On
the Gold Coast, the dynamic resort center of Ixtapa and the
quaint fishing pueblo of Zihuatanejo are contrasting twins. One
is bold, beautiful and full of action, and the other is a quiet
wallflower, living a simple life on the outer edge of her
sister's spotlight. Ixtapa is the most modern resort on Mexico's
west coast, with half of its land protected as an ecological
reserve. Zihuatanejo has an unpretentious, informal attitude and
a serene setting along a sheltered harbor. Just four miles
apart, these two towns are set in the lush valley of the
Southern Sierra Madre and run along 16 miles of mountainous
coastline with pure golden beaches and calm rocky shores.
While Ixtapa is a sparkling development of all-inclusive
resorts, restaurants, club, and shopping centers, the rural
seaside village of Zihuatanejo dates back to the pre-Columbian
era, when it was the privileged home of the Mayan nobility. Its
inns and cafés are family-run, and native markets share your
attention with the malecón (seaside promenade). Tucked into one
Mexico's most picturesque bays, these towns deliver the best of
everything in one neat package! |
