Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa, Mexico
Tourism

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Toluca and Ciudad Altamirano should be avoided because of road conditions and risk of accident.

The former fishing port of Zihuatanejo, situated on a sheltered bay, is surrounded by beautiful beaches, wooded hills and rocks. Together with the smart resort of Ixtapa, which was not founded until 1975, it is one of the most relaxing seaside resorts along the Mexican Pacific coast.

History

In pre-Hispanic times Zihuatanejo (Náhuatl: "dark woman") is supposed to have been a winter seaside retreat of the last king of the Purépecha (Tarascans), Tangáxoan II Caltzontzin. In the colonial period the place was important for a time as a trading port. It was not until the 1960s that the sleepy fishing port was discovered by tourists who preferred beaches in more remote areas. With the establishment of the neighbouring town of Ixtapa (Náhuatl: "where it is white high up") some 10km/6mi away, Zihuatanejo has also enjoyed a boom, which has led to the town being modernised, but has also taken away much of its charm.