Mazatlan, the Pearl of the Pacific coast, Mexico

PHOTO ALBUM- – >>. https://photos.app.goo.gl/m9qFqvuqpdpAUqms5

Leaving, out we go ….

Just a couple of days after having Aeeshah’s bottom job completed we headed out of the marina zone of Mazatlan. Our destination were the Islas Pajaros.

There we had a practice on our new paddle boards. We were both quite happy with the new boards and enjoyed a hour of paddling around Aeeshah. Of course the crowds arrived and so we decided to head to a new anchorage.

Below is the same sunset from differing angles, just amazing skies!

Into main harbour anchorage

Along the way we passed several islands, the one with the lighthouse looked very interesting with its viewing platform at the top by the lighthouse. It turned out that it once was an island but now, due to a Malecom, the southern most hill within the city — it sits 523 feet above high tide.

The anchorage itself was quite ordinary, several other cruising boats were anchored plus a number of local boats. We anchored at the back of the field.

We read that ashore there was a convenient dock at Club Nautico.

John went to ready the dingy for us to get ashore, but the dinghy engine was not cooperative.

Dinghy engine wows

The dinghy engine would not start, so John knowing it was the carburetor took it off and set to work. Yep he got it going, we went ashore and then had to paddle back due to the engine dying again. This happened every day for several days, until John finally resolved the problem. By then we had ordered 2 new carburetors plus had decided one more engine problem and we leave…… But thank goodness John managed to patch it up.

Mazatlan market, Centro and cathedral

Our first venture ashore we headed into the very rustic Club Nautico dock, tied up went ashore and met the security fellow and all of his cats and dogs. He cares for 6 dogs and over 30 cats, such a good soul.

Right outside the gate we got a taxi and headed into Centro. The majority of taxis are open with shade canopies atop, many are restored Volkswagen cars.

They really are so comfortable to ride in. In the Centro we started our explorations.

Miguel Hidalgo Municipal Market

1st stop was the market, the Miguel Hidalgo Municipal Market We both enjoy markets there are so many sights to see and the atmosphere is always fun. Of course this is where to buy your fruit and vegetables.

This central market was first started in 1954 on donated land, for the locals to be able to sell produce. It is a lively market offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats, plus some prepared foods, and of course the regular tourist items.

Centro Parque:

We walked around the Centro’s lovely shady, park. Again enjoying the atmosphere of this city.

Basilica Cathedral of Mazatlan

From there we headed to the Basilica Cathedral of Mazatlan.

This cathedral has very impressive architecture, in a Baroque-Revival style of Sinaloa, Mexico. Its history says that work on the temple began in 1856 by order of then Bishop. A later, parish priest Miguel Lacarra took over the work and it was completed 1899. The temple-like basilica was consecrated 12 December 1941.

The inside is stunning! I guess for me it was all the colour tones complemented by the mix of stonework apertures. There was a lady singing a lovely Spanish song, folks worshiping and the whole atmosphere was peaceful.

We set off next towards the waterfront where there was:

The Malecon (that we had read about):

Mazatlan boasts a vibrant and extensive seafront, featuring the world’s longest oceanfront boardwalk, the Malecon. This is a 13-mile stretch along the sea front offering stunning ocean views plus public access to various beaches.

The Malecon proved to be wonderful! The views across the stretch and beaches, the colours and the wonderful sea breeze made this a stunning walk.

Mazatlan boasts about its beaches for a good reason, they are wonderfully white unlike many we had seen elsewhere.

There were surfers enjoying the surf, folks sunning themselves, kids playing on a lovely beach and these beaches continue for many, many miles. We walked a short stretch of the Malecon and came upon:

Liverpool Street

was a surprise for us. This alley is a replica of England’s Liverpool Street, which honors one of the best musical bands of all time The Beatles. The statues of the Beatles are a monument to the members of this group, along with the Yellow Submarine, the British phone booth and the Caravan Club.

From there we headed along a short stretch of the Malecon to a very nice restaurant where we were able to sit outside and enjoy our lunch plus the surroundings.

Another day set out from Club Nautico on a walk along a stretch of the Malecon. We both loved the views, they were stunning.

We saw where the zip-line riders land after leaving the distant lighthouse, quite a ride!

Plus all along the Malecon are viewing platforms, wonderful historic statues and colourful murals.

One sight that was somewhat fascinating was Cueva del Diablo, the Devil’s Cave.

There are many legends about this cave, ranging from that it was used by pirates to keep their treasures; to the story that says the devil was released inside when work was done at the foot of the hill, to make the boardwalk /Malecon longer, and the workers claimed that the devil was heard inside.

However, the only truth that has been documented is that it served as a dynamite deposit when the Olas Altas jetty was built, and it was the smell of sulfur that came out of that tunnel that led to the baptism of La Cueva Del Diablo.

We continued our wander into the Centro and enjoyed a yummy lunch.

Walk along the pier

Another day, we took a short walk along the pier opposite our anchorage. We had daily watched ships entering the harbour, through the breakwater into our anchorage.

And we had seen from Aeeshah how tight it looked. The pier wasn’t very scenic, but as we were strolling along we were able to watch a car ship enter and could see up close just how tight the entrance can be.

El Faro Lighthouse

Next came the big climb to the top of the El Faro Lighthouse

We read it is about a 40 minute climb, (John took 40mins, I took 45mins), fairly steep, hike from the bottom of the hill to the top of El Faro.

The first half has a wide crushed gravel trail. There are stops with look outs at each of the bends in the trail.

The views are stunning!! I also saw several “wild” cats along the way. They each had water dishes and food trays so obviously someone supports the kitties.

Also spied a few lizards, one being on a very prickly cactus.

The top half of the climb has stairs, about 350 of them.

The stairs are numbered, by 100s so you have an idea about how close you are to the top!

The views continued to be amazing, but it was also quite hot. We became quite familiar with some of the other older climbers, giving each other encouragement and enjoying any shade we could find along the way.

Finally the top was in sight!! Phew! That was some climb!

At the top we took in the views from all around the lighthouse. There is a great view of the city and anchorage where Aeeshah awaited our return.

Next we took our turn on the glass platform.

Glass platforms are quite thrilling as they give the sense of being suspended above an enormous drop. Enjoying the breeze on the platform and the beautiful views our 20 minutes passed very quickly.

We had thought of taking the zip-line down, but at $75 each it did not seem worth it. Mind you it really looked to be a thrilling ride, but we have done many zips before.

.Down we walked, it was easier, but harder on my knee. However the views were a great distraction.