Mexico Pacific Question
Jan 12th, 2008 | 05:20 AM
#2
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,880
Likes: 0
Mazatlan has an older section downtown, which is pretty bland, then a more modern "Americanized" section of newer hotels to the north ('Zona Dorada' or Golden Zone). Dunno where the cruise ship docks, probably south of town at the big marina. If you have a full day there then a day-trip into the mountains to a place like Coppola (spelling suspect, maybe another 'l' or one less 'p') with its 16th century church and silver mine is a nice diversion. Mazatlan itself is probably the dullest city of the three mentioned.
Vallarta will likely be the highlight of your cruise, the ships dock a bit north of town and you should try to get into the central zone and walk around or take a basic city tour. Even though it is now very touristy the Old Town area still has a lot of charm, more than the city parts of Mazatlan and Cabo.
All of these are 'cheesy' where there are vendors selling loud T-shirts and blankets and funny hats to tourists off the cruise ship, but it's easy to avoid those spots and most people enjoy visiting these towns (we've been to Cabo many times, 4x to Vallarta, 3x to Mazatlan).
Bill
Vallarta will likely be the highlight of your cruise, the ships dock a bit north of town and you should try to get into the central zone and walk around or take a basic city tour. Even though it is now very touristy the Old Town area still has a lot of charm, more than the city parts of Mazatlan and Cabo.
All of these are 'cheesy' where there are vendors selling loud T-shirts and blankets and funny hats to tourists off the cruise ship, but it's easy to avoid those spots and most people enjoy visiting these towns (we've been to Cabo many times, 4x to Vallarta, 3x to Mazatlan).
Bill
Jan 12th, 2008 | 06:52 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,197
Likes: 12
Vallarta is gorgeous!! It sits on the Bay of Banderas, surrounded by lush jungles and mountains.
The area around where the cruise ship docks is touristy and not particularly attractive. So grab a bus or taxi and get into the heart of the Old Town, where you'll find the red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, ornamental wrought iron, gardens, bouganvilla...
The area around where the cruise ship docks is touristy and not particularly attractive. So grab a bus or taxi and get into the heart of the Old Town, where you'll find the red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, ornamental wrought iron, gardens, bouganvilla...
Jan 12th, 2008 | 08:31 PM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,197
Likes: 12
true, Cabo is the every bit as "touristy" as the other two places
As far as which is most "beautiful" guess that's in the eyes of the beholder.
I prefer Vallarta because it is more green, lush and tropical looking. While Cabo sits on the tip of a desert peninsula and is more dramatic and harsh looking.
As far as which is most "beautiful" guess that's in the eyes of the beholder.
I prefer Vallarta because it is more green, lush and tropical looking. While Cabo sits on the tip of a desert peninsula and is more dramatic and harsh looking.
