Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Things to see and do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Zihuatanejo is a small city in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific Coast of Mexico about 240 kilometers (145 miles) northwest of Acapulco. It remained a small fishing village until the 1970’s, when the Mexican government began building the tourist resort of Ixtapa on what was a coconut plantation just a few kilometers northwest of Zihuatanejo. The area’s history is captured for visitors at the Museo Arqueologico de la Costa Grande, a museum featuring information about all 54 archeological sites surrounding Zihuatanejo.
Zihuatanejo is the seat of government for the Zihuatanejo de Azueta municipality, with a population of over 62,000, as of the most recent census in 2005. Ixtapa has a population of about 6,400. Ixtapa has much in common with the neighboring tourist mecca of Acapulco, featuring modern high-rise hotels along the beaches, time share condominiums, expensive shops carrying local crafts and designer items, restaurants, and nightclubs. The official visitor’s bureau has a helpful website for first time visitors at http://www.visit-ixtapa-zihuatanejo.org.
The main attraction in Zihuatanejo is the surrounding bay. It provides a shelter for boaters to moor their vessels, as well as offering several sandy beaches for relaxation, recreation and water sports, or simply enjoying the abundantly beautiful natural scenery. Las Gatas Beach is the southernmost, residing inside a small cove and a local favorite for swimming and snorkeling. La Ropa and La Madera beaches are longer and just north, closer to the town center. La Playa Principal is adjacent to the town center. El Centro, as the main part of town is known, features narrow, cobblestoned streets. Mercado de Artesanias, or the artisans market, and the Mercado Central feature local vendors selling produce and crafts. In Ixtapa, the Pink Punk Boutique features designer shoes, clothes, handbags, and more.
Ixtapa has become a major cruise destination. The area has abundant water sports activities: sport fishing, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and sailing. Golfers will find two challenging courses: Palma Real which maintains elements of the coconut plantations pre-dating Ixtapa, and Marina Ixtapa Golf Club which features water hazards protecting 14 of the 18 holes. The Crocodilarium in the Popoyote Lagoon is a wildlife refuge featuring crocodiles in their native habitat. They can be viewed from a safely fenced area. There is also Delfiniti Ixtapa (http://www.delfiniti.com), a nature preserve and wildlife park that provides the opportunity to swim with dolphins. In town, Mexican-themed bar and restaurant Senor Frog’s (http://www.senorfrogs.com/ixtapa/index.htm) shouldn’t be missed for those that like a party atmosphere! Another popular dining choice is Carlos ‘n Charlie’s (http://www.carlosandcharlies.com/ixtapa/index.htm), featuring pasta, seafood and meat dishes.