10 must-sees of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa is a beach resort in the Mexican state of Guerrero, on the Pacific coast. Without a doubt, one of the must-see destinations when visiting Mexico. The Convention and Visitors Office has shared with us a list of the 10 attractions to consider:

1) Walk through Zihuatanejo: This emblematic fishing village preserves traditions so old that they continue to be transmitted when walking through its picturesque streets and the bustle of a fully active contemporary port; visit Playa Principal at 07:00 a.m. It is the vivid image of one of the main activities of this destination, the fishermen's market at dawn and the possibility of buying fish fresh from the sea becomes very rewarding.
It would be impossible to stop visiting the Municipal Market, where dozens of artisans and merchants share with each visitor the quality of their products; Baskets, bags, hats and other palm items will always be the most representative of the Costa Grande region.

2) Bicycle path: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo has a cycle path of almost 25 kilometers, recognized as one of the most emblematic sites of the destination; The route goes from the Marina, Hotel Zone, to enter the Aztlán Ecological Reserve to Playa Linda in Ixtapa. The same that will communicate -within a short time- with the fisherman's walk, in Zihuatanejo, managing to unite Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo for this attraction. And for the most extreme, 6km of a fun mountain trail in the middle of the Parque Aztlán ecological reserve, is the perfect place to train and challenge your physical condition reaching the summit.

3) Visit to Barra de Potosí: 15 minutes from the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo airport is this indigenous fishing community of 600 inhabitants; the bar well known for being a strip of sand that divides the Lagoon and the Sea, in the rainy season it becomes a meeting point between them due to the rising waters. This place is home to more than 270 species of migratory birds and native to the region, being one of the most biodiverse areas in the Country. On the sea side, the Morros de Potosí; large rock formations in the middle of the Pacific is an unmissable tour to observe its caves and crystalline waters, if the visit is made in the season from November to March, four fantastic ones will be waiting for you in the warm waters: turtles, manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales .

4) La Ropa Beach: This wonderful bay has recently been awarded as one of the best beaches to visit and most romantic in Mexico by the world's largest travel platform, TripAdvisor.
It is perfect for swimming in its calm waters, exercising on a paddle board, hiking from end to end, enjoying restaurants on the sand and enjoying the pink sky at sunset.

5) Long live the mountain and the sea! Without a doubt, this port has many benefits, but the gastronomic experience takes the claps. The conjunction of the mountain, rich in the production of fruits, seeds, species native to the region and farmyard animals together with the wonders of the sea and the influence of ancestral cuisine, can become the paradise of any -foodie-; Filled with cuche, fish tiraditos, green pozole, strips of dorado, fish machaca, stuffed bolillos, as well as drinks such as chilate and cupcal mezcal with a designation of origin from Guerrero cannot be missing from the list.

6) Catch the good wave: Longboard or shortboard, beginner or experienced Ixtapa Zihuatanejo has become a point of reference for national and international surfers; The diversity of beaches in the destination and its warm waters throughout the year make this sport something natural among locals and visitors. From great surf schools to start to professional and veteran tournaments. Come for the good swell!

7) Release sea turtles: three types of turtles come to nest on the beaches of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo: lute, gulf and black; the females at birth and on their way to the sea, will remember the beach to return to always spawn the same beach that saw them born from the age of fifteen. This makes the destination a privileged spot by receiving thousands of turtles during the year and highly active in the conservation of the environment and natural resources. Patrolling beaches, relocating nests and releasing newborn turtles are among the activities that one can enjoy during their stay in this place, experiences that are not easily forgotten.

8) Fishing: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is considered among the three best destinations for sport fishing in Mexico, both for deep sea and small-scale fishing; tuna, sailfish, marlin, dorado, red snapper and horse mackerel sound good for a day at sea?

9) Observation of marine fauna: And since not everything is always fishing, activities such as diving and snorkeling in different reefs such as Manzanillo beach, the cats or the Zacatoso will always be a wonder to behold. The Pacific is vast and the amount of species that one can find under the sea is fascinating for a day of adventure.

10) Explore the Island: This Island, which is better said to be a small Islet, can be walked from end to end; the rock formations, large cacti and crystal clear water are framed to give you a fun experience with incredible views.
It has four beaches to visit; Cuachalalate named in honor of a medicinal tree in the area is one of the most popular for swimming in its calm waters and eating fresh fish, like Varadero, fishing shops will invite you to spend a typical coastal day, Coral is exceptional for go snorkelling; the rocky reef is a bustling house of multicolored fauna, if you walk a little further you will find Sacrificio a small beach without shops, the deer and rabbits inhabitants of this Island will share the way to greet you.