Posts tagged Zona Dorada
Acapulco Mexico – The Original Mexican City That Never Sleeps
Feb 9th
Acapulco is México’s original resort that is going now through a much deserved resurgence in popularity. The reputation of Acapulco portrays a city that never sleeps and Acapulco does its best to live up that reputation.
Nightclubs and discos don’t close until every last reveller has gone home, at times this is long after the sun has come up. Legendary nightlife aside, Acapulco also has a reputation of being a magnet for the rich and famous. Many celebrities, from all over the world, have homes or keep vacation retreats in Acapulco.
Acapulco is situated around a horseshoe shaped natural bay, with hills and cliffs on either side. Each side offers incredible views of the entire bay, the city and all of the beaches within the bay. Many of the restaurants, bars and discos are located to take advantage of these incredible views. The view of Acapulco at night has got to be one of the most incredible “man made” sights in Mexico.
The official language is Spanish. English is understood and/or spoken by most people employed in the tourism industry. French, Italian, German and many other languages are spoken by tour guides and concierges.
The climate of Acapulco offers a hot and sunny year. July and August are the warmest months and rainy season runs from June to October, though showers usually last only 15 or 20 minutes and fall at night.
Tourists’ attractions
Zona Dorada – The Golden Zone
Going almost anywhere in Acapulco, you’re sure to run into or end up on “The Costera”, known as Avenida Costera Alemanwhich is the real heartbeat of Acapulco. Most of Acapulco’s major attractions are either on or very close to this busy street.
The action along The Costera is varied, and constant, making many sections of this strip a perfect spot to have lunch or dinner and do some serious people watching.
The Zócalo or town square is a peaceful area, shaded by giant rubber and mango trees, near the hectic centre of Acapulco. The zócalo is lined with ice cream stands and sidewalk cafes. It’s a good place to mingle with the locals as they go about their daily business.
The daily routine around the zócalo is pretty much the same as it has been for years. One end of the zócalo is dominated by the cathedral which was built in 1930 originally for use as a movie set.
Acapulco Beaches
During the day, most of the focus in Acapulco is on the beach because the city gives many choices when it comes to beaches. The whole bay is lined with beaches. Because of the waves, these beaches are a great area for surfers as well as beachcombing and collecting shells.
The small beaches combine calm waters, great atmosphere and many beach front restaurants that serve some incredible seafood. Many of the beachfront restaurants are shaded by giant trees which add a different feel to beach going.
Acapulco Nightlife
One of the most exciting cities in the world, Acapulco is famous for its explosive nightlife, postcard beaches, unlimited watersports, first-class hotels, gourmet restaurants and the breathtaking physical beauty of Acapulco Bay.
But Acapulco plays host to an incredible array of nightlife being also called “the city that never sleeps”. Acapulco is a party town when the sun goes down. The world famous party scene starts late and ends early the next morning.
The nightlife scene is varied, from loud and lively discos to intimate piano bars with some incredible tropical shows thrown in to keep everyone interested. Everyone should be able to find something to to do at night in Acapulco.
The discos open late and may stay open until sunrise. Many of the bars keep the same closing hours. Dancing at one of the hillside clubs with a full view of the bay through floor-to-ceiling windowpanes is an experience unique to Acapulco.
Things to Do
Getting tired of the sea and sun, there is still plenty to do in and around Acapulco. Water sports are a way of life in Acapulco. The bay is alive with warerunners, parasailing, paddle boats, banana rides and even a beachfront water park.
There are also many air conditioned theatres, most open during the day, where you can take in the latest movies.
Acapulco is home to four championship golf courses and another 9 hole course that is located right in the tourist zone. There are abundant tennis courts and many of the hotels have their own private courts. A few of the hotels allow visitors to rent the courts.
Shopping in Acapulco
Acapulco is great for the serious shopper. There are open air markets, ocean view malls, indoor malls and specialty shops of every shape and size. Acapulco’s proximity to Taxco makes silver a serious commodity with many stores featuring the work of local artists.
The main boulevard, Costera M. Aleman, is home to the finer shops, but don’t leave without looking for some bargains in the downtown area. The downtown area has many typical local businesses and a Sears store.
The area also plays host to such American favorites as a massive Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Costco. There are also many specialty shops selling unique items, produced locally, for the home.
Mazatlan Mexico – Never Boring, Beer and Fish Capital of Mexico!
