Mazatlan, Mexico

[prov3v56]

prov3v56 I think that they will enjoy the tour. I have been to Las Moras many times and it is fun. Although I must say that it has been a couple of years since the last time. I remember that they have a real nice pool, very good food and the horse ride was nice also. The view from the chappel is real nice also. I think they will have a very nice time there. Because they have live animals and also if the kids get bored with that, there is always the pool. I know they can stay in the pool all day, I have 2 kids at home, so I know, hahaha. Have fun there!

Thank you for the information!

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

I hope this little information helps! Any other questions please ask! Enjoy your cruise

Mazatlan Frank

 

[mommykeg]

Frank,

I've been reading about El Cid at different cruise sites and everyone raves about the big pool with the waterfalls, ledge to jump off of, and waterslides. Some have said that is El Cid Castilla Beach, and others have said it is El Cid Moro. We are going to take a taxi on our own and we want to make sure we go to the right place. Which one is it?

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

El Cid has 4 Hotels. Castilla and El Moro are together and you can access them from the inside, meaning you go to Castilla and you can walk to El Moro from the inside.The waterfalls are at El Moro so you can go to both. Just take a taxi to El Cid, either castilla or el moro. The other 2 are Granada and Marina.

Hope this helps!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[mommykeg]

Thanks again, Frank! I knew you'd have the answer for me! I'd never have felt comfortable going off on our own in Mazatlan without your advice and guidance! Thank you. Muchas gracias!

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

De nada, amiga! I am so glad that I help people decide and be confident to go around Mazatlan. We are very friendly people, although like anywhere, we have black sheep also. Do not blame things on all of us, if someone fails. I have heard for example: The tour guides are no good in Mazatlan. Some maybe are not but there are a lot, that are great. People judge the whole group because of one bad one. This might be out of the theme, but I just read something somewhere else and wanted to clear out things. Enjoy Mazatlan and please visit us again!

Have a great week!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[lkohawaii]

Frank,

Don't apologize for your beaches. In fact I am glad to have visited Mexico and seen them. I now will visit our beaches more frequently. Sometimes...you have to go away to realize the beauty you take for granted in your own home. I just wanted people who are not as lucky as I am to get the most out of their time in the 3 ports that the Magic visits. I still say Maztlan was my favorite port. I talked about it to my friends today. Going on tour with you showed us not the tourist side of Mexico but the "real" Mexico.

Sarangal- Did you try booking with Randi. I can only say good things about her and her staff. I only met Tony of her staff but my DD and DH only rave about the horses and the staff. I thought my DD would have to walk back to Victor's because she was afraid of the horses but she's still talking about the horses and says she wants to go again. I don't know of any of the other companies so I can't speak for them. If you check cruise critic you may see other info on other companies.

carriep1657-I thought Frank was half joking about his friend Tomatoo. I thought with a name like he must be pulling our leg. Your bathroom incident reminded me of a little girl who had to go bathroom now also. It must be a gift these tour guides have. She had to go in the restroom in the theatre though not in the restaurant. Now, what would have tomatoo thought of that if he saw Frank taking us into the theater?

 

[carriep1657]

Frank, that is funny that you saw us stopped at the restaurant. Ikohawaii, Tomatto would definitely have wondered why you all were stopping for a show. I think finding a bathroom quickly is the test of a great tour guide.

I had been pronouncing Tomatto's name, to-mah-toe before we met him. When we met, I was surprised that he actually pronounced it to-may-to. It's very fun to call somebody Tomato. The kids loved it. They still say, "Remember that man in Mexico named Tomato?"

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

I am sure that we will always remember this detail. hahaha Hope to see you again!


Mazatlan Frank

 

[newfamilyman]

Hi Frank,

I had two more questions for you. Are the jellyfish still a problem there? We're going in August. Also, I'd really like to go to El Cid, but I'm concerned about going in a taxi without infant car seats (we have a 4 and 1 year old). Thanks.

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

I have not heard any more about the jellyfish. I have not been to the beach lately either. But I think that they left us, which I hope, because many people come to our beaches and it is terrible that they cannot go in.
I must say that I do not think that any taxi has infant car seats. To tell you the truth, people hardly use them here. They are not mandatory like in the US. I sometimes take one when I get a request, but I am not a taxi, sorry. But let me tell you that many people come to Mazatlan and travel by taxi and never have any problem. I wish I could help you more..........

Have a nice weekend!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[pppiglet]

Hi Frank! Sorry I didn't get to meet you, but I saw on another thread that you knew our tour guide. He was real nice and informative. We did the old town Matz and were going to go to Tony's and El Cid, but since it was overcast and kinda cool we went back to the ship early. Next time we are in Matz (we do plan to come back) we will give you a call. Thanks for all your great information! It was so nice to feel like we knew what and where we were going before we got there.

Debbie

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

I am very happy that you enjoyed this beautiful City. Too bad that you did not have a chance to go to Tonys. But, that gives you and excuse to come back to Mazatlan. If you do come down someday please contact me and perhaps we get to meet. If I can help you with anything else please ask. Remember that you have a friend down here!
Have a great weekend.

Mazatlan Frank

 

[mommykeg]

Frank...How far is Tony's from El Cid? If we take a taxi to El Cid to swim and sun, will we be able to walk to Tony's for lunch? My kids are 8 and 4, so I want to kind of get an idea of how far it is. Thanks!

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

Yes, Tonys is north of El Cid. You can access thru the beach or thru the street. If you are at El Cid and go to the beach, north is to your right. It is about 3 blocks away. If you go thru the street, North is to your left. You pass the Holiday Inn, Fiesta Inn and right before you get to the Caravelle Hotel is where Tonys is. There are 3 restaurants in the same area, Chilis Pepper, Tonys and Locos locos. The middle one is Tonys. Tell the waiter that I told you about the Seafood platter! Two lobsters, six jumbo shrimp, tortilla soup for two $38us. It is mmmmmmmmmm! Buen provecho!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[rsjj]

hi there, Frank! couple questions...

everywhere in mazatlan takes us$, correct?

while shopping, are prices labeled in us$? or in pesos?

what is the exchange rate? for quick conversion for myself, should things be in pesos...

thank you!! will be visiting your city in a month and a half! and i feel so "prepared" because of you & this thread!

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

I am so happy that this thread has helped you. That is the whole idea. I am sure that there are many things that some would like to know, so please ask. Almost everywhere they take US dollars and if you go to where most of the tourists go, they will also give you change in US. Most of the prices are in Pesos, but on cruiseship days many give you the price in US, to make it easier for you. I must say that US coins are not accepted, only bills. Banks do not change any foreign coins. The exchange rate yesterday was 10.60 pesos to One dollar. It goes up and down everyday but it is in between 10.50 and 11.00 to one. To make an easier conversion go 10 to 1. For example $300 pesos = $30us- 45 pesos = 4.50us.

Another thing to mention is the Mexican peso is an S with a line thru it. The US dollar is an S with two lines thru it.

If the item does not have a price, barter with them. If it has a price tag on, try to barter. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn´t. The worst thing they will tell you is no.

Hope these tips help you....... Have fun and remember that you will not be spending money......you will be helping our economy,,,hahaha, sounds nicer and it is true!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[rsjj]

thanx! good to know!

 

[pppiglet]

yeah we got our bill for lunch and it was $700 pesos! Wow. It was $68 US.

 

[alohatee]

Hi Mazatlan Frank:

Does Victors have a souvenir shop that have refrigerator magnets or key chains, etc? I prefer to shop one place and do more sight seeing.