This will be my 5th year going to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico in Guerrero. It's on the west cost of Mexico, just south of Puerto Vallarta. Zihuatanejo is a beautiful fishing village with many piers, local shops and the most magnificient food you could imagine!

The hillside cliffs with the colorful homes can make you remember how beautiful this poverty-filled country is. The scenery is much more beautiful than you can find in many U.S. cities. The locals are so friendly, full of life, thankful for what they have and driven to learn a little english while you're visiting!

There is a restaurant called the Sirena Gorda (Fat Mermaid) in Zihuatanejo which has the best tacos I have ever had! It is a MUST eat place when in town! The streets are filled with vendors trying to make a couple extra bucks, but you can find these vendors near your hotel too!!

Ixtapa is the touristy part of the area. It's right on the beach lined with luxury hotels and condos. Our favorite place to stay is at the TESORO Hotel. We rent a condo on the top floor, it's a wonderful penthouse overlooking the ocean & pool. It sleeps 8 comfortably and has 2 bathrooms and a full kitchen! Just a few doors down is the party-hardy Carlos & Charlies. If you're staying on the beach, this is the best place to go for some late night drinks and dancing... the walk home on the beach might be interesting, though! Carlos and Charlies also features sky diving for the daredevil in your family! You get to land on the beach in front of everyone, too!

Next to Carlos & Charlies is a place you can swim with dolphins! When you're at the airport, theres a high chance a little boy will give you a flyer for it. This year we'll get to go and swim with them!

Down the street is the famous Senor Frogs where there nights are just as much fun! The bartenders typically start out with "YMCA" and go into a choreographed dance (it's been the same every year we've gone)... the bartenders are really friendly, you get served popcorn... but once the dancing starts you forget all about it! Be sure to try the monster drink!!!

There are several great restraunts in the area... Laguna, Mamma Norma & Deborahs, Rubens (best for hamburgers!), Casa Morelos, Franks (a canadian-owned bar, great for sports games!) ...there is also some really good shopping around the area, a really great coffee bar (tastes like starbucks!) and a huge grocery store.



Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb