A Day in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa- Ideas for What to do

[lacurtis]

This was information I gathered for last year's cruise on the Star. I have a review of our time there under Member Reviews. We went to Playa la Ropa and shopping in town and the flea market (the bartered prices were the same in both and much nicer in the stores). My daughter a 2 year old toddler ws with us!

Zihuatanejo has grown from a sleepy little fishing village into medium sized city, but has retained its traditional Mexican culture and beauty. Proud of its heritage, Zihuatanejo is favored by those wanting a traditional Mexican environment, wonderful beaches and traditional restaurants and shopping. In addition to the Flea Market, there are a substantial number of shops and boutiques right around the tender wharf itself. You will find many shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy.

1. Playa Las Gatas- Las Gatas is the most popular snorkeling beach in Zihuatanejo. Easily reached by water taxi from the municipal pier. Play Las Gatas offers tranquil waters protected in a cove from wave action and features excellent snorkeling. Water taxis run all day from the Municipal Pier in downtown Zihuatanejo. Round trip is about $5 US. There are a dozen small, palapa roofed seafood restaurants along the beach. Sample the fresh fish, lobster and octopus caught fresh daily by the Las Gatas fishing fleet. At Playa Las Gatas, you'll find a gently lapping sea protected by the ancientbreakwater, making it an excellent beach for children or activities such as snorkeling. Las Gatas Beach Club. http://www.lasgatasbeachclub.com/ We were on the Star in early October and caught a water taxi to Las Gatos beach. They have plenty of water taxi's waiting to take you. You get a return ticket for $7.00 (make sure you get a ticket from the ticket booth). Taxi's are coming and going all the time. There wasn't many people on the beach when we were there. I saw a sign for snokeling for $40. Food and drinks very cheap. Lady came up and asked if we wanted a massage but we didn't do it. Beach was very clean lots of shelter from the sun and deck chairs just need to buy a drink.

Playa Las Ropa- long extension of white sand lining the inner reaches of Zihuatanejo bay to the south of town. It measures approximately 1.2 kms (.75 mile) in walking length. It's considered by many visitors to be the best beach in the bay and the area and is certainly one of the most convenient. La Ropa is easily accessible from downtown Zihuatanejo by bus, taxi or foot. Taxis frequent Paseo Palay la Ropa that runs through the palm grove and cabs can usually be found awaiting passengers at the taxi stand in front of the lobby to the Villa del Sol, in the parking lot of La Perla at at the parking lot/turnaround next to La Gaviota at the end of the beach, which is also the end of the La Ropa bus route. The waves on La Ropa are general mild and allow for great swimming as well as water skiing and banana boat rides.

I'd skip Las Gatas and head to Playa La Ropa. The water is clear and fun waves to Boogie Board or body surf. The beach from Villa Del Sol (Tides) towards Casa Que Canta was the nicest. Plenty of places to hang out and get a drink, etc. From there, take an easy walk to town along the water and head to Any's Atoles y Tamales for lunch....fabulous.

Isla Ixtapa- Isla Ixtapa is accessible by small boats (pangas) that currently ferry passengers between it and the pier at Playa Quieta in Ixtapa. Boats are also available from the Zihuatanejo Municipal pier. The island, which lies very close offshore, affords 4 separate beaches from which to choose: Playas Cuachalalate, Varadero, Coral and Playa Carey, also called Sacrificio. Snorkeling is one of the prime attractions of this gem, and the clear waters are home to numerous colorful tropical species.

Walk/Shop around town- Exit dock, head right. Shops around Plaza de Armas. Casa Marina, Mask Shop, Marea (go inside), Albertos’ (silver), El Arte de la Tradicion (Talavera ware).

Also, Mercado Turistico de Artesaniasa- head right then turn left on 5 de Mayo 3 blocks.

Also, Local Farmer’s Market off Av. Benito Juarez- 4 blocks.

Zihua's downtown is smaller than most of your stops so easy to explore being about 6 blocks square. If you want a beach experience head for MJ & Richie's along the bay-side walkway on Playa Madera. Get a massage from Antonia who's White tent is a few paces beyond MJ's.

Open flea market in Zih. by tender local pottery, rugs and hammocks a good buys. walk end of dock turn rt. small bars & shops keep walking to end turn left 3 blocks open market *