<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="destination.xslt"?><destination_content id="MZT" author="Apple Vacations" title="Destination Content" version="1.0" generated="21-Sep-2005 10:45.39 EDT"><general_info title="General Destination Information"><gg_content_a datatype="image" title="Weather Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_sun.gif</gg_content_a><gg_content_b datatype="text" title="Weather Text">The temperature averages in the 70s year-round. January through March are the cooler months, with typical daytime temps in the low 70s and 80s, while July thru Sept tends to be hot and humid, with daytime average highs in the 90s.</gg_content_b><gg_content_c datatype="image" title="Destination Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/main_dest_mzt_1.jpg</gg_content_c><gg_content_d datatype="text" title="Destination Name">Mazatlan</gg_content_d><gg_content_e datatype="text" title="Destination Description">&lt;FONT FACE=&quot;ARIAL&quot; SIZE=&quot;2&quot; COLOR=&quot;#000000&quot; CLASS=&quot;H3STYLE&quot;&gt;&lt;B&gt;You Just Can&apos;t Get Enough&lt;/B&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Mazatlan is known as the perfect beach resort town and for good reason... 17 miles of inviting sandy beaches, world-class resort hotels, excellent watersports and beautiful golden sunsets. Located directly east of the tip of the Baja Penisula, Mazatlan&apos;s charming Mexican ambiance can be seen in its open-air cafes, stylish boutiques and lively nightclubs. Bask on a stretch of the largest uninterrupted beach in Latin America, then take a stroll along the Malecón before a fabulous seafood dinner and exciting evening on the town.</gg_content_e><gg_content_f datatype="image" title="Destination Map">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/map_dest_mzt.jpg</gg_content_f></general_info><destination_hotels title="Hotels In Destination"><hg_content_a title="Mazatlan"><hotel_list_item title="211250"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The extraordinary new Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort! Set in an exclusive and unspoiled new area known as &quot;New Mazatlán,&quot; this...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_211250paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200360"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">El Cid Beach and Marina</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The El Cid Marina Beach Hotel &amp; Yacht Club is located in the hotel zone, one mile north of the other El Cid hotels. Enjoy...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_200360paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200555"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">All-Inclusive</marketing_info><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">This modern, Spanish-style hotel is situated on a beautiful stretch of Mazatlan beachfront, conveniently within walking distance...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>5</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_200555paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210241"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">El Cid&apos;s 25-story luxury tower is located on the beach next to the Castilla Beach Hotel, 30 minutes away from the airport. This...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>5</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_210241paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210477"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Situated on a beautiful beach which stretches for miles, this all-suite resort is designed with architectural motifs reminiscent...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>5</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_210477paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210284"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">El Cid/Granada Country Club</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">You&apos;ll love the pleasant comfort of this three-story, Mexican-style low-rise hotel. Built around beautiful gardens and its own...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_210284paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210267"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Faro Mazatlan</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">All-Inclusive</marketing_info><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Overlooking beautiful Sabalo Beach, Playa Real Beach &amp; Garden is perfect for sunbathing and watersports, and is conveniently...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_210267paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210285"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Holiday Inn Sunspree Mazatlan</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">All-Inclusive</marketing_info><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The Holiday Inn Sunspree Mazatlan is centrally located beachfront in the Golden Zone, overlooking a trio of beautiful islands....</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_210285paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200359"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Hotel Playa Mazatlan</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description"/><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_200359paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200665"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Los Sabalos Resort Hotel</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Come to the Los Sabalos Resort Hotel and experience adventure and leisure - Mexican style! This cozy resort is situated in the...