VAMOS DE FIESTA

CHEAP FEASTING IS ONLY ONE OF MEXICO’S MAZATLAN’S CHARMS

With a broad smile the waiter placed the bill on the table and politely stepped back to the restaurant’s doorway.

I knew why he was grinning – because I was about to hand over a king’s ransom for our lunch.

I returned a friendly nod and a mangled “gracias” in my worst Spanish (which is also my best Spanish) and reached nervously for the folded piece of paper that chronicled the massive Mexican feast we had just devoured.

As well as a mountain of pulled pork enchiladas, tacos and way too many bowls of salsa and smoky chipotle dip, my wife and I had also imbibed a considerable quantity of beer and margaritas – so, I was not welcoming the final costings.

Thirty-eight dollars – there must be some mistake. It should be four times that.

I ran my finger down the itemised list and every one of our indulgences was there – not only had the food cost us a mere pittance, the Coronas were only $2 each. Hellooooooo Mazatlan.

Our culinary windfall was an unexpected bonus on a magical sunny day that saw us explore this beautiful seaside town (and discover our new favourite eatery inside the Plaza Machado). This is in the heart of downtown and, as we sat outside people-watching, we revelled in the pastel colours of the classically restored architecture – and its striking French and Spanish influences – that made up the lively square.

It pulsed with the energy of inquisitive tourists, as well as the dynamic mix of local musicians wooing the assembled crowds.

Just a short stroll up the road will bring you to the magnificent Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and you’ll also be able to take in the delightful aromas of the José Maria Pino Suárez Municipal Market (not that we could have eaten another bite).

If you are planning to visit Mazatlan, and you’re feeling energetic, be sure to walk the 6.5km Malecon boardwalk or climb to the top of El Faro Lighthouse.

It offers sensational views across the bay and you’ll have the added bonus of sharing the vista with the resident iguana population. Most importantly, the steep climb is guaranteed to give you a thirst for those $2 beers.