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Mazatlan: 10 reasons to visit the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’

July 29th, 2010

Mazatlan ShoresIf you’re looking for a family beach destination in Mexico, more than 2.3 million people who live there say you should buy a ticket to Mazatlan. In a nationwide “Battle of the Destinations” held the first week in July, more than 73 percent of voters gave Cancún, Acapulco and Ixtapa a pass and cast their ballots for the Pearl of the Pacific.

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

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Mazatlan Activities Calendar

July 26th, 2010

Horizon Sky Residences at Mazatlan, MexicoMazatlán, Mexico – Mazatlán is home to a wide range activities throughout the year, from world-class sporting events and fishing tournaments to culinary fairs, music and dance festivals, holiday celebrations and more. Already this year, the destination has hosted the Canadian PGA Tour; the annual Mazatlán Carnival, the world’s third-largest Mardi Gras celebration; and International Motorcycle Week, which brought more than 300,000 visitors to the city.

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.

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Mexico’s big hope: get 5 million U.S. retirees

May 18th, 2010

BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
aoppenheimer@MiamiHerald.com

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

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Magical Towns – Sinaloa, México

May 3rd, 2010

One of the best places on earth to find a home or buy a real estate is in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, in the Pacific coast of northwest Mexico. Aside from low housing cost and low cost of living, home seekers and retirees find solitude in its sunny beaches, picturesque sceneries, and tranquil communities in Panuco, El Quelite, Copala, Aguacaliente, Concordia, and many other villages. Visitors and tourists are also well respected.

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.

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Baluarte Bridge – The Highest to be in North America

April 26th, 2010

Baluarte BridgeWhen it opens in 2012, the Baluarte River Bridge will not only be the highest bridge in North America but the highest cable stayed bridge in the world. It is the crown jewel of the greatest bridge and tunnel highway project ever undertaken in North America. Known as the Durango-Mazatlán highway, it will be the only crossing for more than 500 miles (800 km) between the pacific coast and the interior of Mexico. The path of this new highway roughly parallels the famous “Devil’s Backbone”, a narrow road that earned its nickname from the way it follows the precarious ridge crest of the jagged peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. The dangerous road is a seemingly endless onslaught of twisting, terrifying turns that are so tight there are times the road nearly spirals back into itself.

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

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What You Need to Know About Mexican Bank Trusts (Fideicomiso)

April 8th, 2010

Desire to own a dream house in Mexico? Then you need to learn about Mexican bank trusts (fideicomisos)

Looking to purchase property in Mexico? Do you desire to own a vacation home on a lush tropical beach, or to retire and live comfortably in a quiet Mexican beach community? If you think that owning a vacation home south of the border in some scenic resort such as Mazatlan would be paradise, then you need to know that the process of purchasing real estate in Mexico is quite different than in other countries.

The Mexican Constitution clearly states that no foreigner can own real estate that is within 50 kilometers from any Mexican coastline or within 100 kilometers from any Mexican border. These restricted zones were originally meant to protect Mexico from foreign invaders. However, the Mexican government realized that foreign investment in the country is beneficial to the economy of Mexico, and changed its foreign investment laws in 1997 to encourage foreign ownership of property. The basics of this law are that non-Mexican citizens can own residential property within the restricted zones by utilizing a Mexican bank trust, also known as a fideicomiso.

A bank trust is an agreement between the foreign buyer and a Mexican bank. This bank will represent the buyer and will possess the title to the property, but is required to follow the wishes and directions of the buyer. The foreigner will have full rights to live on the property, rent it out, make improvements, or sell it. The term of this fideicomiso is fifty years, and is renewable for an additional fifty years. Without using a bank trust, foreigners cannot own property in these restricted zones.

In real estate transactions south of the border, there are normally four parties involved: the real estate company, the bank, the buyer, and a public notary. There are also official documents for these transaction which include: a statement from the municipality regarding property assessments, a non-lien certificate based on a complete title search from the Public Property Registry, an appraisal of the property for tax purposes, water bills, and any other pertinent taxes that may be due. The Notary Public is a government appointed attorney who draws up, reviews, and verifies all official documents.

