Is Mazatlan a dump?
 

A response elsewhere on this board said Mazatlan was the armpit of the coastal towns. True? Does anybody like it? I've been thinking of giving it a try.

"Is Mazatlan a dump?" <BR>No more than any other flea-pit/alcohol-fueled/Gringo-ridden town withn a few hours flight of most of the USA, no.

Been to Mazatlan twice.It is authentic Mexico.I t is touristy,but not as much as other popular spots.We love it,it is our #1 Mexican destination.It is also cheaper than other places.

There we have it folks the final word from Ken, To Whit~ <BR>Touristy+Cheap="Authentic Mexico". <BR>And after 2 whole trips to Mexico he should know shouldn't he!!!

i have been to mazatlan just twice, briefly, several years ago, and while it is not my favorite coastal Mexico destination, i would not call it an armpit. <BR>I was not crazy about the newer resort beach area, which is where the big hotels like el cid are located. But i liked the downtown, with churches, theaters, markets, and just everyday life; the lovely residential area on the hill (believe it's icebox hill?); and the older beach area _ maybe called atlas? (sorry my memory is going.) The deepsea fishing was also fun, at least for a non-expert like me. Like anything else, it depends on what you're looking for; if you have more specifics on what you're looking for, someone here could probably help steer you to an appropriate place.