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While Ixtapa came to be in the 1970s, Zihuatanejo dates back to the beginnings of Mexican civilization.Between the two, you can experience a combination that you won’t find in many other places: the richness of ancient Mexican culture along with the excitement of a world-class resort. Zihuatanejo is deeply rooted in the colorful history of Mexico, from its beginnings as a sacred sanctuary for pre-Columbian nobility to its role as an important Spanish colonial port. Today tourists have discovered its splendor. The town is a delight place to spend the day.

Visitors can explore the excellent shops, restaurants and bars along the Avenida del Pescador by the bay, where the town’s tourist office is located, and along the main street, Avenida Cuauhtémoc. At the Mercado de Artesanía Turistíco, you’ll find an extensive selection of Mexican folk art. This region of Mexico is known for its bright whimsical ceramics, carved wooden fish and ceremonial masks.

More than 900 artifacts, excavated from an archaeological site found near the end of the resort area, are on display at the Museo Arqueológico in Zihuatanejo. Among the pre-Hispanic pieces are murals and maps. In addition, you’ll find a collection of Ming and Cihing porcelain from the 17th and 18th centuries, when Zihuatanejo was an important port of trade between China and Spain. Ixtapa, only 4 miles from Zihuatanejo, was built along 24 miles of superb beachfront, picturesque coves and tropical vegetation. You can enjoy spectacular views of sea, sand and sky just about everywhere you look.

Ixtapa now has a string of first-class luxury hotels along the ocean and two 18-hole golf courses. Where the Ixtapa Lagoon runs into the Pacific, you’ll find Marina Ixtapa, a new 450-acre facility that includes 662 yacht slips, along with private villas, restaurants, shops, a beach club and a tennis center. There’s also an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge and miles of recreational canals.

Beaches:
Zihuatanejo’s beaches are located along a calm bay, so the swimming is excellent. And the waters offshore are a sportfisherman’s paradise.

Playa La Ropa is the hotels’ main beach. This mile-long curve is lined with trees just perfect for hanging hammocks and lazing away the afternoon. The surf here is ideal for swimming and all kinds of water sports. La Ropa, named after the cargo of a wrecked Chinese ship that washed ashore there, means “the clothes” in Spanish.

Playa Las Gatas (Cat Beach), located south of Playa La Ropa, was named for the toothless whiskered sharks common to this part of the bay. This pristine cove is a favorite with snorkelers and divers.

Playa Principal is Zihuatanejo’s most popular beach, but be warned: it can get hectic. It’s also the spot where fishermen display and sell their catch every morning. A 15-minute walk along a footpath heading east leads to Playa
Maderas, a small beach that retains more tropical charm.

Ixtapa’s beaches are found along the ocean rather than the bay, and the surf is rougher than in Zihuatanejo’s waters. There’s a total of 14 unspoiled strands. The main resort beach is Playa del Palmar, which stretches for two miles. Its rolling surf is great for bodysurfing. Tucked away at the far end of Playa del Palmar is Playa Vista Hermosa, with its impressive rock formations.

Playa Quieta means “quiet beach,” but with Club Med nearby, it can get exciting. Blessed with calm waters, this is a lovely beach for relaxing and easy swimming. Another charming beach is Playa Las Cuatas, two beaches joined by a footpath. Waves here reach four to five feet, making it a good spot for both surfing and bodysurfing.

Activities:
Ixtapa Island is a 15-minute boat ride from Playa Quieta. A nature preserve, the island is home to armadillos, deer, iguanas, raccoons and dozens of species of native birds. Of the four beaches on the island, Coral Beach is the best for snorkeling. The western beaches are preferred for swimming and sunbathing. The region boasts ideal conditions for water-sports enthusiasts. You can expect good diving and snorkeling on this Pacific coast. The area’s 30 dive sites include shallow coral beaches, rocky islets and a sunken shipwreck.

Sportfishing is a popular activity. The waters off Zihuatenejo and Ixtapa are legendary for their abundant game fish, including marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo and yellowfin tuna. Golfers can play a round at the Club de Golf Ixtapa. This challenging course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., features water traps and three large lakes. The 18-hole course at Marina Ixtapa has many sand traps and long, rolling greens that provide challenges to golfers of all levels.

Acapulco || Cabo San Lucas || Cancun || Cozumel
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