Travelling to Mazatlan: Part 3: Things to DO: Huana Coa canopy adventure

As I mentioned in yesterdays post about the tequila tour - on the same property in foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains awaits the Huana Coa canopy adventure (aka zip lining!)

 

 

 

This zip-line tour/course consists of nine runs totaling 1 mile and divided up between 12 platforms mounted in trees and hills of the semi-desert tropical jungle.

Upon arrival, (and the zip lining is BEFORE the tequila tour - although a shot or two would have been nice to alleviate the jitters hah) we were given a small locker to stow our valuables (purses, etc) before the guides fit us with our zip lining gear - a body harness, helmet and heavy duty leather gloves. 

As we has discussed taking part in this trip prior to coming out and knew we would want to take photos, I had purchased a cheap (don't judge me) fanny pack.  Yes, it looked dorky, but it was perfect to tuck my camera into.. (and for the record, you don't see it on me in the photos as it conveinently was too large for my waist and had to be worn by one of my friends. Whooops hah).  Otherwise, I would only recommend ONLY taking a camera along if you have a VERY secure pocket (IE zipped) to tuck it into. 

 

After being fitting, we were loaded up into an old school army vehicle called a Pinzgau, a Swiss-terrain vehicle that eased up the side of the foothills along a VERY narrow and steep dirt path - THAT alone was an adventure! 

 



After a short walk, the guides gave us an explanation of what the techniques and safety measures such as hand placement were, along with descriptions of the hand gestures from the guides, more safety, etc.. I am pretty sure I absorbed 2% of it, as I was too busy being petrified.. Did I mention one of my biggest fears is heights? 

 

From there, we were divided up into smaller groups and led to begin our journey!

 

 

I should mention, the platforms are about 50 feet off the ground!  Eeep!  Though I was petrified for the first run, I honestly felt safe as the guides really put you at ease with their professionalism (they each have over 200 hrs of training) mixed with humor... and the fact they double check the lines EVERY run and are there to help if need be.

The above photo is a look of terror, I think :-)

 Remember how I said the guides are there to help?  Below would be a such a situation - THAT would be a photo of me stuck in the MIDDLE of the line as apparently when you are light, you do not fly with as much ease while doing the one hand on the line technique.  Yup.

 

Once we reached the end of the lines (about 2 hrs later) we finished with straight rappel down to ground level.. Again, a look of terror on my face.



 

All in all, I had a blast!  I would HIGHLY recommend checking out Huana Coa.  Even though I was initially terrified, this was a highlight of my trip, for sure!

 





Website: http://huanacoa.s462.sureserver.com/

Travelling to Mazatlan: Part 3: Things to DO: Los Osuna Tequila distillary

How can you go to Mexico and NOT have some tequila?  C'mon! 

I have to say before going to Mexico, I was not a fan of tequila.  The cheap crap I had grown used to at home turned my stomach and pretty much tasted like paint thinner to me.. well, what I would assume paint thinner would taste like as I am also not in the habit of drinking paint thinner... but yeah, I digress... basically, I did not like tequila.

However, I am also one to say "When in Rome!" (or Mexico as it may be) and tried the local tequila.

Hello, Tequila!  Where have you been all of my life?  Good tequila is smooth and has a crisp woody taste.  IT is meant to be sipped, not shot and chased with a lime (but don't worry, there are good tequilas that are also enjoyed perfectly well that way)

The last time I was in Mazatlan, I had to chance to book a chartered trip to visit the Los Osuna Tequila Distillery and see first hand (and taste!) how tequila is made - from the harvesting of blue agave plants RIGHT on the property, to the bottling!

Located about 45 min outside of Mazatlan, this is one of those trips that is worth the time & cost (We were able to get a group deal - about $60 US for the 45 min tour which included transportation, the tequila tour AND the zip lining on site - more about THAT later)

Meet your tequila... THAT is agave!

Cooking/baking the agave pinas in this oven, before they are crushed to extract the liquid

 

 

Turning the agave into liquor!  The above mentioned liquid is fermented then distilled

 

Actual oak barrels aging the tequila

The guide explaining about the different types of tequila.  We were taught about the types, invited to taste them and learnt how you experience different notes of the tequila depending on which nostril you sniff from.  Like wine, you can tell a lot about tequila by the notes and legs. 

