Anyone been to Zihuatanejo, MX?
 

Mrs Notfarnow and I are taking a 10 day vacation in Mexico, leaving in two weeks.

We're going to visit family in Cuernavaca for 2-3 days, then hop over to Zihuatanejo for 6 days. Our accomodations are already sorted out, but I'm wondering if there are any "must see" attractions, or things to avoid.

Thanks in advance!

My friend Andy Dufrane lives there...

Ha actually I think we're staying in his hotel on the beach

The charter fishing out of Zihuat is really good (sword, sail)...For an "A-Ticket ride", risk your life riding in one of the local VW microbus shuttles over to Ixtapa. I can't remember a crazier ride.

Stayed there years ago and liked it. Quieter than some of the other resorts and thats a plus for me.

It's been a few years ago...but we took a pickup truck ride to a beach a few miles away that was more secluded and "local". It was stunning, kind of crescent shaped and all cream colored sand, no rocks. There were a couple of little huts for food and beers on the beach. It was a great side trip.

We also did a fishing trip, and had the food cooked for us at a small deserted beach.

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We stayed in Ixtapa a few years back, and took the public transit over the mountain to Zihua several times. We loved it. It most reminded me of what life in a small town in the US must have been like back in the 40's or 50's. All small merchants, little shops, friendly folks. The waterfront is nice, with a few cafes fronting on la playa, with all the little fishing dories pulled up under the trees. Drinking local beer. Yeah.

Go to the restaurant "La Casa de la Canta".

It's sort of a hidden jewel there with beautiful views from the hillside. I was there about 8 years ago and it was later mentioned on a tv show in the U.S. as one of the ten most romantic restaurants in the world. Dinner for four ran about 60 dollars, iirc. :eek:

http://www.lacasaquecanta.com/

Markus

Was at the Club Med up the road a couple of times. Didn't leave much as the Mai Tai's were included......

But chartered a big sailboat at sunset time for a few hours and had a great time - dolphins jumping off the bow, etc. The water is just perfect down there - waves and warmth....Enjoy!

My wife and I were there over New Year's of 2006/2007 - we stayed in a great resort called La Brisas Del Mar - would highly recommend it. Very quaint, lots of room/amenities for the money.

The beach was small but not crowded, and the restaurants along the beach walkway were terrific.

We visited Ixtapa one evening but it's very Cancun/resort like. We much preferred the village-feel of Zihua.

We didn't see Andy Dufresne, but if you do - send him our regards.

Here's a picture with a view from our hotel balcony.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1204246473.jpg

My cat was named Zihatanejo - bring your surfboard - and your cojones if it is up.
Much nicer 20 years ago.

I think one of the doctors here suggest daily doses of cipro...

I go to Mexico regularly and I'm very careful what I eat and drink.

My family went there when I was in high school. We rented a car and drove off into the country side. Lunch happened in some nameless Mexican town. We followed a local bus until it stopped in front of a taco stand where everyone on the bus got off for lunch. We spent the afternoon on a secluded beach in the absolute middle of nowhere. Very nice.

Oh, but I got the nastiest squirts ever after that. Must've been the food. But it was worth it. :)

wow, lots of great tips, thanks!

We have the 3 CD "Spanish for Dummies" in the car for our commute. Will we be able to get by OK with broken, pleading spanish? I speak french, so I was thinking I'd just speak french with a drunken spanish accent.

We've got our little cabin on the beach with a kitchenette. We'll be buying our groceries and making some meals, eating out the rest of the time.

What, if anything, can we do to avoid or minimize "the squirts" as you so eloquently called it?;)

Drink only bottled water - and be sure the top is sealed.
Brush teeth with bottled water.
No ice cubes unless you know the ice is not made with tap water.
Cutting fruit can introduce bacteria from the outside so wash before you slice.
Eat in only better restaurants - though the best food is often found in smaller less sterile places.
Squeeze lime on salads (acid will kill any bacteria that might be there)
Some say daily doses of pepto bismol will keep you safe - not true.
Wash your hands often.

You have to accept the fact that it you might well get sick, no matter how careful you are.
Some depends on your bodies ability to fight off the bad stuff.
Be careful but I considered the misery of the 24 hours I was ill a fair trade for the wonders of that place.

Be careful but don't let the fear of trying a taco from a popular taco stand cause you to pass up something your nose leads you to.

Wish I was there.

Try Il Mare Italian restaurant on the road to La Ropa Beach. Fantastic view of the bay, open air Dean Martin & Louie Prima music. Fernando is a great host.

On La Ropa Beach try Paty's, Elvira's,Dona Prudencia's, El Manglar(across the bridge where the crocodiles hang out) & La Gaviota.

The Tides is really upscale and worth a walk thru but really expensive now that it's been sold. Casa de Canta is nice but pricey, as $15. will get you an appetizer these days.

In town, stop at Rick's bar and try his famous Margarita. It's big and tasty. Several good places by the beach, Chuleto's, Elvira's and for great tacos el pastor Las Braseros.

English is spoken in most places as well as menus. Most places except credit cards. If your room has a fridge, go to Commercial Mexicana and get some bottled water, cerveza's etc. Much cheaper and convenient.

Where are you staying?

Here's a site that will give you a lot of information. http://www.zihuatanejo-ixtapa.com/

Have a great trip!

Vince

Vacation starts in 30 minutes! I don't really have anyone who can do my job, so I've pretty much done 8 days of work in advance. What a busy week... I need a vacation!

Flying out at 530AM. If anyone needs to use the house, the keys are under the matt.

Querria otra cerveza!

Hey wow, I must have missed this post!

What great info... I just printed it off. It's great to know where to go for groceries etc

Thanks a bunch!

Have a great time. When you get back to New Brunswick, you can do your yardwork in "speedos" since you'll have that "all over tan"! :)

Ha! The way this winter's been, I'll still be shovelling!