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Mazatlan (ma zat ˈlan) is located on the Pacific coast, just across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula. Its coastal location and latitude lends itself to a warm tropical climate year round with a short rainy season during the summer.

Serviced by General Rafael Buelna International Airport, Mazatlan is a perfect afordable vacation destination. It has unlimited activities to enjoy such as fishing, sailing, and other water and beach sports; golf, tennis, horseback riding, fine dining, shopping, and nightlife.

On June 18, 1868, William H. Bridge, captain of HMS Chanticleer, blockaded the port and threatened to shell the city on June 22. The captain had taken umbrage after local Customs Authorities seized 23 ounces of gold from the paymaster of the ship.

Spanish galleons departed the harbor laden with gold taken from the inland mines in the region. And there are the legends of pirate treasure buried up and down the coast in coves during much of this earlier period of time.

Scientists have found petroglyphs on the off shore islands of Mazatlan that they believe date back as far as 10,000 years. Though human settlement dates back before the Spanish, many historical records were destroyed by the zealots who considered any other civilization inferior to theirs. Slavery, slaughter, and disease took it's toll on the local Indians which occupied this and other regions of Mexico. So, as history is written by the victors, I am confined to the record which begins with the Spaniards.

Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Pacific," Mazatlan offers everything from full-service all-inclusive resort life to intimate villas, hotels and private residences available for short- or long-term rental.

Other great vacation destinations in Mexico are Cabo San Lucas, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, and Cancun.