379 km/235 miles – We are getting a good start today as we continue our journey north, first to San Blas then we jump on a toll Hwy up to Hwy 15D. Once northbound on Hwy 15D we return to Mazatlán and the Baraka Villas, Beach Club & RV Park (GPS 23.29869 N, 106.48481 W), on the north side of town. We should arrive in mid-afternoon and have no excursions planned. Plenty of free time to take a walk on the beach, do some shopping for supplies or take a local bus into town on arrival or the next day.
Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning “place of deer.” The city was founded in 1531 by an army of Spaniards and indigenous people. By the mid-19th century, a large group of immigrants arrived from Germany. Over time, Mazatlán developed into a commercial seaport, importing equipment for the nearby gold and silver mines. It served as the capital of Sinaloa from 1859 to 1873. The German settlers also influenced the local music, banda, with some genres being an alteration of Bavarian folk music. The settlers also established the Pacifico Brewery on March 14, 1900. Mazatlán has a rich culture and art community. In addition to the Angela Peralta Theater, Mazatlán has many galleries and artist’s studios. Mazatlán’s art museum, the Museo del Arte, exhibits both Mexican and international artists.