The cost of a bank trust can vary and is subject to change. Expect to pay approximately $1500 for a government permit and another $400 foreign public registry fee. There is also a bank acceptance fees, various closing costs, and a 10% IVA (Value added tax). In addition, an annual fee is charged by the bank that is based on the value of the property. Fess can vary with different banks so it is sometimes best to shop around as your lawyer can sometimes get better rates with a particular bank. The time it takes for the fideicomiso process varies but the best estimate is that it takes from 10 to 20 days after turning in all the proper paperwork. The entire process, from the time you apply to obtain a permit can take six to eight weeks.

To initiate a fideicomiso, a prospective owner should apply to the Mexican Secretary of Foreign relations. Once the process is completed, the bank becomes the legal holder of the bank trust. However, the owner has full control of the real estate and should count it as an asset on their books for accounting purposes. If you so choose, and can afford it, you can legally have multiple trusts in Mexico. When a property is sold, the bank trust can be transferred and the new owner acquires the remaining years of this trust. However, the buyer can instead choose to create a new 50 year trust.

The only way to purchase that lovely vacation home in Mazatlan, or some other resort on the beach in Mexico, is through a bank trust. Make certain to understand the basics of Mexican real estate law, hire an attorney knowledgeable in this area, and then go out and find your dream vacation or retirement house!

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Amazing time in Mazatlan

March 18th, 2010

By Lisa Monforton, Canwest News Service

If you’re looking for a Mexican destination that offers a myriad of things to do, Mazatlan is a good option.

Like other resort destinations, the city boasts beaches, water sports and all the associated sun and surf activities. But visitors can also fill their days with history, tours, shopping and eco-adventures.

Hours can be spent checking out historical sites, statues and monuments across the city. A walking tour of the centre of the town, the “historic zone,” is an ideal way to understand the background of this vacation destination.

Other can’t-miss locales include the aquarium, featuring a shark tank; sport fishing tours; a stop at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception; and, a visit to the second tallest lighthouse in the world.

Mazatlan is also where you’ll find the home of Pacifico Brewery, which makes one of the country’s most popular beer, and where you find some of the best fishing in the country.

Particularly noteworthy are the shrimp. They’re fresh and fleshy. Make sure you try a bucket of them at one of the many restaurants offering these tasty treats.

The nightlife in Mazatlan is, well, let’s say robust. One of the best places to sample a Pacifico is at Joe’s Oyster Bar. This hopping spot is right on the beach and a favourite of those looking for a lively evening.

© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

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Mazatlan: In short

March 18th, 2010

Population: 400,000

Weather: Warm winters; hot, humid summers. Vulnerable to hurricanes.

Getting there: Direct flights from Los Angeles take 2 1/2 hours.

Healthcare: Very good; Sharp Hospital is one of the best in the region.

What $250,000 will buy: A three-bedroom, 2 1/2 -bath home in a gated community

Pros

* Large, working port city with character

* Many housing options, from architectural fixers to condos

* Cheaper coastal property than in better-known Mexican beach cities

* Good public transportation

* Historic downtown is being revived

* The 13-mile oceanfront walkway is a gem for strolling

* Hosts a rollicking Carnival annually, one of the world’s largest

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Mazatlan’s Carnival

March 17th, 2010

The streets are packed; you could not even drop a needle among the crowd. Ribbons hang and confetti flutter down, seemingly from the sky. Bands – there’s all kinds of them here – play their own versions of Sinaloa’s rhythms. Along a seven-mile stretch of beachfront, where our Horizon Sky Residences condominiums are located and you can enjoy all the fiesta up from your balcony or the pool terrace, you’d find a huge gathering of people – tourists and locals alike, screaming, dancing, singing or yelling in a joyous chorus. If you’re wondering what causes the fiesta air, it’s Mazatlan’s Carnival time.

