IXTAPA MEXICO CRUISES

The Mexican government tried to develop Ixtapa, but the town people refused the idea of changing the look of the town and having tall buildings obstructing the view of the bay. The idea behind the building of Ixtapa, was to develop a first-class complement to the popular Zihuatanejo and make a small world-class resort for the tourists that did not like big cities or big destinations. The first hotel on this very well planned and carefully designed resort was built in 1971.

To keep the tradition of naming new Mexico’s tourist destinations in native tongues, they chose the nahuatl word Ixtapa that means "the white place" in reference to the white sands in the area. During the development stages the local people referred as "The New Zihuatanejo". Once it got on the map, it took about a year for the town people to decide how to call the double destination... Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo or Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa; Ixtapa's coastline is home to several world-class hotels, condominium developments, a marina and two golf courses.

An impeccable, tree-lined boulevard divides the high-rise hotels on one side from a string of small-scale malls on the other. Visitors can enjoy typical small-town life in neighboring Zihuatanejo, a once sleepy fishing village that began to attract visitors with its wonderful hilltop views and palm-strewn beaches, and now offers charming hotels, restaurants and shops. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has become such a popular destination that on holidays or during the tourist season it is hard to get hotel accommodations and airplane seats. U.S. and Canadian tourists who visit the dual resort are delighted by the fine climate, warm surf, and absolutely breathtaking sunsets. The mean average temperature is 82 degrees F. and it's almost always sunny, because even during the rainy season showers are brief and usually in the late afternoon or evening. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is just a three-hour drive from Acapulco, or about a seven-hour drive direct from Mexico City.

Ixtapa borders a wide bay dotted with small rocky islands inhabited solely by sea birds. The beach, Playa del Palmar, is a two-mile-long stretch of beautiful white sand covering the entire base of the bay. Paseo de Ixtapa takes you to the northern end of the beach, where you will find the all new Marina Ixtapa. It has a yacht club, a new 18-hole golf course, restaurants, and shopping areas. Just 15 minutes south of Zihuatanejo, past a narrow road lined with coconut groves, is Playa Larga, a beach location recently chosen to be the site of the presidential vacation home. A few small restaurants dot the beach, including the must-visit Splendidos, where Edmond Benloulou  has added an elegant beach club with a pool.  Ixtapa is a very exciting and fun destination for Ixtapa and Mexico cruises.