A Beach with History, the Petroglyphs of Las Labradas

petroglyph at the beach of las labradas, mazatlan, mexicoLas Labradas translates to “the carvings.” And the beach just north of Mazatlan is filled with carvings on its coastal rocks. Travelers don’t come here to swim or soak in the sun, but rather to take a look at the numerous and mysterious petroglyphs.

welcome sign at las labradas, mazatlan, mexicoKnown to locals for hundreds of years, the engraved rocks have only recently received (last 20 years) the attention of the local Mazatlan tourism effort.  A museum is expected to open this spring.

And although Las Labradas (and its petroglyphs) continues to grow as a tourist destination, don’t worry just yet… the place was quiet when we visited. Real quite. The site had only one vendor and our group had the entire beach to ourselves for the hour we spent there.  It was a wonderful hour.

We walked the soft sands, climbed on the rocks and many of us simply stared out to sea. We (I) wondered what did these symbols really mean? Who carved them? What stories did this civilization share from their lives? No real answers exist, the mystery remain unsolved and that is part of its charm.

the beach at las labradas, mazatlan, mexico

the beach is impressive in itself

petroglyph or roack carving on the beaches of las labradas, mazatlan, mexicopetroglyph or roack carving on the beaches of las labradas, mazatlan, mexico

petroglyph or rock carving on the beaches of las labradas, mazatlan, mexico

you climb on the rocks to get close and "read" the carvings

Perhaps, these carvings do not impress in the same manner as the Mayan pyramids of Coba, Chichen Itza or Tikal, but they are a unique piece of human history. A piece of the puzzle that is humanity. And standing there I felt connected to it. I tend to think we all did.

pondering at the many petroglyphs at las labradas, mazatlan

a fellow travel writer stares out to sea...

stay adventurous, Craig

This post is part of the winter 2012-13 Beach Thursday series. Enjoy a beach post every Thursday to keep you warm all winter long. Also I’d like to thank the Mazatlan Hotel Association for all they do and for making this adventure possible.

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  • Bill Kaliher

    these are amazing–did not know about them–will plan to see them my next trip–thanks for this info–enjoyed the write up

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Bill, definitely plan a stop, it is right off the toll road too… easy to find and a pleasure to see… Also, let me know when your next Mexican Adventure begins… stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://twitter.com/acceleratedstal Maria

    Whoa! They’re everywhere. That would be a huge time suck for me – 3 days later you’d wonder where I was and I’d still be there studying rocks.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Maria, it was a time warp… I found myself just looking at the carvings… pretty cool indeed. So glad I finally got to see them this last trip to Mazatlan.

      stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://twitter.com/mrsoaroundworld Ana Silva O’Reilly

    You are really trying to get me there, aren’t you?

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      I am just trying to share my appreciation for all Mexico offers 😉 Ana, when you are serious about your return definitely let me know so I can steer you properly…. stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://www.theworldofdeej.com The World of Deej

    Wow…cool stuff. I love coming in contact with these things from history that boggle the mind…

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Yes, very cool. I totally appreciate such moments too… for me, they are part of the adventure that is travel, the adventure that is life…. stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://travelingted.com/ Traveling Ted

    I know what the top carving says: “Stay adventurous!”

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Thanks Ted… I think you might be right…

      (that symbol), Craig

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