Mazatlan

Customs / Culture
Mazatlan is known for its fine beaches. The city is very diverse within in its economic and social status with over 350,000 people with diverse races and nationalities. The two primary areas visited mostly are: “The Zona Dorada” and “The Centro Historico”. The Zona Dorada is more of a tourist zone whereas the Centro Historico offers historical buildings and some of Mazatlan’s culture.

Traditions
One of the most known traditions in Mazatlan is the “Callejoneadas” which are street processions that started in the late 20th century. When the renovation of the area began people wanted to promote the historic center through this tradition. With time this became a very attractive tradition for locals and tourists to explore the history and culture of Mazatlan.

Religion
Most people in Mazatlan are Christians; there are also many Roman Catholics amongst the inhabitants.

Airports / Car rental
Mazatlan has its own international airport “Mazatlan International Airport” also known as “General Rafael Buelna International Airport”. The airport received domestic and international flights on a daily basis, therefore getting to Mazatlan is not a problem. You can also reach Mazatlan from any other international origins via Mexico City. It is possible to rent a car at each of these airports. The most known car rental over the years for travelers and local renters is the “AGA Rent a Car” which is located both at the airport and in town.

Public transport
The most local used public transport in Mazatlan is via bus. There are type types of public transports in Mazatlan, one which is more focused for tourists and another local one. The tourist focused bus is similar to coaches costing a few cents more than the local ones however it is definitely a safer option. These also run along the tourist areas along the water and the Malecon to downtown and are called “Sabalo-Centro” buses.

Taxis / Infrastructure
There are many options for taxis in Mazatlan, the tourist areas have many small white open-topped taxis called “pulmonías” which are unique to Mazatlan. Before getting in the taxis though it is advised to bargain a fixed price, small tips are also custom within these local pulmonías.

Events / Lifestyle
Mazatlan has some amazing annual celebrations ranging from different art exhibitions to festivals to the annual Mazatlan Carnival. Next to the variety of different activities to do and things to see such as deep sea fishing tours, diving and snorkeling some main events include: The annual Artwalk Festival, the Mazatlan Bird Festival occurring during January, and one of the oldest Mazatlan events- the Mazatlan Carnival which is celebrated during February and March.

Culinary Specialities
The local specialties in Mazatlan include amongst the typical Mexican cuisine such as tacos, tortillas and guacamole also seafood, especially prawns known as “camarones” and steaks. Coconuts are also a local specialty and are eaten with lime, salt, chili powder and various hot sauces.

Sights
In Mazatlan there are many unique sights worth seeing, amongst these are:
- The lighthouse
- Cliff divers
- The Acuario Mazatlan
- El Mercado
- Mechado Square
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Olas Atlas Beach
Some of the main things which are highly recommended to do vary from jet skiing, waterskiing, surfing, parascending, to enjoying an active nightlife, to playing golf at the unique “Estrella Del Mar Golf Course”.