 |
So Many Places To Visit!
|
------- |
Mexico |
MEXICO -- BEACH & SUN -----------------182[ARTICLE] | |||
Zihuatanejo, MexicoBy Estefanía Muriel for Ruta Pantera on 8/13/2025 10:16:22 AM |
||||
| Zihuatanejo is a former fishing village located in the bay of the same name, surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. It developed alongside Ixtapa since the 1970s, but retaining its traditional Mexican essence. Its original name was Cihuatlán, which in Nahuatl means "land of women," in reference to a pre-Hispanic matriarchal organization. With the arrival of the Spanish, the suffix "nejo," meaning insignificant, was added, and thus "Zihuatanejo" was born. Archaeological records reveal that the area was inhabited for over 3,000 years by civilizations such as the Olmecs and Toltecs, and later by the Aztecs; its history was captured in pottery, sculpture, and techniques such as the bajareque (bazaar) in the pre-Columbian centuries. During the colonial era, the bay was frequented by pirates and served as an export port; in the 19th century, the region was notable for the production of timber and coconuts imported from the Philippines. During the Mexican Revolution, many haciendas were redistributed and Zihuatanejo became consolidated as a fishing community until the federal government promoted tourism development in Ixtapa in the 1970s, maintaining its authentic character. | ||||
|
What makes Zihuatanejo unique A curious fact is that in the film The Shawshank Redemption, the main character dreams of opening a small seaside hotel in Zihuatanejo, which has contributed to its reputation as an idyllic destination. Another interesting aspect is that in the 1960s, Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) established a psychedelic community called the "Zihuatanejo Project" there, centered around the Hotel Catalina. More recently, Arturo "El Negro" Durazo's Parthenon stands out: an ostentatious replica of the Parthenon in Athens built in the 1980s, converted in 2024 into a cultural center that receives between 600 and 700 visitors daily, a testament to the corruption and excess of that era. | |||
|
Highlights you can't miss A visit to Playa La Ropa is essential: its calm waters allow for swimming and water sports such as parasailing or jet skiing. Along the beach, restaurants serve fresh fish caught that morning, and many offer free lounge chairs upon checkout. For dining with a view, La Gaviota is highly recommended by locals and tourists alike for fish tacos at sunset, with prices ranging from $10-15 USD for a main course at mid-range restaurants, while more elegant ones can cost $20-30 USD. Another must is breakfast at La Terracita, which serves enchiladas overlooking the ocean and fresh juices; Carmelitas Café offers specialties such as requesón guisado (stewed requeso) or aporreadillo in a traditional patio setting. February hosts the annual Zihua Vela Festival, featuring sailboat races, concerts, street fairs, and auctions, raising funds for local education. In March, the week-long International Guitar Festival offers free concerts in the main plaza, supporting family-run businesses. Options to continue discovering The Costa Grande Archaeological Museum, located at the southern end of the municipal beach next to the Fisherman's Walk, houses six galleries dedicated to Olmec, Toltec, Aztec, and colonial cultures. Admission is $3–$5 USD depending on the exhibits. The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in El Centro is a local architectural and historical icon, accessible free of charge. Another site of interest is El Partenón de Durazo, open to the public as a museum and cultural center; admission is approximately $5 USD and allows visitors to explore a symbol of past excesses. About 40 km north is the quieter Troncones Beach, ideal for surfing lessons; day trips cost between $30 and $50 USD, including transportation and a basic lesson. The best way to access the place Zihuatanejo has the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport a short distance from downtown (about 15 km). Access by road is via the Autopista del Sol (Federal Highway 95). From Acapulco, it's about 240 km (3–4 hours by car). In the downtown and coastal areas, there are boutique hotels and inns; prices range from $60 to $150 USD per night for good, centrally located accommodations. The transfer from the airport to downtown takes about 20–25 minutes. To get around town, the ideal option is to walk along the boardwalk and El Centro; local taxis or motorcycle taxis cover short distances for just a few dollars. The best times to visit are February and March for dry weather and festivals; from May to October, rain can occur, although prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. The area is warm year-round, with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. Practical and safety tips It's recommended to tip around 10-20% in restaurants, and about $1-2 USD for people helping at the hotel or transporting you on pangas. Bring cash in pesos for small businesses and markets; many accept cards only in main restaurants. Although Zihuatanejo is generally safe, avoid walking alone in dark areas at night, watch your belongings on crowded beaches, and use authorized taxis. Eat seafood in recommended spots to avoid discomfort. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during excursions or at the beach. | |||
| --rutapanter.com-- |
| Instagram: | Email contact: | Interest area: |
The Clean Giant of the Great Lakes
In the heart of North America, where crystal-clear waters mirror vast skies and boreal forests, Lake Superior rises as a natural colossus. According to a recent study by Lake.com, this body [read more.]
