The letter is timely in light of the recent shooting incident where a Penticton man was caught in the middle resulting in being wounded in the leg.

Naturally the tourism officials in Mazatlan are disappointed of the itinerary changes.

According to Julio Birrueta, spokesperson for the Mazatlan Tourism Trust, who kindly hosted the Informed Traveler back in the fall, “We highly value our long-standing relationships within the cruise industry, and are dedicated to ensuring that Mazatlan remains among the top cruise destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Mazatlan has hosted nearly 1.5 million cruise passengers since 2008 and is widely regarded as one of the safest destinations in Mexico.”

He concludes, “Tourism is very important to Mazatlan and its residents. The destination plays host to nearly 2 million visitors per year from all over the world and the number has increased steadily for the past five years.

Additionally, nearly 9,000 U.S. and Canadian citizens have made Mazatlan their permanent or seasonal home and find Mazatlan a safe, warm and welcoming destination in which their comfort and security is, as always, top priority.

Incidentally it was interesting to hear that Mike DiLorenzo, the shooting victim from Penticton, insists the experience hasn’t tainted his view of Mexico. He still believes the shooting was a rare and random event and hopes it doesn’t deter other people from traveling there.

His opinion is the general feedback I get about traveling to Mexico, that is, those who have been there before will return with no hesitation and those who have never been remain skeptical.

Needless to say Mexico has had their issues with safety and drug related violence, we’ve mentioned it before and it doesn’t seem the violent incidents are going to go away.

Everyone has a right to their own opinion and travel where they please but to paint Mazatlan as a dangerous destination because of one tragic incident is as wrong as painting Calgary a dangerous destination after our recent downtown shooting New Years Eve.

Safe Travels

Randy

Original Article

Vancouver, B.C – December 2nd,  2010 – Impulsa Real Estate, an experienced developer that has sold close to 100 recreational homes to Snow Birds, invited Canadians to experience life in Mazatlan through their first Discovery Week. The program promised exciting tours and activities, as well as accommodation at Impulsa’s luxury condominium units.  Canadians from across the country arrived in Mazatlan ready explore the city and its surrounding magical towns.

“The events planned were nothing short of excellence,” Said Diane Bentley from Coquitlam, BC. Guests toured Mazatlan, Cosalá and El Quelite; spent a morning sailing; and experienced the festive atmosphere of a Pacific League baseball game, among other activities. Attendees highlighted the warmth of Mazatlan’s people and the fact they felt at home during the week.

Merv Onyshko from Winnipeg, Manitoba noted that Impulsa’s invitation to stay at the condo units reflected the company’s confidence in their product. “We wanted guests to get a real taste of what it’s like to live in Mazatlan; both through activities and by staying in the condos that could be their homes,” Said Ricardo Clouthier, Impulsa Real Estate CEO.

Impulsa’s confidence and hospitality paid off as some guests acquired their own Impulsa home at the end of the Discovery Week. Impulsa is now planning a second Discovery Week so that others who are exploring the option of acquiring property in Mexico can benefit from the experience as they consider their options.

ABOUT IMPULSA REAL ESTATE:

Impulsa Real Estate is known for exceptional service and care, as well as high quality homes built in great locations at reasonable prices. Several of Impulsa’s clients have acquired more than one property from the team, due to the confidence and satisfaction with the company.

For more information contact:
Gabriela Medrano
Impulsa Real Estate
044-6691-060187
gmedrano@impulsainmuebles.com.mx

OPENS MAZATLAN HOME PORT

As of yesterday, Mazatlan became Home Port for the european sightseeing cruise Ocean Dream, Pullmantur.  Eduardo Barroso, president of the european cruiseline Pullmantur, said that Mazatlan is now on operational agenda for the Ocean Dream. “This, represents a major challenge to achieve a greater number of walkers to take the Ocean Dream from this port, which received a 9 score from the same passengers, among the five ports we visit.  We are very happy to give this anouncement, because it is something we are asking our passengers, whom had been ensuring that Mazatlan is a beautiful place with special service, huge amount of things to do, great hospitality, great food, and I would to congratulate the Mazatlan people, because people leaves very happy”, said Eduardo Barroso.

For the 2011 Season, which starts on July 5, it had been scheduled 13 departures of the Ocean Dream from Mazatlan, but there is the possibility to increase this number.  This will determine whether Sinaloa responds to quality services and safety.

The Ocean Dream keeps inside the confort of their cabins, swimming pools, jacuzzi, clubs, bars, gaming center, dinning and care services, all tha has to have an international cruise.