Looking Back: A Look at the Carnival’s History

Each year, Mazatlan hosts tourists and locals for one of the world’s largest and oldest festivals – the Carnival. This weeklong celebration which ends on Fat Tuesday draws millions of visitors to this city, part of Sinaloa, a state in the Mexican Pacific.

Although historians are still debating the Carnival’s origins, many agree the celebration is part of Spanish influence. The world-famous Mazatlan Carnival can trace its roots as far back as the early 19th century – when Mazatlan’s ports were opened to international maritime vessels. Historians suggest the Carnival’s official hymn, the Papaquis (from the Aztec term papaqui meaning, to be happy at other’s misfortune), aptly describes the events of that period – natives and locals had a difficult time adjusting to Spanish-sanctioned international trade participation of Mexico. La Lechuza, a local paper in 19th – century Mazatlan is the first to mention the carnival. A local seer, Ignacio Ramirez, wrote a letter to Guillermo Prieto described the Carnival in his brief reference as being lavish fiesta celebrations. By the late 19th century, the Carnival has morphed into a grotesque kind of fiesta, with men, women, dockworkers and market people engaged in rowdy mock battles along the streets.

The Mazatlan Carnival Today

A hundred years of carnival history and Mazatlan has perfected its trademark celebration. Modern Mazatlan Carnival is a stunning array of parades, beauty queens, dancing and food – and they don’t always come in that order.

The Parades

The highlight of this weeklong celebration is the parades. Sunday and Tuesday finds Mazatlecos and tourists lined up along the beachfront to enjoy the fascinating display of fantasy-come-to-life with a procession of allegoric carriages. This procession repeats itself on Tuesday, going the opposite direction in a farewell line that features the Royal Court and its various characters and collaborators in themed groups.

Ceremonies and Traditions

The coronation of the King of Jolly is among the well-loved free events of the Mazatlan Carnival. This event reaffirms the fun spirit of the Carnival as it kicks off with local artists showcasing talents and entertaining a huge crowd. The Floral Games is dedicated to honoring the poets and their works with awards in various categories.

Of course, what’s a festival without its beauty queens? The Mazatlan features several titles that feature dazzling Mexican feminine beauty – The Queen of Carnival, the Child Queen and the Queen of Floral Games. And it doesn’t stop at that. Mazatlan invites beauties from all of Latin America and the United States to join the parade of beauties and compete for the Pacific International Beauty Queen title.

Truly a stunning display of the Mexican’s friendly and fun-loving nature, the Mazatlan’s Carnival is one event even tourists look forward to.

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Where I retired – CNNMoney.com

March 4th, 2010

Name: Ted and Nancy Novak
Ages: 55 and 56
Why they love it: Friendly people, good food, cold beer

Ted and Nancy Novak retired in Mazatlan

Ted and Nancy Novak

When we moved to Mazatlan from Minneapolis, our friends thought we were nuts.

We find the weather perfect, the cost of living great, the life style wonderful and the medical care satisfactory. There’s great walking, 335 days of sunshine a year, friendly people, good food and cold beer: That does it for us.

When we first came here, we rented a small apartment on the beach, which was fun but too small. We bought a bigger place across the street. It has two bedrooms and two baths, and is about 1,600 square feet all on one level. We never intended to live here full time, so we kept a place in Minnesota. After two years, we were sure we wanted to stay.

There are not many gringos living in this part of Mexico, and prices for everyday items are better here because it’s a real functioning city, not a tourist town like Cancun. A beer is about a dollar and you can get a good meal — like a fillet of fish, rice and vegetable — for about $10, including tax and tip.

You can still buy a nice house two blocks from the beach for less than $200,000. We live a very nice life style for about $30,000 a year but you could do it for less.

As for health care, we have Blue Cross/Blue Shield which covers us here if we have an emergency. We were in the hospital for a night recently and it was adequate. They don’t have all the diagnostic testing you find in the States.

As Americans, we apply for a visa extension once a year, which enables us to stay here without leaving and coming back and also allows us to keep our car here full time. It costs $100.

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