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Clarksdale, located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, is known as the birthplace of the blues. This small town with a big soul preserves an authentic atmosphere that blends music histor [read more.]
Macon, Georgia, USA
Macon, known as the “City of the Cherry Blossoms,” is a historic hub in central Georgia, situated along the Ocmulgee River. Founded in 1823, it was a key railroad and agricultural center [read more.]
Alabama, USA
Alabama, located in the heart of the American South, combines history, nature, and Southern culture in one diverse destination. From the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Gulf [read more.]
Apalachicola, Florida, USA
Apalachicola, affectionately called “Apalach” by locals, is a hidden coastal treasure located at the mouth of the Apalachicola River along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Famous for its oyster h [read more.]
Jackson, Mississippi, USA
Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, is a vibrant center of history, culture, and Southern politics. Founded in 1821 and named after General Andrew Jackson, the city blends historic architec [read more.]
Mississippi, USA
Mississippi, known as "The Magnolia State" for its abundant magnolia trees, is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the southern United States, it combines vibra [read more.]
Dominica, Caribbean
Dominica is an island country located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, situated between the French islands of Guadeloupe (to the north) and Martinique (to the south). Its capital and [read more.]
Granada, Nicaragua
Granada, also known as the "Great Sultana," is one of Nicaragua's most prominent colonial cities, renowned for its abundance of churches and religious facades. Founded in the 16th century, [read more.]
Isla Mujeres, México
Off the coast of Cancún, just 19.7 kilometers across the Caribbean Sea, lies Isla Mujeres, “a small paradise where Mayan history, island tranquility, and sustainable tourism converge” ( [read more.]
Holbox Island, Mexico
Holbox Island, whose name means "black hole" in Mayan and is pronounced "hol-bosh," is a peaceful island located in the Yucatán Channel, north of the peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo [read more.]
Barra del Colorado, Costa Rica
Barra del Colorado is a remote enclave located on the northeastern tip of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, in the province of Limón, bordering Nicaragua. It has been protected as a National [read more.]
Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Zihuatanejo is a former fishing village located in the bay of the same name, surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. It developed alongside Ixtapa since the 1970s, but retaining it [read more.]
Darién Region, Panamá
The Darién region, in the far east of Panama, is a strip of tropical rainforest that connects Central and South America and stretches from the Caribbean coast to the mountains bordering Col [read more.]
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground temple carved into a former salt mine, located in the Salt Park on the outskirts of Zipaquirá (Cundinamarca). Its modern architecture comb [read more.]
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado Mountain, within Tijuca National Park, dominating the Rio de Janeiro skyline with an imposing and serene presence. This monumental statue, 30 meters [read more.]
Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is a small volcanic archipelago in the South Atlantic. It is famous for its golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life; much of the territory (ap [read more.]
Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianópolis, affectionately known as Floripa, is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, located partly on Santa Catarina Island and partly on the mainland in southern Bra
[read more.]
Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha é um pequeno arquipélago vulcânico no Atlântico Sul. É famoso por suas praias de areia dourada, águas cristalinas e abundante vida marinha; grande parte do territó [read more.]
Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha es un pequeño archipiélago volcánico en el Atlántico Sur. Es famoso por sus playas de arena dorada, aguas cristalinas y abundante vida marina; gran parte de su territ [read more.]
Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Chapada Diamantina National Park, created in 1985 and managed by ICMBio, protects over 152,000 hectares of the Serra do Sincorá mountain range in the state of Bahia. Its territory encompass [read more.]
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, is a vibrant and diverse city that blends a Caribbean atmosphere with a cosmopolitan energy. Located on Trinidad's northwest coast, this [read more.]
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a tourist destination full of history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, it offers a unique blend of American, Spa [read more.]
The Colonial Capital of Santo Domingo
The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is the historic heart of the Dominican capital and one of the most important cultural destinations in the Caribbean. Founded in 1498 by Bartholomew Columbu [read more.]
El Yunque, Puerto Rico
El Yunque, officially El Yunque National Forest, is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, open to the public in Puerto Rico. It occupies about 29,000 acre [read more.]
Eagles Bay, Dominican Republic
In the southwestern tip of the Dominican Republic, in the province of Pedernales, lies Bahía de las Águilas, a pristine jewel of the Caribbean Sea and part of Jaragua National Park. With m [read more.]
|
Waypoint Finder (Over 1,000 destinations in PanAmerica) |
|---|
