introduction to the ixtapa-zihuatanejo area

Zihuatanejo is not the quaint fishing village it once was. It's even more difficult to imagine it as the coconut mangrove it was before becoming a village. Today, Zihua is a thriving small coastal town, being pulled towards modernity by the tourist industry while the locals maintain the authentic Mexican village charm and way of life. Located on La Costa Grande, 240km (150 miles) northwest of Acapulco and 700km (430 miles) south of Puerto Vallarta, Zihua has over 300 sunny days every year and average temperatures of 23-33 degrees Celsius / 73-93 degrees Fahrenheit. But even on the hottest of days, cool comfort comes with breezes off the bay, the open-air plan of most buildings, half a dozen beaches nearby, and a cold cervesa in hand.

Zihuataneo is able to offer the conveniences of telecommunication, an international airport, and modern grocery stores because of Ixtapa, the resort "city" located 7km (4.3 miles) away. Ixtapa is not technically a city but is a planned resort spot created and run by Fonatur, a federal tourist agency. It was developed in the 1970s as the Pacific Coast counterpart to the resort of Cancun. There are high rise hotels, time shares, and condos along with fancy shops, exclusive restaurants, white sandy beaches, and discotecs. In other words, between the charm of Zihuatanejo and the luxury of Ixtapa, you will find the best of both worlds!

Discover the beautiful bay and bustling twin cities of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo that is now home to a growing community of expatriates. In the past few years, many new businesses and restaurants have sprung up while the central traditional Mexican mercado still boasts the freshest produce in town. An appetizing array of restaurants in central Zihuatanejo, on the beaches, and in Ixtapa offer everything from simple to extravagant Mexican and international cuisine. The neighborhoods range from luxury complexes to rustic townhouses to beachfront enclaves. Allow us to find your perfect neighborhood by taking one of our local tours. We will custom tailor your introduction to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo based on your interests and goals for living here.

Go beyond the city limits with an extended regional tour, taking you to surrounding villages and beaches. Partake in the Thursday tradition of pozole in the small town of Cuayacol, nap away an afternoon in a hammock on Barra de Potosi, or join us for a road trip to Patzcuaro, Morelia, or even Mexico City for an introduction to city life so you can fully understand everything you will have access to when you move to the Ixtapa-Zihuataneo area.

Between two modern grocery stores, locally-owned shops, and our traditional central mercado, your plate will be filled. We'll introduce you to local shop owners, the intricacies of Mexican small town shopping, and our lively central mercado with hundreds of varieties of fresh produce, flowers, spices, fresh seafood, and meats.

Take your pick of going inland or down the coast. With a new tollroad, Morelia, Patzcuaro, and Uruapan are only 4 hours away while Acapulco is a scenic 3 1/2 hour route south along the coastline. Our road trips can either be packed into one day or we can arrange for stays in hotels, hostels, or camping facilities according to your budget and sightseeing/shopping interests. Both options provide plenty of city shopping, museums, interesting architecture, and access to large international chain stores such as Sears, Walmart, Office Depot, and Home Depot. Shipping can be arranged for large ticket items purchased on these trips.

Longer trips can be planned for Mexico City, San Miguel Allende, or Lake Chapala/Ajijic/Guadalajara. We can either travel with you as guide and assistant or simply help you with your travel and itinerary plans. As you furnish your new Mexican home, we can take you directly to our interior design contacts throughout Mexico. We will connect you with artisans who specialize in everything from marble work, to glass art, to textiles in addition to contractor specialists.