Ixtapa, a jewel on Mexico´s Pacific Coast
Ixtapa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico with its very Mexican and traditional style. It is the perfect combination between a magical fishing village and a tourist development adorned with beautiful beaches and a myriad of attractions that you must see on your next visit; here are some of the many options.
When it comes to gastronomy, Ixtapa offers more than 200 restaurants for all tastes. You will find delicious typical dishes and at the same time high level international cuisine, all elaborated with fresh products from the coast.
Be sure to try the traditional «Tiritas de Pescado» which is finely chopped fish marinated in lime, with red onion and chili peppers. Other typical dishes include the famous Red Clams, Oysters, Octopus, Huachinango and the «Seafood Plate Special», a specialty of some restaurants that includes a little of all the delicacies of the sea that this region has to offer.
Ixtapa is the ideal place for sport Fishing, it is the second most popular destination worldwide with the great variety of specimens for the practice of this sport such as sailfish, tuna, barracuda, snook, grouper and dorado almost all year round, and seasonally the black and blue marlin in the months of October, November, and December. In May, the International Sailfish Fishing Tournament is held with the participation of the most skilled Captains of the Mexican Pacific. Back on land, and for your delight, some restaurants offer to prepare and serve you the fishing of the tournament.
For surf lovers, whether on a long or short board, you can feel the great strength of the waves of this region that reach up to 500m in length on the various beaches that surround this paradise. There is no need to use a special wetsuit since the waters are warm all year round. The best beaches for surfing are Las Escolleras, Barrio Nuevo, La Saladita, Las Gatas, El Rancho, Lagunilla, Majahua among others.
If you do not have the equipment, in Ixtapa you will find a wide range of stores where you will find everything you need to have a great time.
If you prefer a unique outdoor tour and enjoy the nature and tropical weather of the Pacific Coast, enjoy a ride on the «Ciclopista de Ixtapa» (Ixtapa’s bike path). Running, roller blading or cycling, the flora and fauna of this region wait for you. This 8-kilometer track is divided into sections, the first goes from the Marina Ixtapa and heads to the Marina Ixtapa Golf Club. The second goes up the coast through the Aztlan Park, which is a natural reserve of crocodiles, iguanas, and birds, and reaches Playa Linda. Facing it is the third section that starts at the Paseo de los Viveros and ends at the Instituto Tecnológico de la Costa Grande. Alone or accompanied, you are welcome.
For shopping, you can visit the town of Zihuatanejo, which like Ixtapa offers irresistible typical and colorful places. In them you will find high quality products of the region made by traditional artisan hands of great tradition and heritage. Two options that you cannot miss are: The Handicrafts Market located in the Hotel Zone of Ixtapa, and the other is on Cinco de Mayo Street, next to the church in Zihuatanejo. Inside there are hundreds of stalls with a wide variety of handicrafts made of ceramics, brass, and wood, as well as rugs, hammocks and beautiful textiles. There are also fine boutiques with traditional garments and artistic pieces of jewelry in exquisite designs brought from the neighboring city of Taxco, famous for its silver creations.
But the fun has just begun, because while the sun sleeps, Ixtapa fills with partying to the rhythm of music. The boulevard comes alive with atmospheres for all tastes.
Be sure to visit one of its picturesque bars to accompany the traditional trova with a drink or if your preference is dancing Ixtapa has a lot of clubs and discos with music of all kinds from rock, electronic or tropical that illuminate and brighten the night to enjoy until dawn.