 

 

I actually had no idea there were different types of tequila:
Plata (silver) which is a clear/light colored drink aged less than 45 days.  Gold tequila is silver tequila with coloring added.
Reposado tequila that has been aged between 60 days and 11 months.
Anejo tequila aged at least one year in wood, and Extra Anejo is aged three years in wood.

Cool, right?

And the end of the tour?  ALL you can drink tequila!  Aye, dios mios!

 There is also a gift shop on site where you can purchase a bottle or two of this lovely tequila for a reasonable price!  So all in all, a trip you should look into if you find yourself in Mazatlan!

Travelling to Mazatlan: Part 3: Things to DO: Central Market

Now, if you are like me, as much fun as it is to lounge by the pool/on the beach with a good read & cold drink, it's even more fun to actually get out and DO things when on vacation, right?

Right! 

One of the most interesting things I have done while in Mazatlan was visit the over 100 yr old big central market (El Mercado Pino Suarez) in the heart of the historic old town Mazatlan.

WHY would you want to go to the market when you are on holidays?  Well, this is not your basic grocery store (and for the record, I REALLY enjoyed going to the Mega mart which IS basically a Mexican Super Target - I may have looked like a nut taking photos of cereal, but it was neat to see what a different culture has) - for starters, everything in this massive open air marker is pretty much brought in fresh DAILY.  Looking around you will see fresh baking, produce, meats, and seafood ready for purchase.... The top floor boasts small informal restaurants with VERY reasonably priced meals.

AND when I said you SEE everything- I am warning this is not for the squeamish as I, the hardcore vegetarian, stared down rows of pig heads and beef carcasses - all out in the open at the carniceria's (butchers) stalls which also turns my everything-MUST-be-In-The-Fridge-North American stomach. Different culture, different ways of doing things...

Throw some gifts, housewares, clothing, shoes, and food/snacks into the mix and you have the Central Market!  Basically anything you could possibly need, minus appliances!

Rows upon rows of stalls of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and trinkets

 

 

 Next to those rows you will find the food stalls selling cheap meals

Surrounding the restaurant vendors, you will find stalls selling produce, spices, etc

 

 

 

The Carniceria's with the butchers preparing cuts in front of you

 

 

I am not sure if you can see the prices - less than 1-2 pesos for a packaged container of the freshest fruit/veggies you will find! We snagged a few of these containers for snacks.  Most of them come with a lime to squeeze over the fruit/veggies and a chili seasoning to go on top.  It sounds strange, but it's a GREAT combo!

 

 The market is a quick bus ride or taxi away from the Golden zone.  I'd highly recommend carrying smaller billed pesos for this shopping trip as opposed to US bills, and be aware I did not see any credit card machines in the vendors stalls.  As well, if you have a little resuable shopping bag, this would be handy to carry your purchases in..

A word to the wise is also that the vendors in the non food sections can be a tad pushy.  It can be a little overwhelming when you have someone following you down the aisle OUT of their stall trying to get you to purchase items.  It can be a little intimidating!

All in all - I really enjoyed venturing down to the market on previous trips and am very much looking forward to going back to explore further!

.......today.....

Today is not a great day...

I've worked so hard this year to be positive; be happy... and as a whole, I've succeeded.  It's been a good year so far.

Today... Not so much.. Last night a nagging feeling of 'blah' came over me.  I didn't want to go to work today... and yeah, the evening just progressed into 'blah'.

The inevitable lovey lovey day tomorrow makes me feel quite lonley.. and yeah, I checked up on the ex (who I still miss, stupidly) and saw his new PoF profile.  Yeah.. made me feel even crummier.  I don't understand my addiction to him - why do I love someone who clearly does not love me back? If anyone can explain to me why I cannot break free of this, please give me some insight...

Try as I might tonight, I cannot help but shed MANY tears - something I haven't done in ages - and feel myself falling apart.

So with that, at 9 pm, I am going to crawl into bed and send some prayers out into the universe for this crap mood to pass.