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_200665paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200208"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Riviera Beach Resort Mazatlan</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The Riviera Beach Resort Mazatlan is located beachfront in the very heart of the Golden Zone. Shopping, restaurants and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_200208paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210242"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Fiesta Inn Mazatlan</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">All-Inclusive</marketing_info><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Located in front of the Island of the Birds on a wonderful stretch of Mazatlan beachfront, the Fiesta Inn offers a warm and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_210242paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200556"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Hotel Azteca Inn</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">This resort is located across the street from the beach, in the heart of Mazatlan&apos;s exclusive tourist area, the Golden Zone. An...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>2</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_200556paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200558"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">La Siesta</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">La Siesta is located on Olas Atlas Boulevard, across the street from the beach. Enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>1</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mzt_200558paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item></hg_content_a></destination_hotels><destination_about title="About Destination"><ag_content_a title="Things To Do &amp; See"><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Divers Square">Each morning and afternoon, local divers leap from the cliffs of Mazatlan&apos;s spectacular El Mirador into the shallow surf below. It never fails to thrill the audience that gathers to watch the show.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Museo Arqueologico">It seems whenever anyone visits, they forget something when they leave. And since people have been visiting Mazatlan since the 1500&apos;s, this museum is a historical treasure. Exhibits feature hundreds of artifacts dating all the way back to the original Spanish explorers who settled here.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Golf">If fish aren&apos;t for you, how about birdies? Mazatlan is home to a variety of courses, including an 18 hole masterpiece designed by Lee Trevino. Each has its own unique personality, but they share the same breathtaking scenery.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="El Faro Lighthouse">500 feet above sea level, you&apos;ll discover the highest working lighthouse in the world. Naturally, it&apos;s pretty hard to miss. But a visit also rewards you with some other things you shouldn&apos;t miss: a large collection of tropical wildlife, and a breathtaking view of the city.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Fishing">Mazatlan is known throughout the world as a mecca for deep sea fishing. Here, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, you&apos;ll find majestic sailfish, powerful swordfish, 900 lb. marlin plus a host of other game fish. And thanks to Mazatlan&apos;s very successful &quot;Catch and Release&quot;program, you&apos;ll find more of them than ever!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Teatro Angela Peralta">You wouldn&apos;t expect to find a European-style opera house right in the middle of Old Mazatlan, but there it is! Named after the famous opera singer Angela Peralta, this 19th century architectural gem is the oldest theater in the city.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Mountain Cycling">Mountain bikers of all levels come to Mazatlan for its numerous valleys and heart-pounding trails. And they get exactly what they&apos;re looking for, along with scenic hillsides and panoramic views like nowhere else on earth.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Viejo Mazatlan">After two centuries, &quot;Old Mazatlan&quot;is still alive, a reminder of the city&apos;s rich history. Canobbio Arcade reflects the architectural landscape of Mexico in the 1800&apos;s. Machado Plaza is home to the annual Carnival celebration, one the the largest in the world.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="El Quelite">Venture south of Mazatlan and you&apos;ll discover this quaint little town. You&apos;ll also discover a whole new sport: Ulama. This Pre-Hispanic ball game is centuries old, but it&apos;s played with just as much enthusiasm today...and it&apos;s just as much fun to watch!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Concordia and Copala">Visitors can step back in time by taking a tour of the colonial villages of Concordia and Copala.  These two historic towns in the Sierra Madre Mountains are where villagers still use centuries-old techniques to make furniture, tiles, pottery and crafts.  Concordia is home to the 18th century San Sebastian, the oldest baroque church in the state of Sinaloa.  In copala, the village still retains its 400-year-old whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and narrow cobblestone streets.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Snorkeling and Diving">The waters of Mazatlan hide a sunken treasure: thousands of jewel-hued fish. And there&apos;s no better place to discover this tranquil underwater world than off the shores of Isla de Venados and Isla de los Chivos.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Teacapan">This is the most important ecological reserve in northwestern Mexico. Not only is Teacapan a bird sanctuary and home to the beaches regarded as the most pristine in the region, but its variety of flora is dazzling! Everywhere you look, spectacular blossoms catch your eye.