Mazatlan

January 9 -13, 2023

We spent a great week exploring the city of Mazatlan and relaxing at Marina El Cid. Mazatlan is the second largest city in the state of Sinaloa with a population of approximately half a million people. It was founded by the Spaniards in 1531 and served as the capital of Sinoloa in the 19th century with a strong colonial architectural influence. There was a large population of German immigrants to the city in the 19th century as well which is notable in the local music and the Pacifico Brewery. The city today is a large tourist destination with many beaches and hotels.

Getting around the city is quite easy with choices including public buses, taxis, pulmonias (open air taxis), and DiDi (like uber but much cheaper). We took full advantage of these options to explore the city including Plaza Machado, Avenida Paseo Olas Altas, the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepion, and Mercado Municipal stopping to eat along the way whenever possible.

One day we did the hike up to the El Faro lighthouse which overlooks the main harbor of Mazatlan. There is an anchorage just inside the breakwater and the old Club Nautico which was very popular with cruisers until the Marina Mazatlan and Marina El Cid area was developed.

There is a large expat community here in Mazatlan which made it easy for us to visit the local Home Depot and Walmart to restock on supplies. We also made sure to spend quality down-time at the marina.

Mazatlan has been great but it’s time to leave. Tomorrow we head to the Stone Island Anchorage just south of the old harbor in preparation to head south.