[April 1, 2026: The snowbirds have headed north, and the pace in Centro has shifted.Quieter, yes – but not empty. If you are looking for updates on DHL shipping, cigars,”up-close” magic with Art Johnson, sewing stations, a wine store in Centro, or chocolates – you’ll find them listed in the directory.]

Centro’s summer Chatter… A couple of new spots are on the way. PuraVida Restaurant is setting up on Belisario Dominguez and Sixto Osuna, across from Panama. And on Niños Héroes, behind the former Military Hospital, Efimero Restaurant and Bar is open now – closed Mondays, opens at 2 pm. Chef Manolo, a young chef from Barcelona, has a small, 30-seat space with Spanish/European menu leaning into Mexican cuisine.

Open Now: Arde, Cocina Nortropical, on Heriberto Frias #1411, where RAW restaurant was, and before that, a ladies dress shop, just north of the Machado, south of Héctor’s Bistro. Arde opens at 1 pm, closed Mondays, and has varied menu: appetizers, steaks, fish of the day, oysters, ceviches and aguachile de camarón – Chef’s idea of a Nortropical menu. If you are a Marde Fondo fan, then you’ll enjoy Arde, same chef and owner. Creative upscale wine list – by the glass [$180-$295] or the bottle [$1000 – $2065] with labels like Fabulous Ant, Coastal Estates, Fish Hoek, and Badger’s Creek. There are two bar areas and mixologist to shake-up your drink.

Looking to wine-down? Here are just a few of the wine bars in Centro: Apricot Wine Bar and Bruma located upstairs and downstairs at El Presidio, Niños Heroes and Mariano Escobedo. Hashi Winebar, 21 de Marzo #613 – a Open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 – 1 pm. and on Sundays from 2 pm. to 7 pm. – call ahead, 669 252 3209. See full “introduction”. For a more tranquil outdoor setting be sure to try Vinitivo Wine Bar at La Roosevelt, closed Tuesdays, opens at 3 pm. Indoor seating with ac or outdoor, and they have a small menu of appetizers. You can buy their wine to take home too. Across the patio is NSR Brewery, again with a small but delicious menu. Later in the evening, BRVO continues to draw crowds for cocktails and small bites while the Speakeasy keeps things going with djs late into the night.

As an Expat, please stop doing these things in Mexico. An article by Mauro Escalante Lopez, May 25,2025.

Do you have “an in a case of emergency” wallet card? What’s in your pocket when you take your dog for a walk, go for a morning stroll on the beach, or a run on Malecon? The consulate suggests something like this:

It will surprise you how much it takes to become a certified tourist guide.

[KM had this to say, March 2022:”if you are looking for an exceptional tour guide, I highly recommend Akino Montiel. He is a certified tour guide and the most knowledgeable and pleasant guy you’ll ever meet. We spent the day with him seeing dancing horses, visiting a tequila distillery and learning about the process in Osuna, and ending with a great meal and shopping in La Noria. Akino knows a lot about the area and the one question he couldn’t answer he researched and followed up with me soon after we returned. The whole experience was such a pleasure!”]

Many of you have “your guy” the person you turn to for day trips and for city tours. I always knew, to receive this designation, that it took time and money. A friend who has know him for 18 years introduced me to Akino Montiel – a certified tour guide. He kindly gave me all the details of what it takes to become a certified tourist guide/Guia Turistas General. I think you’ll find the dedication and cost to be an eye-opener.

The certification allows a tour guide to work in any city in Mexico, but you must be a Mexican National and have finished high school.
To be certified requires 510 hours and costs between $30,000 to $40,000 pesos and you must past the bilingual [English/Spanish] test, as well as the CPR course.
Every teacher is an expert in their subject [architecture, wild life etc.] and has a master’s degree which is partly what makes the course so expensive.
Every four years Akino must renew his license, which involves 160 hours and approximately another $10,000 pesos.
Akino must renew his CPR course every two years.
If you have a federal driving license with a federal plate [which Akino has] he must pass a medical test every two years and every six months there is a mandatory engine and pollution inspection.

“I love to be a good host, it’s like when you have a new friend visiting your house, you just want them to feel comfortable and you want to show the best part of your place. It’s super fun and to give good service is my passion. For me it’s the best job in the world.” [These are all Akino’s quotes with no editing so you can see his English is excellent.]

He’s been tour guide since 1997, and his van holds six passengers. Not a requirement but Akino also has a degree in Tourism from Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa. Akino will take you wherever you want to go, but his two personal favourite tours are the Tequila Factory with El Quelite, and Concordia and Copala. If “your guy” is busy or you want another recommendation for a tour guide judging from his FP page and all the rave reviews he’s your man. You can reach him on WhatsApp 669 912 8999, e mail akinomntl@gmail.com and on FB, Akino Montiel.[ SM, November 2018, his contact info is from 2026.]

[Updated December, 2024: over the years Noë has trained a team, he’s no working alone. The cost for a a very large and well-used sofa is $850.]

If you have ever thought about giving your mattress a deep cleaning then Noë Guadiana Villareal is your man. He started his business, Deep Extraction Cleaning [yes, that’s the name – “Mexicans love English names”.] opened its cleaning services in 2014. A deep cleaning takes about 1 1/2 hours depending on your mattress size and stains. Noë begins with a Hepa filter vacuum [oh, the dust bunnies you would not believe!], then a soil remover and finally an injection suction for the deep clean. Allow a four to five hour drying time, with an approximate cost of $500. You may have two mattresses and there is a discount, or you may just need a light cleaning, for $250. He also cleans furniture, rugs, and car interiors. Noë’s team is very punctual and texts right on the dot of the appointed time, “I’m here.” The English-speaking Noë can be reached at 669 134 8864, or 669 986 1314 or e: decmazatlan@gmail.com. Sweet dreams.

If you want to say it with flowers, then Luz Elena is the florist for you. She’s owned Floreria Jardin de Rosas for 35 + years and specializes in fresh flowers and creative arrangements; for years she has had her flowers shipped from south of Mexico City four times a week. Many are unique to Mazatlan! Wish to have a delivery? No problem, free delivery with a minimum order of $1000. Luz Elena also accepts most major credit cards. If you don’t speak flower-Spanish don’t worry, Luz Elena’s English is perfect. In fact, you don’t have to worry about anything with Luz Elena, she’s just so professional. Jardin de Rosas is located on Paseo Lomas #248 [past Starbucks and the school], call 914 1754,or WhatsApp, 669 912 0415 and the hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.and on Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Like every florist in the world, plan your order way ahead for Mother’s Day [May 10] and Valentines.