Tuesday, February 14, 2017 – Topolobampo, Mexico – Partly Cloudy - 76F

Distance from La Paz, Mexico to Topolobampo, Mexico: 113 Nautical Miles

The View from Deck 5

That’s Our Cabin

Port Information. Topolobampo, the port that serves as the gateway to the scenic Copper Canyon, is located in the Mexican State of Sinoloa.  Topolobampo was settled in 1886.  Also nearby, is El Fuerte – Home to Don Diego de la Vega – El Zorro.

The Quest docked in Graneles Pier 2 at 4:30 AM so no wake up calls or alarms needed.  The early arrival is needed so passengers can get started on their 18 hour trek to the Copper Canyon.  The local area folks have planned a full day of entertainment for the ship.  There will be folkloric performances, bands, and other dancers.  A stage and seats are set up just beyond the immediate pier area – we will be able to watch and hear the whole thing from open Deck 5.

After another very predictable but very good breakfast, we were off to explore.  For a lot of reasons, we are not going to be going to Copper Canyon – it’s a once in a lifetime experience and we have done it.  

There’s not a lot to see in the port city of Topolobampo but the port authority is supplying free Shuttle Bus service to the Botanic Garden in the nearby big city of Los Mochis.

As we left the ship for the bus, we noticed some interesting objects.  There was nothing near them to explain what they were – some local critters.

ULC – Unidentified Local Critters

The ride was pretty comfortable and it only took about 20 to 30 minutes to get to Los Mochis. The buses also had young guides describing things along the way and answering questions about the area.  The bus drop was right in front of the Botanic Gardens in the center of town.

The Benjamin Francis Johnston Botanic Gardens is a huge greenspace, covering several city blocks.  It contains the usual specimens but it also has play areas.  We started to walk through the gardens but decided otherwise after being attacked by biting flies (seriously).  Instead, we will walk the city to check out the sights.

The Gardens

Who’s the Person with the Green Umbrella?

We also found a local who agreed to take our picture.

That’s Us at the Gardens

Armed with a map and recalling how the bus entered the city, we were able to make our way to some of the city center sights.  Not sure what historical even took place here on that date but the Central Plaza is known as Plazuela 27 de Septiembre.

Plazuela 27 de Septiembre

We also stopped at the Sagrada Corazon de Jesus Church.  The best shot I could get of the church was from across the street.

As we do in many of our ports (when we are not on tour), we seek out spas (for some pampering).  After logging a good number of steps, we asked in some of the shops about spas.

Were directed to a great (and fancy) full service Spa called MaaroX.  Two massages for 700 pesos ($35.00 at the current exchange rate).  At first, the spa ladies told us it was $20 but I told them it was too little and helped them with their math.  In any event, the massages were excellent, the staff friendly, the facilities really upscale, and the price unbeatable.

We walked a little more around the town before returning to the bus pick up point for the ride back to the pier.  Our guide for this trip was 20 year old Diana, who spoke perfect English and had spent some time in San Bernardino, CA.  Our guide on the way in was only 18 years old.  The cities are recruiting young folks as representatives of the tourist industry.  A good idea.

We spent the afternoon out on Deck 5 where we could read and also take in the ongoing entertainment.

Dance of the Cowgirls

After dinner in the Discoveries Dining Room, we went to the Cabaret Theater to see a local Folkloric Show hosted by our bus guide Diana.  Mariachis, bottle balancing dancers, and all sorts of fun stuff.  The theme was the various regions of Mexico - It was a pretty entertaining show. 

Folkloric Show

The ship is all decked out in hearts in honor of Valentine’s Day.  We took the opportunity to take a picture together up in the Living Room(courtesy of Simon).

Happy Valentine’s Day

A nice day in Topolobampo and Los Mochis, Mexico.