Half a dozen times during my contract Star visited Mazatlan. We headed to Mazatlan on Dec 21 and 28 in 2010 and Feb1,8,15 and 22 in 2011. Even after other cruise lines were shying away from its port, Star continued visiting the place. However, due to safety and security reasons during its February 22 visit, we stopped visiting the port and changed the Star itinerary.
Just south of the Tropic of Cancer is the land of Mazatlan, where excellent weather, great adventure, golf and shopping are just the beginning. Local Indians occupied the site for nearly 10,000 years. Spanish sailors discovered the region in 1531 but it wasn’t until 1820’s that the 1st permanent colony was established. It was designed to take advantage of incredible natural harbour and nearness of gold mine to Sierra Madre.
When gold played out, playtime took over as tourist begun to discover this welcoming city. Now it neatly combine the thriving industry with fun in the sun. Mazatlan may be best known for its beaches and sporting activities , but, it has much more to offer.
In the heart of downtown is the historic Old Mazatlan with dates back to 19th century. Dominating the main plaza is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion. It is best known for its unusual yellow-tilled twin steeples. Nearby is the ornate Angela Peralta Theater completed in 1874. This 841 seat Italian style theater is a natural historical monument. Many small galleries and shop are beginning to appear in Old Mazatlan but the city market with its colorful umbrellas and open areas are still the favorite place for commerce. Golden zone, on the other hand,is shopping, central Mazatlan style. The cliff divers in El Mirador and the Aztec Museums are some of the other sites to see while in Mazatlan. Many find Kayaking the best way to explore its nearby islands. Outside Mazatlan are mountain villages where artisan craft handicarfts and tiles. Concordia is known for its furniture while Capela is a historic mining town which was founded in 1565 but still suggest a long gone era/. A journey in to the Sierra Madre to experience the traditional town is a consistently familiar activity.
