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Ixtapa Travel
Guide:
The Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo area is one of the most popular parts of
Mexico. Combining the luxury of a modern resort vacation and the
quaint charm of a Mexican village, these two vacation destinations
combine the best of both worlds into one beautiful vacation
destinations. The twin destinations of Ixtapa and Zihuatenejo are
located a mere seven kilometers apart, allowing the traveler to enjoy
both destinations at their leisure. You can have breakfast in Ixtapa
and dinner in Zihuatenejo, or enjoy a lovely stroll along the beach in
Zihuatenejo, followed by an invigorating round of golf in Ixtapa.
The Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo region is nestled among the lush green of the
Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The area consists of rolling hills and
tropical coastline dotted with wonderful hidden coves, white sandy
beaches and some of the clearest, bluest waters you will see
anywhere.
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The Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo region is located less than 250 kilometers from
Acapulco. The entire area enjoys a beautiful, temperate climate year
round. Even in the rainy season (typically from June to September),
the sunshine is only interrupted by brief afternoon showers. As a
matter of fact, the Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo region enjoys an average of 340
sunny days per year, so weather should not concern the visitor to the
region. Cool ocean breezes help keep the temperature just right
throughout the year.
Unlike some other resort areas, the resorts of Ixtapa were built with
ecology and natural preservation in mind. Half of the land in Ixtapa
has been set aside as an ecological reserve. In addition, the size of
hotels and other residences in Ixtapa is limited. These restrictions on
development ensure that Ixtapa will retain its natural beauty for years
to come.
The Ixtapa area runs along the Playa Palmar, which is a three
kilometer ribbon of golden beach and blue water. The development in
the area is concentrated along the southern end of the beach, leaving
much of the area free of the construction often seen at other Mexican
resorts.
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The visitor to Ixtapa will find some of the most deluxe and all inclusive
properties anywhere in Mexico. Each hotel property features a
distinctive architecture and atmosphere. Activities include excellent
golf courses, tennis courts and excellent deep see fishing. The seaside
location of Ixtapa provides endless opportunities for all sorts of water
sports, including diving, fishing, parasailing and water skiing.
The nightlife in Ixtapa is a bit low key compared to other Mexican
resorts, but visitors to the region can still find plenty to see and do.
One of the showcase properties of Ixtapa is the Marina Ixtapa. The
Marina Ixtapa is a 450-acre resort property featuring nautical facilities,
including a huge yacht marina, restaurants, shops, private villas and
its own beach club. An 18-hole championship golf course also calls the
Marina Ixtapa home. The course was designed by famed golf course
designer Robert Van Hagge, and it features a series of recreational
canals cutting through the heart of the course.
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In contrast to the modernity and excitement of Ixtapa, the village of
Zihuatenejo is a true Mexican pueblo in every sense of the word. This
magnificent village combines a relaxed and unpretentious attitude with
unparalleled tropical beauty. The town of Zihuatenejo is centered
around a sheltered harbor, backed by hills of dense jungle vegetation.
The slow pace of life in Zihuatenejo is a welcome contrast to the
modern feel and glittery style of nearby Ixtapa. Zihuatenejo features
comfortable, reasonably priced hotels, a marked contrast from the
luxurious mega resorts located a short drive away in Ixtapa.
In addition, the quaint village of Zihuatenejo boasts some lovely
seaside cafes, native markets selling a variety of local crafts, as well as
a beautiful promenade by the sea. This village has retained its small
town charm even as the area around it has grown into one of Mexico's
most popular tourist destinations.
The proximity of the two destinations allows visitors to split their time
between Ixtapa and Zihuatenejo. A typical day may find the visitor
enjoying a leisurely breakfast in Zihuatenejo, followed by a tennis
lesson with the local tennis pro in Ixtapa, all topped off with a lovely
dinner at sunset in Zihuatenejo.
The Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo is truly all things to all people. Whether you
want to live in the lap of luxury or visit a quaint seaside, village, the
Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo region should be your destination.
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