This is our third time in Mazatlan and each time we come here we want to stay longer. There aren’t many gringo tourists here as some bad press from the US has converted this vibrant city primarily into a tourist destination for Mexican nationals.

The ease with which we can get around Mazatlan without a car must be the towns biggest perk. Simply wait at the side of the road for a few minutes and when the right bus passes by stick out your index finger – no need to find a bus station. When you are ready to get off the bus they will stop anywhere along their route for you.

Yesterday we took a trip into Old Town which is at the other end of town from the marina. To get there you travel along the eight kilometer-long malecon (boardwalk) that meanders down the beach and the turquoise bay. In this case we opted to ride in one of the open VW Thing taxi cabs. For about 100 pesos (US$8) you can get to most places in town and they like to take you on the scenic routes to show off their beautiful city.

Open air taxi on malecon
Mercado Pino Suarez, Indoor Market est. 1899
Plazuela Republica

Catedral de Mazatlan
Fresh Churros

Want to see more of Mazatlan? Check out the TV show my dad produced for his Travel Secret Mexico (website by yours truly) series.