Jasmine

Planning a trip sooon <BR>Has anyone been here since 1998 <BR>Want the best MEXICO experience for the price <BR>Two ladies going <BR>What do you recommend <BR>Where are the charming places to stay and eat <BR>We will be there 7 nights

Rick

Trywww.zihuatanejo.net/wwwboard/wwwboard.html. It's probably the best site for Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.

March of 1999

We were in Zihua (or just "Z" as some of the locals call it in March of 1999). I was surprised at how humid it was so pack accordingly. <BR>We rented a private house so can't help with accommodations. <BR>The website you've been provided is a good one. <BR>Ixtapa, as you probably already know, is a resort built especially for tourists back in the 70's whereas Zihua has been a Mexican fishing town for hundreds of years and now has a population of about 70,000 people. Few Mexicans live in Ixtapa; they just work there, and live in Zihua, so it depends what kind of atmosphere you are seeking. <BR>The two places are only about 7-8 miles from one another (an easy cab ride (USD $3 one way) or you can even take the bus for about USA 30 cents) but world's apart in atmosphere and 'flavor.'

March 1999

Jasmine, if you're a pet owner/love animals, there's a wonderful animal humane society in Zihua. Animals have a very hard time throughout Mexico; there's lots of homeless strays and VERY few organizations to help them. You can help support their efforts by buying one of their logo T-shirts in the Casa Marina shop. My husband bought one of their T-shirts and I bought a wonderful 100% cotton sundress which I still wear as it's still perfect. <BR>Near the Casa Marina shopping area is a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining....called JJ's (or something like that). We had one of our best meals there. <BR>The webpage for the humane society is below; at the bottom of the page are links to 3 (I think) other websites on Ixtapa/Zihua. <BR> <BR>http://www.zihuatanejo.net/spaz/

Susan

I remember that Humane Society! There were many cats in the little shops around there - apparently all of them were spayed or neutered. It was really terrific to see. <BR> <BR>I don't have a good memory for names, but Zihuatanejo had some really nice restaurants. Sirena Gorda was very nice - that's one name I do remember. <BR> <BR>Lots of nice little shops in Zihuatanejo as well. We bought a couple of decorative pillows there and saw the same ones in Ixtapa for much more money. <BR>

Gloria

Just got back from Zihua and Ixtapa! We stayed a few nights at the Krystal in Ixtapa (yuck) but left early and headed for Zihuatanejo. Stayed at the Villa del Sol (awesome) and also at the most charming bed and breakfast Villa de la Roca which is right next door to Casa Que Canta. I can't say enough nice things about either place. If you are looking for posh service and amenities stay at the Villa del Sol. They have the most amazing inifinity pool gazing out right onto the bay. Villa de la Roca has the BEST food (and we ate everywhere!) and the sweetest staff. If you don't stay there, at least reserve a dinner there in advance, it will be your best meal in Mexico guaranteed! Another good place to eat is Kau Kan, if you're on Playa Ropa and want a snack or light lunch, Rossy's had very friendly service and good food. Ixtapa is worth a day trip, you can eat at Cafe Martha (I think)which had great calamari. We never got down to Sirena Gorda (they sometimes close on Wednesdays) but have heard from the locals there that they have great smoked fish tacos. <BR>It's a great place, wish we were still there! Have a wonderful time.

wendy

Jasmine, my girlfriend and I went to Ixtapa/Zihua last Oct. We stayed in Ixtapa but spent quite a bit of time in Zihua. <BR>The beaches are WAY better in Ixtapa but there is no local flavor as it is a resort town only. Fantastic restuarants in both -Kau Kan the best! Shopping is better in Zihua. We took a cab back and forth as it was only a couple of dollars. Other good restaurants- Beccofino in the Ixtapa marina, Casa Morelas in Ixtapa, La Sirena Gourda in Zihua,and La Valentino in Ixtapa.

Susan

Wendy, I'm surprised that you'd say that the beaches are better in Ixtapa. They were certainly long sandy beaches, but no one seemed to be the water. The waves are huge! Good for walking, but not for swimming. Zihuatanejo's beaches are much more suited for swimming.