Mazatlan’s 16 miles of golden sand beaches and attendant tourism are fringe benefits for the largest port between the United States and the Panama Canal. The city has a long and still-present history, picturesque surroundings to fuel a lifetime of day trips, and a thriving fishing industry. Besides its golden beaches, Mazatlan still boasts the inexpensive digs, fresh seafood, stellar sportfishing and Mexican day-to-day culture that has appealed to travelers since the 1940s.

Mazatlan did time as a spring break haven, remnants of which can still be found in the Zona Dorada tourist zone. Newer developments have been heavy on marina-golf-spa resorts, but these are removed from Mazatlan’s centro. At heart, it remains refreshingly simple and affordable. Here, then, are our top 10 timeless reasons, in addition to the beaches, to visit Mazatlan.

Read more: San Francisco Chronicle

Mazatlán, Mexico

Beyond the festivities, visitors can immerse themselves in rich culture, authentic cuisine and more in a picturesque setting amid the golden shores of Mazatlán.

January

New Year Celebration – People from all around the world come to Mazatlan to receive the new year every year. Many places offer special events as well as fun activities according to the festivities.

February

Mazatlan Carnival – Taking place end of February or March, depending on holy week holiday
Sand Figures contest – Sand figures on the beach of Mazatlan with local and foreign participants

March

Sail Boat Race – At el CID Resort Marina Yacht Club.

International Golf Tournament – Held at El Cid Golf course, playing 52 holes under medal play system.

April

Fish Fair – This event takes place at Mazatlan’s Acuarium, showing Sea products for sale and demonstration.

Spring Break “Nancy Grimes” Tennis Tournament – Takes place during Holy week, the week before Easter, with money prices for singles and doubles.

May

International Senior Golf – Celebrated at el Cid Golf Course

International Fishing tournament – Marlin And Dorado Fishing tournament held at El Cid Yacht club

Mazatlan-Santa Rita Bicycle Race – Four Kilometers of race, with people participating from USA, Canada Colombia and Mexico.

June

Mazatlan Pacifico Triathlon – Bike, swim and run on this race that takes place at Mazatlan Beaches

Motocross and Super cross Races – Sponsored by the Motorcycle Association of the State of Sinaloa.

September

Future international tennis tournament – Held at the Club House of Hotel El Cid at Mazatlan.

October

WTA Futures International Tennis Tournament – This tournament brings 32 of the world’s rising young tennis stars to Mazatlán to compete for a $10,000 U.S. purse. More than 15 countries will be represented in the international event, including Russia, Argentina, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Italy, France, Canada and the U.S.

Location: El Cid Golf & Country Club

November

Fiesta Amigos de Mazatlán – This four-day “Big Festival of Friends” celebrates the destination’s continued growth, rich culture and fabulous cuisine. Presented by the City of Mazatlán, the Mazatlán Hotel Association and the State of Sinaloa, Gran Fiesta Amigos extends a warm greeting to travel partners in recognition of their ongoing support for this vibrant and thriving tourism hotspot on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Festivities include cultural performances, receptions, award dinner galas and tours showcasing the city’s modern resorts and rich cultural heritage.

Marina El Cid Billfish Classic – Widely referred to as the “Billfish Capital of the World”, Mazatlán is home to the annual Billfish Classic sponsored by El Cid Resorts. This tournament combines world-class billfishing with the destination’s warm hospitality. Anglers are encouraged to release their catches and will accumulate points for every billfish they release to ensure the conservation of this species. Competitors are eligible for daily jackpots along with the grand cash prize.

El Cid International Golf Tournament – El Cid Country Club hosts the annual International Golf Tournament. This golfer’s fantasy is home to a beautifully groomed 27 championship hole course. Amatuer golfers from around the world travel here to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes, vacation packages and more.

Location: El Cid Granada Golf & Country Club

November – December

Mazatlán Cultural Festival – This month-long festival celebrates the city’s rich heritage and historical roots with daily cultural events in Old Mazatlán. Performers travel to Mazatlán from China, Cuba, Japan, Korea, Mexico and the U.S. to stage a variety of theatrical productions. Locals and visitors enjoy festivities ranging from opera and rock concerts to ballet and drama performances, art exhibits and photography shows.

Pacífico Marathon – The world’s top athletes converge in Mazatlán to compete in this annual marathon, rated one of the top 10 in the world. Running conditions are ideal in this seaside destination, with picturesque scenery, ocean views and warm weather. Contestants compete in a weekend of races that include a 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon.

AXN Film Festival – This competitive festival showcases film entries from across Latin America. From the hundreds of short films submitted each year, only ten finalists will be selected to compete for top honors and prizes. Judges include renowned directors, actors and writers.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico is silently working on proposals aimed at drawing millions of U.S. retirees to this country, which could eventually lead to the most ambitious U.S.-Mexican project since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement.

