Side Trips

Hacienda las moras
Just 30 minutes northeast of Mazatlán, a deserted agave ranchhouse and tequila distillery has been transformed into a tasteful, tranquil guest ranch. The 3,000-acre ranch is a refuge for both humans and animals, from miniature horses to exotic pure-white peacocks. A small white chapel sits atop a slight ridge overlooking the property, with the Sierra Madres rising in the background. The original stables, hacienda, and tequila-factory buildings have been completely renovated with attention to detail, and several new casitas are filled with classic Mexican touches. To honor the privacy of their guests, drop-in visits are not allowed, but tour groups and individuals may visit for lunch and a horseback ride, with advance reservations.

The ranch is a peaceful, completely secluded hideaway with accommodations that make you feel like you're staying in a luxurious private home. The 11 casitas have air-conditioning and fans, kitchens and bathrooms tiled in bright yellows and blues, upholstered equipal chairs and couches in the living rooms, and carved wooden armoires and dressers in the bedrooms. Each
casita has a large porch, where guinea hens tend to roost in the window boxes among blooming flowers. The chef prepares superb regional Mexican cuisine with breads baked daily in a wood-burning beehive oven. Guests are welcome to ride the horses up the mountain foothills and into towns that still lack automobiles and electricity. There's a pool and tennis courts, and plenty of space to roam in complete solitude.


 

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2. Boat Dock and Parking Area (Boat Ticket, less than $1 U.S.)

A. You purchase your boat ticket at the ticket booth and save your ticket as it is a round trip ticket. They may ask for your ticket on return and if it is lost you could be asked to pay again.

B. There is a women and a men's toilet cubicle to the left of the ticket booth.

C. There are normally vendors selling snacks (pastries etc.) at the Ticket Booth area.

D. When you're ready, walk down the gang plank to the dock and choose an available seat on the outboard motor boat (normally 16 foot boat).

E. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes.


Stone Island Arrival

There is a covered open sitting area directly in front of the exit from the dock. To the right of the sitting area is a small cafe. To the left is a women and a men's toilet.

A. Easy Way: You may take the Stone Island Special, tractor pulling a wagon with seats, or pulmonia to the beach and cafe area; or

B. Long Way: You may walk to the right following the tire marks on the road (you can't get lost) circling the town and it is 1.5 miles to the beach and cafe area on this route; or

C. Short Way: You walk straight ahead past the covered seating area crossing the vacant lot, cement playground. When you reach the street at the other side of the cement, turn left and stay on this somewhat winding main street (dirt type) through town (people, house, chicken etc. watching) and it is .7 mile to the beach and cafe area.


4. Beach Cafe Area: Relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches, warm shallow water, and palapa cafe cuisine at the recommended Carmelita or Lety's cafes, (there are other beach cafes).

Facing the cafes with your back to the beach you will see a sign "Carmelita". Move until you are to the left of the sign while facing the cafe. This is Carmelita's Cafe, Lety's is the one on your right.