A Pedacito of Mazatlán, Mexico

When I got the email inviting me to Mazatlan, Mexico for a work trip, there was absolutely no way I was turning this opportunity down.

Two months later, I hopped the plane for the 5-day trip, which was sponsored by the tourism commission of Mexico. To say they thought of everything was a vast understatement. I know my time would be largely spent learning about the different regions of the country and how the company I worked for at the time should consider the country for our business.

As the plane approached Mazatlan, my excitement grew. While I knew I wouldn’t have much time to see the city, I couldn't wait to land and soak in the culture and what were sure to be stunning views.

The view from the plane built on my excitement to be in Mazatlan

I was paired with a small group from around the world for the event. The hotel we stayed in was along the beachfront. The best part was definitely the pool. It was awesome and the views from the pool were unbelievably beautiful.

The best part of the hotel in Mazatlan was definitely the pool area

I wanted to spend all day in Mazatlan looking out over the ocean from the pool

I was bummed we had so little time at the hotel but work called and I spent a vast majority of three days at the convention center learning about different states in Mexico and their various cultural differences.

The trip was meant to expose me and those of us in my business to everything the country could offer as a travel destination for vacation, conferences, and group events. As much as it was about being in Mazatlan, it was about the country of Mexico overall.

Although I was not able to explore the city as much as a normal trip for me would allow, due to being booked solid nearly the entire time I was there, I was able to enjoy some really unique experiences that gave me a glimpse into what the city is about.

The first night we were there, the tourism commission hosted a welcome party along the Malecon. Although this was an event to showcase the Mexican spirit, the local flavor of the city was evident in the food, the drinks, and the stunning sunset views.

Dining in an environment like this was unique to the event I was attending, but I would never pass up a chance to dine at one of the many restaurants I saw in the area on my walk to the Malecon. I could soak in that sunset over and over again!

Dining along the Malecon during sunset is an experience I’ll never forget

Our restaurant along the Malecon thought of every detail

Being a resident of New Orleans, I am always down for a parade. During the dinner festivities, we were treated to a traditional Carnival parade that you would normally see along the Malecon in Mazatlan during the season.

The parade floats in Mazatlan are not like what you see in New Orleans, but are spectacular

Just a small taste of the Mazatlan Carnival parade makes me want to go back

This parade was absolutely beautiful. While it was not even close to what you get in a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, it was truly unique and the floats were stunning. I wish I had thought to take more photos but I was just enjoying everything.

The fireworks in Mazatlan were hard to capture on film but this is just a small sample of what we saw

A thirty minute fireworks display in Mazatlan was the best I think I’ve ever seen.

Just a portion of the huge display over the ocean to end our evening in Mazatlan, Mexico

I did get to walk around the hotel area a little and managed a quick cerveza at a taco shop a couple of blocks away. Since I didn’t get the opportunity to explore as I would normally do, I hope to return someday to just enjoy the area and learn more about the culture of this beautiful city.

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