Mazatlan Mexico Information

Mazatlan Frank · Aug 27, 2005

I have threads on other boards and I would like to start one here. If anyone has questions about the City of Mazatlan, please ask. I will be writing a little information also but questions are welcome!
I live in Mazatlan so I have seen a few sites, but never have stayed in any, but if you have questions about Activities, Beaches, Prices or general information, please ask.
Have a nice weekend!

Mazatlan Frank

Karen G · Aug 27, 2005

Thanks for the offer, Frank, and welcome to TUG. We'll look forward to your info on Mazatlan.

Mazatlan Frank · Aug 28, 2005

Gracias!

Thank you very much for the welcome. I hope my information is helpful for all!

Mazatlan Frank

VacationLover · Aug 29, 2005

Visting Mazatlan

Mazatlan Frank said:
I have threads on other boards and I would like to start one here. If anyone has questions about the City of Mazatlan, please ask. I will be writing a little information also but questions are welcome!
I live in Mazatlan so I have seen a few sites, but never have stayed in any, but if you have questions about Activities, Beaches, Prices or general information, please ask.
Have a nice weekend!

Mazatlan Frank

Hello Mazatlan Frank,

My first trip to Mazatlan will be November 26th for one week. We are staying at the Mayan Palace Sea Garden.

Here are a few questions I can think of right now:

1. How far is the Mayan Palace from the airport? There will be 6 of us, so should we reserve a van? How much do you think it costs?

2. In order for us to spend a day in old town, would we be better off taking a taxi or taking a bus?

3. Is there anything in the hotel zone we should see or do besides eating?

4. Do you have a recommendation for a Mexican Fiesta?

5. Can you suggest any tours for sightseeing outside of Mazatlan?

This is just a start. I am sure I will think of other questions as time goes on.

Thanks for any information you can give me.

Norma in California

DianeH · Aug 30, 2005

Hi Frank,
Thanks for offering your help. We haven't been back for 4 years but I recall perscription glasses were much less in Maz. Does that still stand true?

Diane

Harmina · Aug 30, 2005

Hi Frank - Which resort would you consider to be the nicest timeshare property in Mazatlan?

jperkins · Aug 30, 2005

I don't know what Frank thinks but I think Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay is wonderful. The PB in Mazatlan proper is very nice also.

Mazatlan Frank · Aug 31, 2005

A few answers........

Sorry for the delay, but I am having some trouble today with the internet service. although I have DSL it is very slow. Anyways, here are a few answers:

VacationLover I am glad that you chose Mazatlan to visit in November, here are some answers
1- The airport is between 30 and 40 minutes away from the Sea garden and you can take a regular taxi, normally stopping at different Hotels first or you can hire a private van for, I think 500 or 600 pesos (50-60us) one way. I know of a company that does that but I do not know if I can write it on the board so if you like email me to fkole2000@hotmail.com and I will help you if you want.
2- To Old town, a bus charges from the Sea garden 10 pesos and has air conditioning. The ride should be around 45 minutes, depending on the time you go. A taxi van, should charge around a 120 to 150 pesos one way. The buses are very nice. The bus is Sabalo-Centro straight downtown or Sabalo-Cocos if you want a longer ride.
3- In the Golden zone you can shop and there are many restaurants. The Sea shell City is a very interesting place to visit. All kinds of sea shells.
4- Mexican Fiesta, the Hotel Playa is the best.
5- Tours, yes there are quite a few. I suggest the City tour and the Copala tour. But I do not recommend the ones "free" given by Hotels or Timeshares because they are sponsered by jewlery stores and restaurants and you spend more time there then seeing the city. Go with someone reputable. If you want more information please ask. I am sure that you can get a private one, just for the 6 of you and you will have a great time.
If you want a description of the tours tell me and I will give it to you.
I hope this helps you!

DianeH Yes, I think that it still is that way. Prices are lower down here. I have seen many Americans and Canadians getting there lenses here and also the Dental.

Harmina Yes, like Jperkins says, The Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay is the nicest, that is my personal favorite. I have friends that own there and it is great! The gardens, pools, restaurants, rooms, everything. The only thing which to some might be great, is that is aways from the action zone, but if you want privacy, it is great! They do have a complimentary shuttle to the PB Mazatlan which is closer to the Golden zone. PB Mazatlan is also very nice.

I hope these answers help a bit. Have a nice evening!

Harmina · Aug 31, 2005

Thanks Jim. That is what I wanted to hear. We have 2 weeks booked at Emerald Bay for next Feb.

Mazatlan Frank · Aug 31, 2005

You will love it Harmina. If you have aditional questions please ask here or email me. Gracias! Have a nice evening!

Mazatlan Frank

Harmina · Aug 31, 2005

Thanks Frank. I guess you and I were posting at the same time when I was replying to Jim. I am looking very much forward to our exchange to PB @ EB.
The fact that it is sort of isolated doesn't bother me as you mentioned there is a bus that can take us into town.

Mazatlan Frank · Aug 31, 2005

That is correct, they do have a bus, that goes back and forth every hour or half hour, I am not sure. But it takes you closer to town, not downtown. From PB Mazatlan, you still have to take a bus or taxi to the Golden zone.
But you will love Emerald Bay! I took some American travel journalists there a few months ago and they loved it also. We ate there and it was excellent!

