Sea and sand, A caressing sun, Transparent waters, Plenty of fun and relax can be found in Ixtapa, in the State of Guerrero. It is a combination of combine charms - sublime beaches, peaceful shores, water sports - and contrasts - with a spectacular tourist complex, a serene town of fishermen - to give shape to a unique destiny that will embezzle the visitor.
Zihuatanejo, just 5 minutes drive from Ixtapa is the dream "getaway" talked about in the movie "The Shawshank Redemption". This is an old World Mexican fishing village nestled around a small bay dotted with beautiful protected beaches and no high rises.
In the last years Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo had become important tourist destinations not only for their closeness to Acapulco, but also for the incomparable beauty of their beaches. When you come for a visit, you cannot leave without enjoying these places:
Ixtapa Island
Island of Ixtapa is a natural reserve full of with animal and plant wildlife. It includes four fantastic beaches: Varadero, De Coral, Carey and Cuachalalate, all with golden sands, calm waters and amazing landscapes. Since its development in 1970, this island has become a man-made paradise and wildlife reserve. A popular excursion for snorkeling, scuba diving, or just a nice place to have a swim, bask on the beach and grab a bite to eat at one of the Islands restaurants.
Museum
The Museo de Arquelogia de la Costa Grande is located in Zihuatanejo on Paseo del Pescador near Gurrero. It covers the history of the area from prehispanic times through the colonial era. Pottery included in the museum indicates early trade with regions from Teotihuacan (near Mexico City) to the Olmec (on the gulf coast) and includes evidence of contact with Toltec and later Aztec groups as well.
Playa Quieta Beach
Playa Quieta Beach is a tropical paradise of sleepy waters. It has an extension of 300 metres of sheer fun. It is a quiet and peaceful beach located across the way from Isla Ixtapa. Many locals claim this beach as a favorite because it is far way from the crazy scenes seen at many of the tourist hotspots. This is a great beach for reading, swimming, and being one with nature. Beachgoers will usually not be bombarded by local vendors and loud music.
Playa El Palmar Beach
With its fine-grained sands and mild currents is the essence of Ixtapa; a place where the splendour of the sea and the hot shores combine well with the spectacular display of its tourist complexes. Apart from the beauty of its landscapes and an excellent tourist infrastructure, on the waters of El Palmar one can practise windsurfing, surfing, jet skiing and sports fishing. All along its almost two kilometres of extension are located its most important hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment centres.
Delfiniti Ixtapa
This visit will turn out to be a unique and unforgettable experience that will allow the traveller to have a close sight of trained bottlenose dolphins. More than fun alone, this sea aquarium is engaged in creating a conscience among the visitors about the dangers that this specie - one with the highest I.Q. in the animal kingdom - is facing. It is recommended to make reservations with some anticipation.
