Car Rental Mazatlán

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Mazatlán is known as the "Pearl of the Pacific", which actually has nothing to do with pearls, and is in fact a gracious compliment to this Pacific resort city. Mazatlán is a very interesting city and embraces tourism with a zest, but Mazatlán is more than just a resort. Mazatlán is home to the Pacifico brewery, which makes one of Mexico's most popular beers. There is a local shrimp fleet which is the largest in Mexico, there is a large commercial fishing fleet as well and Mazatlán is also home to numerous other industries. If you stay where most tourists stay, Zona Dorada, you would never know Mazatlán was such an industrious city.

Mazatlán is home to great beaches, many attractions, interesting historical sites and many interesting monuments that are spread out all over the city. If you just wanted to visit the monuments and statues it would take up an entire day. The beach and the water activities associated with resort vacations are magnificent. You can have a full relaxation visit, or an adventurous, exploratory one.

Mazatlán has been known to big game fisherman worldwide for the excellent sport fishing. Mazatlán is also a base for nearby freshwater bass fishing tours. Excellent Dove, Duck and Quail hunting is readily available in the outlying areas.

Mazatlán is also home to one of the worlds greatest parties, 'Carnival'. Mazatlán during Carnival is an unforgettable experience. Carnival, usually the last week in February or the first part of March, is a 100 year old Mazatlán tradition. If you wish to visit Mazatlán during Carnival you should make your reservations very early as this giant party is no secret among the Mexicans and travelers.

Places To Visit
There are many places to visit while in Mazatlán; Zona Dorada (The Golden Zone), which is the location of most of the tourist hotels, a lot of the finer restaurants and most of the local night life; Old Mazatlán (The Historic Zone), where the area around the center of town is a great place to do some exploring and see some of the oldest buildings, as well as enjoy sidewalk cafes; For the kids, there is baseball batting cages, miniature golf course, a water park, complete with giant slides, and Mazatlan's aquarium is the largest in Mexico with many interesting exhibits and displays as well as seal shows and a tropical botanical park; Beaches, of which Mazatlán has over 15 miles, the most popular tourist beaches are located in golden zone, which is located north of Fiesta Land. Beach vendors work on all of the beaches and will offer you everything from fresh fruit to temporary tattoos, and for surfers, finding the waves is a pretty easy task in Mazatlán, just drive the length of the Malecón and you should be able to find some decent waves.

Things To Do
Not only is there many places to go, there is lots to do. Water sports include wave runners, parasailing, banana rides, Hobie Cats, sea kayaks and a water park. Sportfishing has focused worldwide attention on Mazatlán for many years. Before many of the other popular Mexican resorts were even thought of, Mazatlán was attracting big game fishermen from all over the world. If you do get tired of the sea and sun there is still plenty to do, for everyone, in Mazatlán. Everything from bull fights to Triple A baseball and much, much more. Horseback riding is notably missing in the golden zone but available on Stone Island and on an irregular basis at Playa Bruja, north of the golden zone. There is also tennis and golf to your hearts content, as well as more shopping than you could ever need. Many of the local shops feature the crafts that are so famous all over Mexico. Unique art can be found, custom made leather clothing, there are also some great buys in sporting and resort wear. And the nightlife in Mazatlán will blow you away, as it is not only acceptable to party like a pro, it is totally expected. The nightlife in Mazatlán starts late, many of the nightclubs and discos do not even open until 9 or 10 PM, and winds down early in the morning. Most of the discos in Mazatlán close around 3 or 4 AM.

Mexico Driving Tips
Many think that driving in Mexico is dangerous, but it doesn't have to be. Most Mexican drivers are actually amazingly helpful and safe, it is the roads that make things dangerous. The rumors about robberies are completely overblown - much, much less common than in the US - and the majority of tourists never have the run ins with Mexican police.

Some things to keep in mind are; don't drive top speed down the highway, and in around towns there are topes (toe-pays), which are almost invisible but very tall speed bumps, which can rip off your muffler. There are few topes on the main highway, but there are huge potholes which have the same effect. If you do break down after flying over a tope, you may want to find yourself a Green Angel.

Remember to pass with caution. Passing is the #1 cause of car accidents in Mexico. Other drivers are probably going much faster than you realize - so don't pass unless you have more than enough room. Most of the highway lacks shoulders, so there is no place to pull off except a ditch.

Don't drive at night. And this is very serious. Most of the fatality filled accidents in this area happen at night. This is for a number of reasons: cars without lights, drunk drivers, cows in the road, drunks in the road, no reflective lines on the highway, potholes, etc. Even the Green Angels don't drive around at night - too dangerous. Check driving distances to make sure you have time to reach your destination before dark.

Speed Limits

Drinking And Driving Laws In Mexico
The BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for driving in Mexico is 0.08, although if your driving is considered to be impaired by any amount of alcohol, by a police officer, they can suspend your license for 24 hours - immediately. Should you be prosecuted with a first offense for a drunk driving incident, the penalties are a minimum fine of $300, a minimum 12 month driving ban and a possible 5 year (maximum) prison sentence.

Helpful Telephone Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers you may find useful during your trip in Mexico.