A walk to the colonial era

Factsheet 4×1

Date: 05/12/2012 to 07/12/2012

Path: We crossed the Sea of ​​Cortez by ferry. After a night in Mazatlan, we take Mazatlan-Tepic highway until the exit to Puerto Vallarta.

Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta - Um passeio a colonial epoch

Our passage to the other side of Mexico could not get better. Towns more than welcoming with historical centers that still have remnants of the colonial period. Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta are jewels of Mexican Pacific coast, you just hear talk in Canada on the glamour cities like Cancun and Los Cabos.

Mazatlan - Uma late in the nineteenth century

Despite a coastline 20 km long, clipped by a variety of beaches and resorts, which draws attention in Mazatlán is its historic center. Renovations made in the decade of 80, become the 'Old Mazatlán' a truly unique.

The first stop was the Cathedral City, dating from the nineteenth century. His yellow brick towers guarding an interior decorated in all details. The church is in the midst of a omercial center with numerous shops and street stalls.

We went for the traditional Carnival street corner with Constitución, where is charming Plazuela Machado. The square is surrounded by art galleries, e cafés restaurantes. The showy trees and aligned to give a touch more to the place. A trip to the Machado House, a museum that preserves colonial furniture and also has a bit of history of the city, that has emerged as an important trading post with its harbor. From the second floor of the house has a beautiful panoramic view of Plazuela Machado.

The tour ended with a drive from the edge of Playa Olas Altas, now toward Zona Dorada, where are the beach resorts. The path offers beautiful views of the old buildings on the seafront.

Puerto Vallarta - Live in Virgem de Guadalupe

Chegamos em Puerto Vallarta na certain date. It was time for feasts of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The city was full and very busy streets. Near the jetty, a stage was set for musical performances. In the streets, the various parishes of the city were procession to the Cathedral of Guadalupe, immediately opposite the Main Square. The processions brought music and dance typical, as well as some festive attire. The energy in the city infected with this great first impression.

A few hours on the streets of Vallarta and already see why it is the capital gay Mexico. Homosexual couples are in every corner of the city. Several bars and restaurants carried the flag of gay pride as a way to show friendly (gay-friendly); others took up this written expression. We wondered if people thought we were part of the team, after all were a bunch of men walking together forever. But anyway, we do not have any problem and even had fun with it.

The next day seize the center again. We had lunch at a stall of fish tacos (Marisma Fish Tacos), our favorite food of Mexico, before following the walk. We spent time in front of the arches opposite the Plaza Principal Catedralda, letting time pass and walk through the charming jetty. Strolled Isla Río Cuale also by, where the ancient inhabitants of the city construíram their first homes. Today it houses a museum and several local craft shops.

For dinner, we recommend the super El Mole de Jovita on Badillo Street. The restaurant has the famous mole specialty poblana. Despite being a more traditional dish of the region of Puebla, the sympathetic restaurant owner sold his plate as the best in Mexico. He, his mother was there in a small town on the mainland and sent it to all fresh. We could not deny, the dish was a delight, e foia melhor mole que comemos no México. For those unaware, the mole is a sauce based cocoa and other thirty-odd spices, very traditional in Mexico. Worth a try!

The day ended in party at one of the bars jetty. As in Cabo San Lucas, the bars had gringo guy and really was what you saw out there. It was a fun night.

The passage of these two beautiful cities was like a trip to the colonial era, with a hint of modernity, especially in the nightlife options! An interesting side of Mexico continental, we were getting to know.

For more photos of Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, click here!