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Zihuatanejo & Ixtapa - Orientation ...
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Zihuatanejo
is located in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific
Coast of Mexico about 240 km (approx. 144 miles)
northwest of Acapulco. The modern tourist resort
of Ixtapa is only 5km distant. Zihuatanejo is
the original settlement and the actual town.
Ixtapa is a government-planned tourist resort
that was begun in the early 1970's and constructed
on what was once a coconut plantation. Zihuatanejo
has the old-fashioned charm of traditional Mexican
culture while Ixtapa is more akin to a transplanted
miniature of modern Acapulco. There you'll find
high-rise hotels lining the beach, modern condominiums
(including time-shares), pricey shops, discoteques,
and flambouyant restaurants.
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Until
the early 1970's Zihuatanejo was a sleepy fishing
village with only a handful of families and residents.
It was then (and continues to be) a favorite getaway
for the "beautiful people" and a few
adventurous gringos (NOTE - the word "gringo"
is synonomous with United States citizen, but
is also used loosely referring to anyone who doesn't
look Latin or Asian; it is NOT a derogatory term).
Zihuatanejo's main attraction is its well-protected
bay where boaters often spend the winter months
moored in its peaceful clear waters. The bay offers
various beaches for relaxation, recreation, dining,
or simply enjoying the abundantly beautiful scenery.
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