MAZATLAN was our first Port-of-call. It is a charming seaside
city despite its size - over 400,000 people.
It was founded in 1531. The name means "place of the deer" in the
Nahuatl language. German immigrants made the site a major seaport in the 1800s, and it
remains Mexico's second largest seaport today.
The center of the city is dominated by a beautiful Cathedral.
Not far away, running along the coast, is a highway along which are
found cliffs (with divers) and several impressive sculptures.
North of the city is the resort area, with its hotels and many
jewelry stores. Here we attended the Papantla Flyers' Show - with its
music, dances, and aerial acrobats soaring 70 feet above the crowds.
Mazatlan boasts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the
world. The colors and warmth of Mazatlan were wonderful.
The slideshow contains 13 photos of our visit to Mazatlan.
Press the buttons to circulate through the pictures.
As we entered the harbor, we saw the lighthouse that is the
highest in the world - the El Faro. Diane was on deck for the
morning arrival.
We visited the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. We
visited the coast and saw the divers make their heroic jump into
8 feet of sea below.
Then off to the Papantla Flyers' Show. The "flyers" are
renowned Papantla Indians who put on quite a show. They
celebrate the colorful life of Mazatlan, including the Carnaval.