What is the Golden Zone?

[MicheleT]

I hear ya'll talking about the Golden Zone - what is it and what can we do there?

[baby doll]

Hi MicheleT: I would admagine your talking of going to Matzalan Mexico? There is an old part of the city and a new part. The new part with all the fancy dancy hotels is called the Golden Zone. In shopping the Old city has like a flea market buying with all the trinkets and in the Golden Zone the stores are a bit nicer. It's futher out from the port. We ate at La Flores resort for a fine Mexican dinner and used their beach for the day. They have parasailing I saw too,but I am a shopper and wasn't looking for more to do than that. I'm sure other post will tell you what they did. I have pictures if you would like of the Golden Zone.

[MicheleT]

I think we were looking at going to the El Cid Resort while in port in Mazatlan. Is the Golden Zone close to the El Cid? Walking? Taxi?

Anything we shouldn't miss?

[f-mattox]

MicheleT, El Cid is in the Golden Zone. It's a $10 cab ride from the ship. Take one of the little white open air cabs--it's a real life "Mr. Toads Wild Ride". From El Cid you can walk the whole Golden Zone. Great beach; great restaurants; great shopping--both tourist stuff and classy botiques.

The Papantla Flyers is a really good folklorico-type show with some great daredevil stunts in an open air arena in the Zone.

[MicheleT]

Thanks - I am glad we can hit it all at once!

[Andrealovescruising]

Michele, I agree with f-mattox on this one. El Cid is the way to go. When you hail your cab, make sure you REQUEST an open one. To feel the warm Mexican sun on your face while you're heading toward the El Cid is pretty darn great.

[Lil' Lori]

Last dec. I stayed at the golden zone. They have water activities to do on the beach. SeaDoo and catamaran rentals. Banana boat rides, and parasail rides. I was able to get a parasail ride for $25, I probably could of got it for $20, especially earlier in the day. The El Cid is in the middle of the hotel row, it is very pretty. Have fun, Lil' Lori

[MicheleT]

Sounds like we're set for Mazatlan!!! My oldest son will love all the beach activities. And I hope I remember the ziploc bags for all the shells my 3 yr old will want to bring home!

[MicheleT]

I noticed on the El Cid website that there are several different hotels at their location. Is there a particular one that is better to use over the other. I saw that one has a small waterslide. That would be of interest to our family.