Carved from the same hilly tropical coastline
marked by scalloped coves, these Pacific Coast neighbors offer two unique versions of paradise!
Ixtapa is considered
one of Mexico's most modern resorts, Ixtapa offers sophisticated pleasures and world-class accommodations.
Though the nightlife, shopping and restaurant scenes are more subdued here than in other destinations,
there's still plenty of diversity. Golf, tennis, water sports and boutique shopping are just
some of the options.
It's also worthy to note that half of Ixtapa has been set aside as an ecological reserve, dedicated by
the government when the resort was developed.
Those looking for a more authentic cultural experience can head seven kilometers south to Zihuatanejo, a classic pueblo village criss-crossed by cobblestone streets. {photo shown above] A pleasant contrast to the refinement of Ixtapa, rustic Zihuatanejo
is set around one of Mexico's most picturesque bays. Activities
center around the lively seaside promenade, laid-back cafés and wonderful markets.
Mexico Vacations at Barcelo Ixtapa Beach Hotel ~ Book Now
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Zihuatanejo
(see wah tah NAY ho) is located in the Municipio
of José Azueta (aka Zihuatanejo de Azueta) in the state of
Guerrero on the Pacific
Coast of Mexico about 240km
(approx. 144 miles) northwest of Acapulco.
The modern tourist
resort of Ixtapa (eeks TAH pah) is only 5km away.
Barra de Potosí, Playa Larga and Playa Blanca form a 15 kilometer stretch of beach to the south of Zihuatanejo
near the Aeropuerto Internacional de Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa (Airport).
Zihuatanejo,
Mexico has the old-fashioned charm of traditional Mexican culture. It
is a town that sprang up from a handful of families who were mostly fishermen. Fishing
continues to be a way of life for a large number of families, and the increasing popularity of the area as a sportfishing
destination has given new impetus to their livelihood.
Ixtapa, Mexico is not actually a town but rather is administered by a federal agency called FONATUR, entrusted with land sales
and development as well as public administration and services for Ixtapa's businesses, residents
and visitors. It is located about 7 km (a little over 4 miles) from Zihuatanejo.
In Ixtapa, Mexico there are several shopping centers with classy shops, boutiques, restaurants,
bars and discotecs. High-rise hotels line most of the beach along with time-shares and
condominiums. Modern, peaceful neighborhoods extend behind the shopping centers and back
from the hotel zone for miles. There are two golf courses and a modern marina which are
all surrounded by coconut groves, family residences, vacation homes, guest inns and small hotels.
Troncones
is a small beachfront village about 30 miles northwest of Ixtapa with about 700 residents.
It became a popular ecological vacation resort during the 1990's, and its pristine coastline
is now interspersed with vacation homes, guest inns and seafood restaurants.
Barra de Potosí
is a tiny fishing village at the extreme southern end of the 15-mile long beach known as Playa
Larga at one end and Playa Blanca at
the other. There is a large mangrove estuary and lagoon there which opens to the ocean.
The beach is lined with many enramada (palm thatched)
restaurants with many hammocks, perfect for taking a siesta during a long day at the beach. They
serve the freshest seafood possible anywhere. It is a very popular
place with Mexican families on Sundays especially.
Until the early
1970's Zihuatanejo was a sleepy fishing village with only a handful of families and residents. It was then (and continues to be) a favorite getaway for Mexican vacationers
and adventurous foreigners.
Zihuatanejo's main attraction is its well-protected bay where travelling boaters often spend the winter
months moored in its peaceful clear waters. The bay offers various beaches for relaxation,
recreation, dining, or simply enjoying the abundantly beautiful scenery and laid-back local lifestyle.
The main part of downtown Zihuatanejo (referred to as "El Centro")
is still rather old-fashioned with narrow streets made of paving-stones and where most people still walk to get around.
The locals (and frequent visitors) still greet each other in the streets, causing a simple stroll
around the block to sometimes take quite a while as they get caught up on the latest local gossip (a favorite pastime).
