Zihuatanejo Weather
Temperature: 88°F (31°C)
Humidity: 74.7%
Sky Conditions: mostly cloudy
ZIHUATANEJO
We’ve got a secret for you. Ready? Are you sure, because it will affect every single moment you spend in Zihuatanejo. Okay, ready…here it is: Ancient explorers constructed a massive magnet directly under the center of Zihuatanejo. A magnet? That’s right. A magnet whose sole purpose is to slow your heart rate down because that’s what Zihuatanejo is all about…lazy, unspoiled days ambling along the port, making sand castles, gorging on fresh seafood and waddling home to your rustic bed and breakfast. It’s a truly magical place and while the magnet may be a wee fabrication, once you’ve experienced Zihua, you’ll have a secret of your own.
Background & History
Zihuatanejo is closely associated with Ixtapa, a mere 5 km away. While both share a lot of the regions dense history, the two cities could not be more different. While Ixtapa is more cosmopolitan, Zihau retains it’s small world charm. Zihuatanejo, or Zihua as the locals refer to it, spreads out around a beautiful bay framed by downtown to the north and the Sierra foothills to the east. Originally, the center of town was simply a very small fishing village surrounded by large haciendas. However, in the second half of the 16th century, the Spanish shipyards burned and so did the town. After a modest reconstruction during the Colonial period, the town became a refuge for famous pirates such as Sir Francis Drake, William Dampier and Anzón. Some curious myths have lingered about Zihau, one story stating that it was a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Cihuatéotl, considered to be the mother of the human race and the goddess of warriors who died in battle.
What to Do
Instead of rattling off all of the water sports, tennis and golf’ish things you can do (of which there are plenty) we’d rather dedicate this space to the simplicity of Zihau. Wander around the narrow cobblestone streets dotted with off-the-beaten path local restaurants, watering holes, precious boutiques and hand-crafted art depots. Venture to the Paseo del Pescador (Fishermen’s Passage) early one morning as the local fisherman sell the catch of the day. Charter a boat and head off-shore for some of the best game fishing on the planet. Lose yourself on one of the four majestic beaches or spend an afternoon at the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande. And at night, dance under the moonlight of stroll along the waterfront. And, if you’;re lucky enough to be there spend some time at the annual Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Carnival, the Zihau Sail Fest, International Guitar Festival or the Ixtapa Food and Wine Festival. There’s tons to do in Zihau or, better yet, there’s absolutely nothing.
How to Get There
By land: Zihau is 448 km southeast of Mexico City and 268 km from Acapulco.
By air Zihuatanejo International Airport handles national and international air traffic.
How to Get Around
- Rent a bike or a scooter for getting around. For more adventurous souls, there are car and jeep rentals.
- Taxis - always agree on a price beforehand.
- Local buses run frequently between 5:30am to 11pm.
