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We went in mid August, and Mazatlan was pretty slow with activity due to most kids/college students being back in school. It was peaceful, but some of the restaurants/spots near the beach were closed due to it being so dead.One of the best highlights was going on the tour to Stone Island. It is a little cruise that took about a half hour to get there, and then you get to the island and they feed you and give you free cocktails. There are activities such as horseback riding, banana boat rides, dance contest, etc.The vendors also go on foot selling their merchandise or talent such as bathing suit wraps, necklaces, anklets, panchos, tattoos, braiding hair, artists that will draw your picture, e
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One of the best highlights was going on the tour to Stone Island. It is a little cruise that took about a half hour to get there, and then you get to the island and they feed you and give you free cocktails. There are activities such as horseback riding, banana boat rides, dance contest, etc.
The vendors also go on foot selling their merchandise or talent such as bathing suit wraps, necklaces, anklets, panchos, tattoos, braiding hair, artists that will draw your picture, etc. The market in old downtown has a variety of shops to purchase from. You need a strong stomach for the meat market area though.
The restaurants in old downtown are very clean, very cheap, and good. You can get a five course meal for under .
Quick Tips:
If you are driving to get there, and have to go through Durango to get to Mazatlan, plan an extra two or three hours length of time. The map doesn't show you, but you have to go through the mountains, aka the "Espina de El Diablo". Translated it means "The Devil's Spine". It is one way each way, and very windy roads. If you have to travel through that area, make sure it is day light. The police don't recommend it being safe at night due to some hijackings have taken place there, and it is very dark. However the mountains are beautiful w/ plenty of places to pull over and take pictures.
The gas in Durango, Mexico, is double the price in America, per gallon, and there is no other gas station before you hit the hills. There are several toll roads all the way from Nuevo Laredo to Durango, Mexico. The toll roads are nice and safe. I enjoyed going to Mazatlan when we did, because all the teenagers were back in school. The beaches were nice and calm. The night clubs now had a mature crowd in them.
Best Way To Get Around:
Since everything is spread out in Mazatlan, you would need to rent a vehicle to see everything, or plan on using a taxi. The downtown area is not near the hotel zone. Mazatlan is pretty big.
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