Travelling to Mazatlan: Part 2 Azteca Inn

So, yesterday I introduced you to the glorious Las Flores hotel.  Today, I am introducing you to the other hotel I stayed in - Azteca Inn.

 

 

 

This 2 1/2 star 3 floor, 74 room hotel is located in the Golden Zone (down the street and across the road from Las Flores).  Very much a place for the budget conscious traveller to look into.  It is a no frill hotel room(simple rooms - two beds, nightstands, a dresser and a TV) to say the least.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Azteca has a decent sized pool (that was comfortable in temperature and clean) as well as hot tub situated in the center of the courtyard - which made it a little noisy at times in the room when it was full, but nothing terrible.

 

 

 





 

At the front of the hotel is a little restaurant which serves breakfast ONLY at a decent price.  Also in the courtyard is a little bar - that I personally found to be too stuffy to want to sit in for a long period of time, but cute and nice if you want to grab a drink by the pool.

 

 



The cons to Azteca? 

* Location.  While it IS in the Golden Zone, it is not on the side of the street as the ocean.  Is that a con?  Sorta.  It's not a big deal to cross the street and pass through another hotel to get to the beach, but it is not as convenient. 

* Frills.  Again, this is a no frill place.  Don't expect anything amazing.  It's a place to lay your head.

* The restaurant.  The service was poor.  Only open for breakfast. 

* NO option of doing an All Inclusive if that is what you are looking for.

* NO option of really keeping food in the room (verses going out to eat) as there is no fridge.

 

The pros to Azteca?

* Cleanliness.  While Las Flores was clean, Azteca is immaculate.  The housekeeping gals were AMAZING - they actually went out of their way to say thank you for tipping them.  How sweet is that? 

* Comfort - we didn't use the air conditioning once as the ceiling fan was so powerful it cooled us off more than enough to be comfortable!

* Sleeping - the beds (while being hard - which is apparently just a Mexican thing) were comfy.

* Price.  Azteca was significantly cheaper than Las Flores - and while it is no frills, what you are lacking (IE a balcony over looking the ocean) if not a huge deal. 

* Free wifi!  How can you go wrong? :-)

* Security - at night the front entrance to the courtyard (the walk way under the 'Inn' in the first photo) is gated off and has a security guard present.

 

All in all, you COULD pay a little more for something fancier, but for someone on a budget - this is a perfect location!  Comfortable, safe, clean and convenient.  Win win in my books!

 

 

 

 



Travelling to Mazatlan: Part 2 Las Flores hotel!

Hotels!  The two times (and this upcoming one) I have been to Mazatlan, I booked a hotel/flight package through a site.  I found this to be a VERY convenient option - a lot easier to book both as once and cheaper to boot! 

I've stayed in two different hotels - Las Flores and Azteca Inn.  This upcoming time, I am returning to Azteca.  Needless to say, I am not a real expect in hotel recommendations but I would still like to give you a little run down of what to expect with these the first hotel I stayed at:

Las Flores

 

This 3 star 119 room hotel is located on the beach right in the heart of the Golden Zone! Location, location, location!  One of the BIG draws for Las Flores is very much it's perfect location.

 

While this IS an older hotel, it is well maintained and very clean.

 

We were originally in a studio kitchentte and got upgraded to a suite with kitchenette as the air conditioning in our room was not working (and really was not in the second room - the staff brought us up a fan which was enough to cool down the room).  Nice little kitchen area - the fridge was NOT cold and had to be replaced.. twice.

 

It was nice though to have a little fridge as we went grocery shopping for snacks.  We also had access to a toaster, blender, coffee maker and stove.  We didn't use the stove, but everything else was put to good use!

 

 

The view from the balcony is AMAZING!  I mean amazing!

The hotel has two (cold) pools and a hot tub - but being steps from the beach, we didn't really utilize them. Who needs a pool when you have an entire ocean to swim in?  But for the record, they were also well maintained, and very clean. 



 

 

 

The hotel also features a nice restaurant (the food was GOOD, but not excellent) and bar.  The bar has some pretty great outdoor karaoke in the evening as well. Heh. 

