Ixtapa & Zihuatenejo

IXTAPA & ZIHUATANEJO

A TRIP TO THE STATE OF GUERRERO, IN MEXICO’S SOUTHWEST,OFFERS THE CHANCE TO VISIT TWO NEIGHBOURING TOWNSWITH DISTINCT BUT EQUALLY ALLURING IDENTITIES.

Only around 8 kilometres separates Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo – a short drive along the Pacific coast.

But whereas the former is a purpose-built resort designed in the 1970s, now boasting some of the finest facilities in the country, the latter dates from the pre-Colonial era and has evolved over time from a quiet fishing village to a charming tourist destination.

Both are wonderfully located and well appointed, sharing views across a beautiful bay and the region’s tranquil beaches. However, while Zihuatanejo encourages relaxation and calm reflection surrounded by the region’s rich history, Ixtapa is justly proud of its first-class modern hotels and its status as a destination that emphasises the sophistication of the region.

Ixtapa also offers two magnificent golf courses – the newly renovated Palma Real Golf Course, and Marina Ixtapa Golf Club – designed by top golf professionals, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Robert Von Hagge respectively. Both courses have played host to numerous national and international tournaments, and have the high-end amenities demanded of the world’s best. Thanks to the diversity and abunpacked dance of underwater species in the area, Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo is among the world’s leading destinations for sport fishing. The climate and natural beauty, plus the region’s accessibility by both air and land, has made this small corner of the country one of the most attractive holiday spots in Mexico.

Playa Las Gatas

HOW TO GET HERE

The region is served by Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, located a few kilometres southwest of the twin cities. There are direct flights from six Mexican airports (Mexico City, Toluca, Querétaro, Guadalajara, León and Monterrey); as well as from Los Angeles, Houston and Phoenix in the US; and Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary in Canada.

By road, the Century XXI Highway connects Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo with Morelia, the colonial capital of the state of Michoacán, while Federal Highway 200 also connects Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo with Acapulco, where the “Autopista del Sol” branches off to connect with Mexico City.

WHAT TO DO

Visitors to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo have countless things to do, making a trip of any duration either as action- or as relaxing as one desires.

Many understandably head straight to the beach, with the warm clear waters particularly enticing. The best known spots in Zihuatanejo include Playa Principal, Madera, Ropa, Las Gatas and Playa Blanca. In Ixtapa, Playa El Palmar is a certified “Blue Flag” beach, an accolade issued only to those that pass stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria. Other excellent options include Playa Quieta, Playa Linda and Isla Grande (also known as Isla de Ixtapa).

This is also, of course, a fine place for surfing. There are several breaks in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, plus others nearby. Whether you’re a top professional or an amateur on the board, you’ll find the waves you’re looking for.

A recently upgraded bike trail is another excellent option for outdoor fun. Follow it on skates, on a bicycle or on foot – it’s probably the best way to get up close and personal with the beautiful vegetation that helps cool the surrounding air.

The region is also a paradise for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. More than 320 migratory or resident species of bird have been recorded on the coastline.

TRY A BITE!

As with everywhere in Mexico, both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offer some spectacular gastronomy. There are restaurants to suit all budgets, all of which offer sumptuous and diverse local fare rich in the flavours that have made Mexican cooking so sought after the world over.

Dishes are created using the freshest and most tasty seafood plucked right from the surrounding waters, in keeping with the recipes that made the region’s name.

Zihuatanejo is home of the traditional – and famous – tiritas de pescado, an exquisite recipe created, as legend has it, by an imaginative local fisherman. Having found himself with very few ingredients back on the dock at the end of the day, he cut the fish he had into thin strips and then drizzled lime juice over it, the acidity “cooking” the meat. These days the recipe virtually unchanged, usually featuring black skipjack tuna or sailfish and served with onion and chilli.

The similarly delicious jueves pozolero also originates from the area. A hot and hearty stew, the dish is traditionally served on national holidays. But even though its name suggests it’s only to be eaten one day per week (“jueves” means Thursday), there’s no reason not to sample some as soon as you get the chance.

LET THE PARTY BEGIN!

The nightlife in Ixtapa is as lively and intense as one would expect from one of Mexico’s foremost modern holiday resorts. The local bars and clubs are open until the early hours of the morning, catering for fans of all types of music.

But if clubbing isn’t your scene, then the clutch of restaurants around the marina offer a wonderful backdrop for a pleasant evening dining al fresco, before taking a stroll alongside the yachts.

Things tend to take place at a slower pace in the bars and restaurants of Zihuatanejo, which are found dotted among the town’s cobbled streets. Allow the food to go down while ambling along the waterfront promenade and watching the world go by.