Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is part of a tourist route known as the "Triángulo del Sol" (Triangle of the Sun), along with Acapulco and Taxco de Alarcón, in the state of Guerrero, and in the region known as "Pacífico Dorado" (Golden Pacific) and the "Riviera Mexicana" (Mexican Riviera). We are talking, in this case, of the union of two towns contrasting in their city planning, but that complement each other when it comes to offering to international tourism a wide range of services suited for any taste. And why not? A visit to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo could easily mean the making of two trips in one, due to the distinct physiognomy of both towns. Zihuatanejo is the old part of the destination: town in essence which still conserves the traditional environment of México, while Ixtapa, a town grown under strict aesthetic city planning.

The name Zituatanejo is derived from the word "Cihuatlán" signifying "Lugar de Mujeres" (Place of Women), while Ixtapa, nahuatl term as the previous one, signifies "Lugar Blanco" (White Place). And while downtown Zihuatanejo, with paving stone streets, typical stores and buildings providing an atmosphere that takes one back to years gone by, in its bay of just 2.3 kilometers wide there are anchored more than 60 cruises from all the world. Even a couple of years ago, the transatlantic Pacific Princess, famous for the TV series "The Love Boat", stood before Zihuatanejo as one of its most important ports of call.

The town offers many attractions for those who enjoy walks, either downtown or along the Paseo del Pescador (Promenade of the Fisherman), which goes along the seashore of the Playa Principal (Main Beach) as far as the dock. And talking precisely of beaches, in Zihuatanejo there is a great variety of interesting places worth mentioning. At La Ropa (The Clothes) the tourist may rent aquatic sports equipment, or else may enjoy the service of various restaurants and snack bars throughout the 1.8 kilometres of beach. We are talking about the most visited beach, although there are others that stand out because of the different ambient for which they are characterized.

Playa La Madera (The Wood) is ideal for those who are searching for a place to rest. while at Las Gatas (The Cats), small beach isolated from the city where one has to arrive by boat, serves as a meeting place for divers due to the submarine reef found in its waters. Playa Manzanillo, located south of Zihuatanejo and where it is usually recommended that one arrives in company of a tour because of it being a solitary and distant place, shows outstanding submarine beauty, displaying incredible coral reefs that attract adventurers. In contrast, Ixtapa is distinguished for being a place that welcomes high class tourism, since the hotel and service infrastructure demonstrates carefully refined characteristics. Ixtapa was created and promoted after a federal government investment by the end of the 60‘s, contemplating the construction of residencial areas, malls, streets and gardens of impeccable beauty, as well as areas destined to be first class hotel investments.

There are many of 4 or 5 star hotels built by the shore of the beach El Palmar, most of them belonging to big chains of hotels, occupying the space of 4.5 kilometres of length. Nearby is the Marina de Ixtapa (Marine of Ixtapa), where up to 100 yachts are anchored to its docks and place that is distinguished by the luxurious condominiums, a golf field of 18 holes designed by Robert Von Hagge, and a series of halls that open their doors to all sorts of specialized restaurants.

To the north of Ixtapa the beaches of Don Juan, Don Rodrigo, Playa Quieta and Las Cuatas. From Playa Linda a dock, place where one may come aboard a boat that will take one to Isla de Ixtapa, where at a glance one may only see an estuary inhabited by crocodiles, but that is also known for being an ideal surfing place. In the island one may ride a horse while admiring the fauna and the landscapes of the region, or just enjoy the service of bars and restaurants at the beach of Playa Varadero, place of fine sand and calm waters, where many groups of visitors arrive.

Diving tours in more than 30 well known places, parachute rentals as well as jet-skis, surfing boards and sailboats, tennis courts or the exciting sport fishing of swordfish or marlin....and much more to enjoy at Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo!!

And to prove the vast development of this tourist destination in a whole, let me just mention that there are 5 thousand rooms, from simple lodges to the great hotels or the so called "petit-hotels", which are so small and exclusive that some of them have been considered to be among the 100 best of the world. It is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, a designated place by nature for welcoming thousands of Golfina, Laúd or Carey turtles, who emerge from the deep of the ocean during the rain season in order to lay their eggs on the beach. Rain Forest that was once inhabited in prehistoric times by crocodiles, creatures that may be appreciated at a lagoon close to Playa Linda, Ixtapa, or to La Ropa in Zihuatanejo. Natural paradise that lodges iguanas, garrobos, raccoons or deer, while shining nearby is the tourist development welcoming year after year thousands of tourists from all the world. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is, the destination that will always welcome you with open arms.