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Las Tres Islas">There is no more recognizable view in Mazatlan than the three islands sitting just off the coast. &lt;I&gt;Isla de los Pajaros&lt;/I&gt; is the place to be for serious bird watching, while quiet &lt;I&gt;Isla de Venados&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;Isla de los Chivos&lt;/I&gt; offer the clearest water for swimming, snorkeling and diving.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Beaches">Stroll for miles on the longest uninterrupted beach in all of Latin America! This golden  ribbon of sand changes looks, personalities and even names. Experience them all, or  claim a quiet spot for your own on one of Mazatlan&apos;s three islands.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;I&gt;&lt;B&gt;Playa Olas Altas&lt;/I&gt;&lt;/B&gt; - Surfers love this beach for the high waves that give it its name.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;I&gt;&lt;B&gt;Playa Las Gaviotas&lt;/I&gt;&lt;/B&gt; - Named for the seagulls that gather here, this town beckon swimmers and sunbathers.  The atmosphere is lively with many cafes and restaurants bordering the beach.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;I&gt;&lt;B&gt;Playa Norte&lt;/I&gt;&lt;/B&gt; -  Six long miles of golden sand on the north side  of town beckon swimmers and sunbathers.  The atmosphere is lively with many cafes and restaurants bordering the beach.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;I&gt;&lt;B&gt;Playa Escondida&lt;/I&gt;&lt;/B&gt; - This beach on the northern edge of Mazatlan&apos;s coast is a mix of rocky areas and stretches of golden sand.  Locals gather here in large numbers on weekends so the best time to visits during midweek.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;I&gt;&lt;B&gt;Playa Los Cerritos&lt;/I&gt;&lt;/B&gt; - Farthest north about five minutes past Gamino Real Hotel, this beach is the most secluded of Mazatlan&apos;s mainland.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Nightlife">Mazatlan really heats up after the sun goes down. Mariachis wander about, singing their serenades and everywhere you look you&apos;ll find live music, happy hours and most of all, happy people. Get dressed up and head out to some of the most exciting discos around. But don&apos;t plan on coming home until the sun comes up again!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Shopping">Whether you&apos;re looking for a saddle from a master craftsman or simply a beautiful piece of pottery, you&apos;ll find it in Mazatlan. The Central Market and the Arts and Crafts Center are filled with a colorful array of authentic Mexican goods from all over the country. And there are literally hundreds of small shops around town to explore.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Location">Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Gold Coast of western Mexico, Mazatlan has lured visitors for centuries with its fiery sunsets, endless beaches and abundant game fish.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Dining and Cuisine">Restaurants serve everything from the finest international cuisine to the most authentic regional Mexican dishes. Of course, fresh seafood is Mazatlan&apos;s specialty - no trip would be complete without some of their famous jumbo shrimp!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Currency">The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mazatlan. While travelers checks and credit cards are readily accepted all over town, you might want to carry enough pesos for a quick snack or a little treasure.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Sunny Weather">The average daily temperature is 80°. Most people will tell you that&apos;s just about perfect, so it should be no surprise that Mazatlan is a favorite destination any time of year!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Getting Around">When it comes to transportation, Mazatlan offers a variety of options, including bus and taxi. But the most popular way to get from here to there is by pulmonia, the open-air taxis for which Mazatlan is famous. Of course, if you stay close to the Golden Zone, you can easily enjoy it all by foot.</activity_list_item></ag_content_a><ag_content_b title="Travel Information"><airport datatype="text" title="Airport Info">Travel to and from Mazatlan uses the &lt;b&gt;Rafael Buelna International Airport&lt;/b&gt;.</airport><taxes datatype="text" title="Departure Taxes">Departure taxes are generally &lt;b&gt;$16.00 U.S.&lt;/b&gt;</taxes><rental_cars datatype="text" title="Rental Cars">To rent a car, you must be at least 25 years of age, hold a valid driver&apos;s license and a major credit card. The major car rental agencies in Mazatlan are: Budget (Tel.- 13-20-00);  Price (Tel.- 86-66-16);  National (Tel.- 13-60-00) Hertz (Tel.- 95 (800) 654-30-30); Avis (Tel.- 14-00-40);  AGA (Tel.- 14-44-05).</rental_cars><currency datatype="text" title="Local Currency">The currency in Mazatlan is the &lt;b&gt;Mexican Peso&lt;/b&gt;.</currency><proof_of_citizenship datatype="text" title="Required Proof Of Citizenship">Valid U.S. passport or state-issued birth certificate with raised seal and photo I.D. back up.</proof_of_citizenship><minors datatype="text" title="Traveling With Minors">Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country.  If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check in at the airport.</minors><tips datatype="text" title="Tips">Tipping is generally between 10 - 15%, porters normally receive $1.00 per bag.</tips></ag_content_b><ag_content_c title="Special Notes" datatype="text"/><ag_content_d title="Wedding Requirements" datatype="text">Only civil ceremonies are recognized, and there is no residency requirement. Marriages occur at the Civil Registrar&apos;s office (fees range from $100-$200), both parties must have a birth certificate or passport, a tourist card, divorce decree (if applies).</ag_content_d></destination_about></destination_content>