Mazatlan is Mexico's largest port on the Pacific side. We arrived a couple of days early to tour around the city and swim in the Pacific Ocean. You can click the photo for a larger panorama.
Mazatlan is Mexico's largest port on the Pacific side. We arrived a couple of days early to tour around the city and swim in the Pacific Ocean. You can click the photo for a larger panorama.
The Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción is in the old part of town near the market. Of course it translates as the "Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception". Hmmmm....Although Mazatlan was founded by Spanish explorer Nuno de Guzman in 1531, it was previously inhabited by the native Totarames who mysteriously vanished centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards. This particular cathedral was not constructed until the latter half of the 19th century.
Scooters are a popular form of transportation in Mazatlan and, as you can see, they are sold alongside kitchen appliances. This one has a 110 cc 4-stroke single and the manufacturer claims it makes 2.3 hp and has a terminal velocity of 80 kph (about 49 mph). I'm not sure how this can be. Early Honda Trail 90's had a similar engine and were rated at 7 hp with a similar top speed. Maybe that enclosed drive train is the secret...
Mazatlan has a waterfront sidewalk that runs for over 15 miles non-stop. This is the southern end, most of it is sandy beach.
Jeff looks like he can hardly wait for the motorcycles to arrive.
He looks happy now! The two GS650's were equipped with dual-sport tires, 80% street/20% dirt.
The black one is a 2002 and the yellow one a 2004. The 2002 has the dual-spark engine, both have anti-lock brakes. We were both looking forward to riding some mountain roads. Around 1 pm our fearless guide Oscar led us out of town, quite rapidly, as if the cops were in hot pursuit. I could tell this wasn't going to be a boring tour.
Page 2 Mazatlan to Copper Canyon