Mazatlan Frank

VacationLover · Aug 31, 2005

Mazatlan Frank,

Thank you for your response to my questions. They will be helpful. Looking forward to my trip.

Norma

Mazatlan Frank · Sep 1, 2005

I am glad that I could help. Have a great trip!

Mazatlan Frank

DianeH · Sep 1, 2005

Thanks Frank for the info on eyeglasses. I have been in touch with the dentist too, regarding teeth bleaching. We hope to be there in Feb as well, bought the flight, have one week confirmed, just waiting for RCI to cough over the second one!

Diane

Mazatlan Frank · Sep 2, 2005

I heard that signature vacations is having a charter flight to Mazatlan in winter, from Vancouver and other major Canadian Cities. Perhaps you are coming on that flight. If I can help you more, please ask here or email me to fkole2000@hotmail.com
Have a great evening!

Mazatlan Frank

FrankO · Sep 2, 2005

Hello Harmina,
You will love PB@Emerald Bay. As of March of 2005, shuttle bus between PB Mazatlan and PB Emerald Bay runs on the 1/2 hour from PB Maz to PB EB and on the hour from PB EB to PB Maz. Keep in mind that the shuttle stops @ 10:00 PM. Would like to put a plug in for all the hard working people who will be attending any one who stays at either PB. The average wage for wait staff or room attendants is roughly five US dollars a day. Yes, that is for full day of work. It is up to you, but I'm not shy on tipping. For example, I always leave 2 US dollars with an note of thanks on the pillow of our bed each morning. You will have the same room attendant every day, except for a scheduled day off. Take the time to learn your room attendants name and take the time to greet them if you happen to see them. Needless to say, I have a RTU at each resort. I don't speak Spanish, but seem to get by with a few phrases I have picked up. Goal is to at least be somewhat conversationly literate. Enjoy your stay as a guest of Mexico, Maxatlan, and PB. Can't wait for my yearly March visit to Maz.
FrankO aka DakotaKid

Harmina · Sep 2, 2005

I am looking forward to our stay @ PB @ Emerald Bay. We do tip the staff well when we go on vacation. I find the Mexican people to be the most gracious and humble. They always seem so happy and really do go out of their way to ensure that everything is up to par. Just to see their smile, makes it worth tipping. My daughter bought me a CD on how to learn Spanish in 6 weeks and I am going to make an effort to learn to speak Spanish so that I can communicate with them in their native tongue rather than expecting everyone to know how to communicate in English. I have taken a Spanish dictionary with me in the past.

bigfrank · Sep 4, 2005

Mazatlan chat Sept 6

I wanted you all to know that Mazatlan Frank will be hosting a Mazatlan Chat on www.timeshareforums.com this Tuesday at 11pm Est, You have to be registered there in order to enter the chat room.

Mazatlan Frank · Sep 4, 2005

I will be there......

I will Read you on Tuesday at 11pm Est. Please come ahead with questions about this beautiful City and Port.

See you then! Have a great week!

Mazatlan Frank

Mazatlan Frank · Sep 8, 2005

Pulmonias

In Mazatlan we have some little golfcarts which are called Pulmonias. In English it means Pneumonia. When these started about 39 years ago, the taxi drivers would tell people to not ride these vehicles because they would catch a pneumonia. This was just to make them look bad, but the name stayed and here we have them. As they were such a big competition to the regular taxis, these, bought the cars you call the "thing" and made them look like a Pulmonia but they tried to call them penicilins, which is the cure to Pulmonia. The name did not stay but the vehicles did. The difference between one and another is that Pulmonias do not have doors and the others do.

Just a little comment on things in Mazatlan........

Mazatlan Frank

Mazatlan Frank · Sep 9, 2005

Questions Anyone?

This thread is for information and questions. If anyone has questions please ask, gracias!

Mazatlan Frank

california-bighorn · Sep 10, 2005

Maz Frank, I sent an email a few days ago, but I guess it didn't go thru. How is the scuba diving in Mazatlan? Are the dive shops near either of the Pueblo Bonito resorts? Where are the dive sites that are visited the most? Thanks for for info!!! Marty

ragtop · Sep 10, 2005

Frank, have you been to Concordia and Copala? If so, was it worth the time to get there?

Mazatlan Frank · Sep 11, 2005

california-bighorn
I do not know much of Scuba diving. I have heard that it is not too great here also, but as I said, I do not know much. The only place I know that they offer Scuba diving is the Aqua Sports Center at El Cid mega resort. There phone number is (669) 913 3333 Extension 3341 and there email is oceansport@hotmail.com I hope that this will help you.
Sorry, but I did not get any email from you. If you need something else, my email is fkole2000@hotmail.com

ragtop Yes, I have been to Concordia and Copala many times. My wife is from Copala and my in laws still live there. It deppends what you think of Old Mexican towns. I think they are beautiful. If you take a tour with someone that knows the area it is worth it. But sometimes, you go with someone that is not a licensed tour guide and of course there is not enough real information. Email me if you have any other questions.

Have a great week start!

Mazatlan Frank