EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Explore the heart and soul of Mazatlan and be amazed by Mexico´s ancient culture and Post-Hispanic era. Your tour will begin by stopping at Vigia Hill for a perfect view of the world’s highest natural Lighthouse, offshore islands and Mazatlan’s scenic coast line. Then, ride through the city’s historic center for a visit to the 19th-century cathedral. Take a short drive to see the famous cliff divers. Next, enjoy a show at the Spectaculare Theatre, the history of Mexico with a semblance of Mayan rituals and their prophecies combined with the most representative folkloric dances. A complimentary drink will be offered at the show venue. After the show, you’ll have some free time to shop in the Golden Zone.

Your tour begins with an interesting ride along Mazatlan’s oceanfront for a view of the lighthouse and offshore islands. Continue into the heart of the old downtown for a short visit to the imposing cathedral before a stop at a waterfront rocky promontory to view the brave cliff divers.

You’ll have time to browse or shop at the Golden Zone before heading for a resort for an afternoon of swimming, sunning and relaxing, where you’ll also enjoy a delightful lunch with a colorful Mexican folkloric show. Your escort will guide you to a place to change and show you where lunch will be served.

The return to your ship will be by taxi in groups of four.

Hop on the Fun Bus for an open-air, sky view of Mazatlan. This roofless bus offers you a convenient way to discover this destination. Stop at key points for pictures, slow down at others so you get more than a passing glimpse. Pass by some highlights such as the cliff divers who soar from their towering perch into a tiny dot of water, and the 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral is just one block from the public market in the heart of the downtown area. You’ll see colorful buildings from the Golden Age of European architecture in the Historic District as well as the Golden Zone Shopping Center located in the hotel area. Here at the Golden Zone Shopping Center you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time to browse and shop through the numerous craft and jewelry shops before returning back to your ship.

Are you ready to try Mexican salsa, margaritas and learn how to dance the Salsa? Then this tour is for you. Upon arrival at one of Mazatlan’s beachfront resorts, you’ll learn the art of making the best Mazaritas “Mazatlan Margaritas” in town and experience a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn about spices and make a variety of sassy salsas while snacking on fresh cheese quesadillas and chicken taquitos. After your cooking lesson, get ready for some real fun. A salsa instructor will show you step by step, the moves and swings of the salsa. By the end of the tour, you’ll be ready for the dance floor and armed with fantastic recipes. After the class, you’ll have the choice to relax on the beach, enjoy one of the hotel’s pools, or shop at the stores of the Golden Zone which is just a short stroll from the resort.

Enjoy a day of fun in the sun at one of Mazatlan’s most well-known beach resorts set right in the heart of the Golden Zone. Take an approximate 30-minute bus ride to the Golden Zone where your resort and all its amenities await. At the resort, your tour escort who will show you all the facilities that are yours to enjoy for the day, including the resort’s five swimming pools and beautiful beach. Learn about the myriad of optional activities that the resort has to offer. Enjoy two complimentary beverages and a delicious Mexican buffet lunch prepared by the resort’s chef.

A day of tranquility on the unspoiled Stone Island awaits you. Board a catamaran for a 25-minute cruise to Stone Island and pass by the Pacifico Brewery, the naval base and the fishing and shrimp fleet along the harbor. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported via a typical tractor-pulled cart, that will take you, on a bumpy ride, to the soft waves, and natural landscape which makes Stone Island an isolated and relaxed environment.

For nearly three hours you’re free to enjoy its unspoiled beaches that stretch for over 12 miles. For included optional activities, when available, you can take a relaxing trek atop a carriage pulled by horse or ride a horse while admiring the abundant palm trees cultivated by ejido farmers or just enjoy a swim in the clear Pacific Ocean.

An island style lunch of fish, chicken, quesadillas served with refried beans, Mexican rice, salad and Mexican sauces, is served in a rustic thatched roof restaurant. Beer, soft drinks, bottled water and domestic drinks are included.

OVERVIEW

Ride an open-air trolley through Old Town and hop off at attractions where the city’s history comes to life. Being on the coast, Mazatlán has long revolved around the sea as you will discover at the Monument to the Fisherman, a statue by the large, multi-colored letters that spell “Mazatlán”. Nearby, you will see street vendors selling freshly caught shrimp and pause to watch daring cliff divers leap into the crashing ocean 50 feet below. Playa Olas Atlas – Mazatlán's Old beach front (not recommended to swim)– helped fuel its early tourism in the 1950s and is still a popular draw. Even so, Old Town’s attractions aren’t all water related. The trolley will also allow time for shopping and to visit the twin-spired 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral. From Watchman’s Hill, you will see why the Spaniards found Mazatlán's natural harbor so appealing when they established a settlement there nearly 500 years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through Old Town on a trolley for an outstanding overview of Mazatlán.
• Drop by the Fisherman’s Monument and pass by the city’s Old Beachfront..
• Admire architectural treasures such as the 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
• Watch cliff-divers perform death-defying leaps into the sea.
• Snap a selfie at the sign that spells “Mazatlán” in large colorful letters by the Fisherman´s Monument.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes and a hat.

