I really enjoyed the Malecon. The Fisherman's Memorial was one of my faves. Unfortunately, I didn't make it down to the Mazatlan sign, but it is so cute. We have them throughout Panama, too. ;)

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  43. I love going back to places I've visited several times and discovering new things every time! How precious is that feeling? Mazatlan looks like the perfect quaint town for a quiet vacation. I can really see myself wandering the streets and marveling at the landmarks.

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  44. WOW, a 21 km boardwalk?! That is pretty impressive! I'd love to visit this part of Mexico sometime soon.

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  45. I remember being fascinated by Mazatlan when I was a kid and watching a tv show called the Love Boat. Since then, I haven't heard much about it but it really is a beautiful location. The market looks amazing and its so nice to be staying at an all inclusive where you can leave the resort and explore nearby locations.

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  48. I love markets in Mexico. The smells, sounds, and fresh carne asada grilling. I especially love the colors and flavors of all the spices available. It's a wonderful introduction to Mexican culture.

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  49. I've never been to Mazatlan, but I feel like you guys are pros! I like the idea of shopping the cakes in Juarez Market, exploring Old Town Mazatlan and enjoying the Art Walk at the Centro Hispanico. And the "Sea of Cortez" mosaic is stunning!

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  50. Mazatlan looks so different from other Mexican towns that I have visited. I'm always a huge fan of the food markets but that Art Walk looks like fun too. Definitely need to add Mazatlan to my list of places to see.

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  51. Sounds like a fascinating place. 21kms sure is a long Malecon! I thought the one in Havana was big but its probably only half that.

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  52. We do love to explore the local markets when we travel. So we would definitely look to explore those in Mazatlan. An Art Walk would be a great way to see the local art. And I am sure it changes on every walk. Love that Sea of Cortez mural.

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  53. I would love to visit Mazatlan and become familiar with her landmarks. I would especially love the Juarez market ( who doesn't love a market?) and would want to time my visit to participate in the artwalk. Due for a visit to Mazatlan!

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  54. Great experience, very colorful and vibrant post! I've never been to Mexico, I hope I manage to be there!

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  55. Was the photo of all the cakes taken at Juarez Market? We love markets where mostly locals shop. Did the Dior glasses last?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, at the Juarez Market. And yes, I still have the glasses!

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  56. We have never been to Mazatlan so this is a great list of landmarks to see when we visit. Street markets and local art are definitely things we would look for. And anywhere that is a shrimping capital would keep us seafood fans happy!

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  57. I have never been to Mazatlan or even heard of it. I am now definitely adding it to my list as it has so many things to do. I would love to see the local art and also would like to spend time looking for wildlife.

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  58. It's been far too long that I've been to Mexico - I need to go back since I love the culture so much. You guys are so lucky that it's so close. From Europe, it's a long flight and definitely not suitable for let's say just a weekend. Now that I've seen the new landmarks, I want to go even more - you've made me all dreamy ;-)

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