Mazatlan (III) - Golden Zone Mexico (December 2023)

We stayed at El Cid El Moro for two weeks after our stays in the Marina and Centro areas. El Cid is a resort group that owns several resorts and hotels in several cities in Mexico. Last time we stayed at the El Cid Marina Hotel and this time we decided to stay at El Moro in the Hotel Zone or Golden Zone, which is close to town.

We had to secure some kitchen supplies and food materials to feed ourselves because we could not dine out all the time. It was convenient that a clean and good-size supermarket was right across from the hotel: Fresh Market.  This market was a regular grocery shopping place for us. 

El Cid El Moro is located right next to El Cid La Castilla Hotel and they are among the earliest resorts in town. They have very nice facilities including swimming pools and a jacuzzi. 

More importantly, however, El Cid offers convenient beach access.

 

Kristin prepared breakfast almost every day and the meals were really good and delicious. 

One morning, we decided to eat our breakfast at the resort, but we never returned because we did not think the meal was worth the money we had to pay.

During my morning walk, I found a local restaurant where they served breakfast, I ordered the cheapest one, but it was really good. It cost me 70 pesos or $4.11. Not bad at all.

Also, I found a Korean restaurant called Seoullo at a retail shopping center, called Camino Al Mar, but it was owned by Mexicans and I did not have a desire to try it out.

Almost every morning, I walked to the Malecon or to the beach. My morning walk helped me facilitate my blood circulation and metabolism.

For several days, Kristin and I hung out at the poolside and jacuzzi. The water was a bit cold but manageable. 

One of the most precious values of staying at El Cid El Moro would be the beautiful sunset view you could enjoy almost every day.

We took an excursion to visit a horse training center, a tequila factory, and La Noria village where we made a stop at a tannery.  

The horses were beautiful and it was so funny that the horses were dancing at the music played. Of course, a little treat after the dance must have been the motivator.

The tequila factory was small, but it was convenient for us to understand the manufacturing process from blue agave to the final product.

The La Noria town was small but cute. The tannery we visited showed us how to make hand-made leather products. I found a bird-catching toy we used in the old days. It gave me the recollection of an old memory. 

On the way back, we stopped over at a local restaurant and the food was really good.

Mexicans are a hospitable people. This one sentence can explain their hospitality very well. It means "My house is your house." 

Our stay in Mazatlan for three weeks was a time of rest and refreshment.  Probably, we will return to this Pacific Pearl City for various reasons, including our trial membership with El Cid Resorts for two years. - Jeffrey