Standards of sanitation in the city are high compared to many other places in
the world. Most people coming to Mazatlán are concerned about food or water
sources. Accidents while swimming, boating, or falling are more likely to occur
than problems with food or water.
ers of strong Mexican beer, and Margaritas, you can count on problems.
Although many of my colleagues who live in Mazatlán year-round ingest food
from street or beach vendors without having health problems, I don't recom-
mend it. My primary reason is the unsanitary conditions evident. I see no place
near the vendor for periodic hand washing. As in traveling anyplace else in the
world, I recommend frequent hand washing.
fied. Most grocery stores sell bottled water, water purification tablets, and
iodine crystals to those of you that may be backpacking in the area.
to prepare for this unpleasant occurrence. This may affect some people and
not others. Mexican doctors call this Tourista because it affects tourists, but not
the local population. The symptoms of Tourista are nausea, fever, diarrhea, and
sometimes stomach cramps. Remember, that eating and drinking in modera-
tion will help to prevent the worst of the symptoms, which rarely last more