President Felipe Calderón is likely to propose the first steps toward expanding U.S. retirement benefits and medical tourism to Mexico when he goes to Washington on an official visit May 19, according to well-placed officials here. If not then, he will raise the issue later this year, they say.

“It’s one of the pillars of our plans to trigger economic and social well-being in both countries,” Mexico’s ambassador to the United States Arturo Sarukhan told me. “We will be seeking to increasingly discuss this issue in coming months and years.”

Calderón brought it up during a U.S.-Canada-Mexico summit in Guadalajara in August last year, but President Barack Obama asked him to shelve the idea until he was able to pass healthcare reform, another official told me.

Now that Congress has passed healthcare reform, Calderón is preparing to charge ahead.

Read more: Miami Herald

These towns can easily be reached from Mazatlan through bus tours and other inexpensive means of transport as there are direct flights to Mazatlan and countless car ferries ply its ports.

To give you a picture of life in Sinaloa, let us visit five most visited towns in Sinaloa. Let us begin with the town of Panuco. It is a small Spanish colonial village located 45 miles east of Mazatlan and is not far from Copala. The main town is along the Panuco River. Faithful believers from neighboring towns troop to the town during the fiesta of their patron, St. Rosario. By walking through the main cobblestone street, visitors capture sceneries of beautiful shrubs, caged parrots, and ancient adobe buildings. This town is a famous tourist destination in Sinaloa for its sunny beaches, affordable hotels, great restaurants, and happy people.

About 35 kilometers northeast of Mazatlan lay the town of El Quelite. A hugging archway warmly welcomes visitors as they enter the town. The town takes pride in its cleanliness, no garbage nor graffiti on the streets. It’s relaxing to walk on cobblestoned streets lined with bougainvillea and flowering gardens. The friendliness of the people is another plus factor. People from surrounding communities visit the ancient Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the town fiesta and enjoy traditional dances and ceremonies during the fiesta celebration.

Copala is another ancient Spanish colonial town of Sinaloa, located 45 miles east of Mazatlan, and is a few minutes ride from neighboring Concordia. Today about 650 people including some foreigners happily lived in the town. Various Mexican celebrations, festivities, live music and carnivals for kids make life in Copala more enjoyable. It is very easy to find restaurants with great foods to offer and spend nights in affordable accommodations or guest rooms. Inexpensive transportation by bus or by small pickup offers travelling convenience around towns.

Concordia is a historic town of Sinaloa, Mexico. Famous for its flourishing furniture manufacturing business, visitors admire the semblance of real Mexico in this humble town. In celebration of the Holy Week, a grand parade features Romans on horseback as they torment Jesus.

Located 22 miles south of Mazatlan is the town of Aguacaliente. It is named after its hot water springs. Most of its residents thrive on red plumb farming. If you want to indulge on the sweetest red plumbs in Sinaloa, it is best to visit Aguacaliente during the plum season in May to July.

Looking for a home or a place to retire? Real Estate in Sinaloa, Mexico is the answer. It is one of the best place to retire.

By cutting a safer, more direct route through the mountains, the highway department of Mexico hopes to improve trade and increase tourism between the city of Durango and the coastal city of Mazatlán. To achieve this connection, the Mexican engineers were forced to design an autopista with no less than 63 tunnels – nearly 10 times more than have ever been built on any road in North America. For big bridge fans, the highway is no less amazing with a parade of towering concrete beam bridges. Including Baluarte, there will be 8 bridges that exceed 300 feet (90 mtrs) in height including Santa Lucia, Neverías, La Pinta, Chico, Botijas, Pueblo Nuevo and El Carrizo. Only China’s West Hurong and Kunming-Guiyang and Italy’s A3 highways have a greater collection of high bridges.

Forming the border between Sinaloa and Durango states, the Baluarte River is the most formidable obstacle on the route with a gorge more than a quarter mile in height. To cross it, the Mexican engineers decided to go with a cable stayed bridge. It would allow the construction to proceed outward from a single tower on either side of the canyon, avoiding the difficult and expensive construction of temporary false work. Once completed, the final height of 1,280 feet (390 mtrs) will make it the second highest roadway bridge on earth. It will also have the longest span of any cable stayed bridge in North America at 1,706 feet (520 mtrs), exceeding the John James Audubon bridge in St. Francisville, Louisiana by 123 feet (37 mtrs).

When it is completed, the Baluarte crossing will be more than just a preeminent bridge but a signal to its bigger neighbor to the North that Mexico can design and build bridges with the same skill and perfection as the best of them. As a stretch of North American pavement without parallel, the Durango-Mazatlán highway will become a proud, prominent symbol of Mexico’s civil engineering skills for decades to come.

For more pictures and information visit: highestbridges.com Baluarte Bridge