 

 

 

The pros?  As mentioned, the location and the view!  There is something amazing about sitting in the morning on the balcony watching the sunrise over the ocean with a cup of coffee!  Cleanliness - very much so.  Our room was spotless every day.  No complaints!

 

The cons? The staff are wonderful - but a tad slow to respond to complaints.  We are not ones to complain, honest.  The AC though was non existent - to the point we couldn't sleep it was so stuffy.  If we left the balcony door open to get some air in, we ended up with a room of fish fly like bugs.  Even with the upgrade to a room with apparent working AC, it was hot.  Also the beds are rock hard and we had to call and ask multiple times for some pads they keep in stock.  Really not huge cons. 

 

All in all, a great place to stay for the location!

Travelling to Mazatlan: Part 1 the airport, money & transport

So, there is just over a month to go until I embark on my solo trip to Mazatlan! 

As it nears, I have been researching a few different activities to partake in, and I also decided to share with you what a trip to Mazatlan is like and what there is to do!

The first experience you will have with Mazatlan is the airport.  Strangely, THIS is what is worrying me the most about traveling alone - navigating the airport alone.  Funny, right? 

Sometimes a girl needs a little self photo action to document the fun!

 



From my last few trips to Mazatlan, I recall the airport to be a little confusing. You travel through various custom/check points where your bags are searched.  Beware of the time share/excursion folks! After you pass through yet another baggage search, you will be led right past or to a desk where people will try to sell you timeshares/excursions/transportation at crazy rates or that you may not even want.  Luckily, the sellers are not always overly pushy and will accept your politely decline and walking away as an answer.  If you ARE looking for excursions, your hotel can offer you better rates/packages or arrange trips from home - we arranged a price for a tour prior and snagged a deal.  These sellers may not sound like a big deal - but a little overwhelming to a first time traveller. 

There are a few ATMs located on the ground floor - I found this is a pretty safe place to withdraw pesos.  The rate is very reasonable, there is little risk of being mugged as the airport is very secure with guards, and it's convenient.  I have used my Canadian debit card with no problems - and a helpful tip:  MANY bank machines in foreign countries will ONLY accept a 4 digit pin #.  I normally do not use a 4 digit pin, but when I travel outside of North America, I will change my pin at the bank to a 4 digit number and change it back after.  It's simple to do at home at the ATM.  I am not sure about using a credit card at the machine, as this is not something I have tried... but again, no worries with the debit.

Why wouldn't I do this at home?  I just found it more convenient to exchange Canadian dollars for US at home (small bills for tipping the housekeeping, etc) and snagging pesos when I am there.  I have found that any place I went to eat/shop (I have never done all inclusive) accepted either.  I am not 100% comfortable with my mental conversion of pesos <---> dollars either.. 100 pesos is just shy of 8 US dollars as of this posting time. 

So you probably want to leave the airport, right?  Many travel packages will include transportation to and from the airport to your hotel.  The reps for the companies will be found on the ground floor with signs for the company they work with (IE Westjet) and wearing shirts with that company logo.  Pretty simple.  Otherwise, there is a yellow (airport) taxi kiosk outside the terminal and I have heard of people using companies like Mazatlan Tours and prearranging that online from home.

What will it cost?  WELL, when I was in Mazatlan in early 2012, the taxis, pulmonías (open air taxis that resemble golf carts) and aurigas (These are pickup trucks that have been converted with benches in the back and canopy coverings) were not metered; you could negotiate a price with the driver!  Apparently, these are all now metered!  I am unsure the costs.  From what I can see on trip advisor, to get to the Golden Zone (where your hotel most likely is) it will cost about $345 pesos - so about $28 US.  It's about a half hour ride, so really not that terrible of a price!

Aurigas - good for a larger group

 

Not so good for your hair (haha)

 

A pulmonia - great for zipping around town

 

Of course, you can always take a bus once you are in town.  This is BY far the cheapest option - if you can figure out which one to take.   That was a little confusing for me (but hey, I also have a hard time figuring out the transit system at home) - but a quick and cheap way to get around to say downtown.

 

Next up:  Lodging!