ZIHUATANEJO MEXICO CRUISES

The name Zihuatanejo stems from the Nahuatl "Cihuatlan", meaning "the place of women". In pre-Columbian times, the Tarascan leader "Calzonzin" settled in the area and constructed the rock barrier on Playa Las Gatas  to provide a sheltered swimming area and harbor for the women and children, and that barrier continues to protect the beach to this day.

 With the arrival of the Spanish, the name Cihuatlan was transformed first into "Ciguatan" and then into "Ciguatanejo". Zihuatanejo’s current name form has only been in use for the past couple of centuries. While Zihuatanejo's roots are traced back centuries, Ixtapa's birth came about in the 1970's, conceived and developed by the Mexican government. As one of mexico's newest west coast resorts, Ixtapa has managed to coexist nicely with the charm of Zihuatanejo.

Not many resorts deliver modern comfort, tropical beauty and village charm better thanZihuatanejo. Zihua's Pier and Playa Principal in 1969. El muelle y Playa Principal en 1969 Over the years, Zihuatanejo was a often a stopping point and haven for Spanish fleets, pirates and privateers. It was known largely as a fishing village through the late 1800’s, and in the 1920’s the export of fine woods from the area began to augment the local economy and attract more people to the region. Through the 60’s and a large part of the 70’s, Zihuatanejo continued to be a sleepy fishing village, frequented by a very small number of tourists who were looking for, and found here, the uncut jewel of the true Mexican atmosphere rather than the glitter of the larger resorts that were rapidly developing in the rest of the country.

In 1968 the Federal Tourist Agency Fonatur began developing it’s project in what formerly was a large coconut plantation. It lies some 6 kilometers to the north of town and is separated from it by a hill. Despite Ixtapa’s proximity, Zihuatanejo has retained much of it’s original flavor. Since it’s first hotel was constructed in 1971,. Zihuatanejo enjoys a wonderfully colorful history that spans nearly three centuries. From the early pirate enclaves and marauding Spanish galleons, to present day movie stars and global dignitaries, the once tiny village of Zihuatanejo has long been home to a luminous array of adventurers drawn to the tranquility of this comfortably hidden retreat.  What would a Mexico cruise be withut a visit to Zihuatanejo, Mexico.