Jan 18th
Mazatlan Mexico is also known by the name “The Pearl of the Pacific”, not because it has anything to do with the pearl industry but because it’s a graceful and welcoming resort on the Pacific coast.
It’s quite an interesting city where the tourist industry is extremely developed. However, Mazatlan is not just a beach resort as many would think.
Mazatlan has a brewery that produces Mazatlan Ale, one of the most popular beers in Mexico and one of my personal favorites. A little stronger than Corona and a more full bodied ale, this beer goes great with fish and shrimp, speaking of which…
Another industry that is extremely developed in Mazatlan is the shrimp and fish industry.
The city’s shrimp fleet is considered to be the largest one in Mexico. However, most tourists only stay in the Zona Dorada and never really learn much about the industrial side of the city.
Visiting Mazatlan could never be boring no matter what you’re into, beside the wonderful beaches, restaurants and nightlife the city also offers a variety of historical sights and beautiful monuments.
There are so many monuments and statues throughout the city that it could take you an entire day to see them all.
Still, the water activities seem to have a much greater impact on the tourists here than anything else. There are so many things to do on the beach that a lot of people who come here spend their entire vacations without ever going further form their hotels.
Whether you spend your time on the beach outside your hotel or or travel around visiting the historical monuments and statues, Mazatlan is a place you’ll remember.
Another thing Mazatlan is famous for and also goes great with Mazatlan Ale, is the sport fishing. There’s great fishing here on the Pacific Coast and the variety of fish ranges from Rooster Fish, Sailfish and Mahi Mahi to bottom fish like Grouper and Snapper.
Oh, and although I’m personally not a big fan, it’s worth a mention, there’s also freshwater fishing and even great hunting from what I hear. Both of which can be arranged right from your hotel concierge.
Another thing that makes Mazatlan very popular is the fact that it hosts one of the greatest parties in the world, the Carnaval de Mazatlan. You can actually feel the Carnaval excitement start as early as November and party it’s way right through to it’s climax and crowning of the Carnaval King of Happiness and the Carnaval Queen in February!
Zona Dorada – Golden Zone
Zona Dorada or the Golden Zone is the so called tourist area where most of the hotels and the top restaurants are located.
This area is usually crowded by people day and night and it’s the most expensive and luxurious part of the city.
In the southern part of the zona dorada there is a place called Punta Sabalo. This is considered to be one of the most popular tourist attractions for both children and adults because it hosts the Fiesta Land.
The night life here is extremely loud and the entire area has been nicknamed “the party headquarters”.
You can pretty much walk to anywhere you need to get in this area and it’s fairly safe, but if you really don’t feel like walking, I highly recommend you hop in a Pulmonia!
These are open air cabs that are “pulled or carried along” by natives and they’re unique to this area, very fun and a must take picture moment.
The Historic Center
The center of the city is quite a delightful area where you can enjoy a lot of architectural beauties and also a lot of monuments and statues.
It adds a very bohemian vibe to the city and worth spending a few hours exploring.
If you’re interested in learning a lot of things about the city’s history, you should definitely take one of the city tours that will point out all the highlights of the historical area.
However, I think the best way to soak in the rich culture of a Historic city like Mazatlan is to just walk along the busy streets and pay attention to the conversations, check out what’s goin’ on in the shops, what the natives are doin’ and what they’re having for dinner… Only they know the real mysteries.
Plenty of Stuff for the Children in Mazatlan as well, so bring the kids!
Mazatlan is a city that offers a lot of activities for the little ones. The most popular places as far as the children are concerned are the baseball batting cages.
Did you know that Mazatlan also has it’s own Triple AAA rated baseball team, who knew?
There’s also a mini golf course and a huge water park that are always crowded with kids who never seem to get bored or run out of energy in these places.
Mazatlan is also home to the largest Aquarium in Mexico, obviously a great place to take the kids but one of my all time favorites as well!
If you do visit the aquarium, make sure to see the famous seal show and take a walk through the incredible botanical gardens.
The Beaches
The beaches in Mazatlan are simply breathtaking. There’s over 15 miles of coastline, most of which is easily accessible and ranges from the party beaches near the zona dorada, where most of the tourists end up, to the most remote and quiet beaches just to the north and south, which is what I prefer.
Overall, Mazatlan is a highly recommended Mexican destination, lots to do and relaxing as well.