Adrenaline will be pulsing through your veins after experiencing this canopy adventure. Situated approximately one hour outside of Mazatlan, the sprawling La Vinata Los Osuna plantation, where blue agave is grown and processed into tequila, is home to this exhilarating tour. Once you step off of your motorcoach, you'll be transported into a world that will take your breath away. The fun begins with the drive from the valley floor into the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain range that surround the plantation. From here, the action really begins. You'll get a thorough briefing on the techniques and safety measures used during your canopy adventure by a certified staff member who will provide you with equipment of the highest quality. A series of 11 platforms with 8 zip lines, a flex-walk bridge and nature trek await you. The course provides extraordinary views of the plantation's diverse flora and fauna while soaring above the valley floor. Back at base station, where Guides will help you to rid of the equipment, a snack of quesadillas and fresh apples will be offered. Before returning to your ship, if time permitted, you'll have time to visit the Los Osuna blue agave distillery. You’ll see how this popular liqueur is produced and be able to taste it as well.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise seas off Mazatlan in a sleek triple-hulled trimaran and enjoy an array of water activities while anchored off Deer Island. While cruising along the coast with a refreshing mimosa in hand, you will pass Bird Island, part of a pristine ecological reserve that is protected from development. Similarly, only wildlife inhabits larger Deer Island, which also lies within the reserve. Depending on where the trimaran drops anchor, you may spot seabirds, pods of dolphin and seals along the coast. You will be free to enjoy the crystal-clear waters as you please. You might take a leisurely dip, float around on a swim noodle, paddle off in a kayak and bask in the sun while stretched out on a water mat. All the gear is available on board as is a box lunch whenever you get hungry. The open bar will make the adventure all the more enjoyable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the tropical views while sailing along the coast in a triple-hulled trimaran.
• Engage in all sorts of water activities while anchored off uninhabited Deer Island.
• Enjoy a box lunch on board and an open bar throughout the cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Come and enjoy one of Mazatlán’s greatest treasures, its shrimp! A short drive from the pier will take you to the exclusive residence of Villa de la Cruz, where your shrimp fest will begin. The backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the ocean, city and ships harbor will set the mood for your afternoon. Gracing the mountainside of Cerro de la Cruz, this lush private residence will be the setting for your afternoon of world famous shrimp, Mexican hospitality and live music.

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of freshly caught shrimp prepared three different ways – coco-nut shrimp, beer batter fried shrimp and shrimp fajitas. Chips, salsa and guacamole will also be served along with an open bar of margarita’s and local beer. You can either return to your ship or be dropped off at the historical downtown district of Mazatlan and return to the ship on your own.

Rising behind Mazatlan is the Sierra Madre range of mountains, which separates the coastal area of Mexico from the interior. Rich in mineral wealth and extremely rugged, these mountains have become the subject of spectacular legends. Your exploration will take you from historic Mazatlan to the Durango Highway, stopping at a brickyard where adobe bricks are handmade and fired, much as they have been for several centuries. On your next stop, meet a village family home bakery with a chance to try some typical Mexican sweet bread baked in an adobe oven. A short drive along the foothills of the Sierra Madre will take you to another colonial village full of history, Concordia, famous for its wooden furniture making, where you’ll visit a 230-year old church. Visit an old furniture workshop and a potter’s home who produces roof tiles, jars, flowerpots and dishes typical of this region. A scenic drive of the Sierra Madre will take you to the village of Copala, once a thriving Spanish gold mining town founded in 1565, where you’ll take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets. See Colonial houses, the jail and a spectacular church dating back to the early 18th century and enjoy a delightful lunch of Mexican food at a local restaurant. Back at Mazatlan´s Ship Terminal, you will still have time to browse and shop before taking the shuttle back to your ship.

Your journey starts with a short "Auriga" ride, an open-air converted pick-up truck, to the city’s main square. Your walking tour begins at the site of the Post Office and the 19th-century Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Explore into the heart of the Historical Center of Mazatlán, strolling through its narrow streets, while your guide informs you about the area’s history and learn about old houses along the way. See where once the “Grand Hotel” was and now the House of Music. Visit the magnificent and recently restored to its original European style “Angela Peralta” Opera House, named in honor of the world-famous Mexican opera singer. Walking through these cobblestone streets, you´ll arrive to the Old beachfront called “Olas Altas” aligned with bars, coffee shops and restaurants. As you continue your way to a rocky promontory to watch the local cliff divers who jump into a scant 8 feet of water, you’ll learn about several monuments on this beach promenade.

Your walking tour ends at one of the local restaurants, where a complimentary refreshment and some salsa & chips will be served, before proceeding back to your ship. You have the option to return directly to your ship on a complimentary transportation or take a taxi at your own expense to the Golden Zone for some shopping. If you decide to go to the Golden Zone, it will be your responsibility to get back to your ship on time.