Seniors Are Flocking to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa is a beach resort on the  Mexico Riviera or Costa Grande as it is called. It is located 4 miles to the northwest of the municipal seat, Zihuatanejo, and 153 miles northwest of Acapulco. Senior visitors will discover plenty of hotel space in Ixtapa with over 6000 rooms.

Ixtapa (eesh-tah-pa), once a coconut plantation, boasts high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts, air-conditioned restaurants and upscale shopping associated with Mexican beach resorts and luxury travel. The locals know the area as Ixtapa Zihuatanejo (zee-wha-ta-NEH-ho). In these neighboring beach towns senior visitors to this unique location will find the comfort of luxury in Ixtapa, with the tranquility of a sleepy fishing village in Zihuatanejo.

Placing a modern resort complex next to a traditional fishing village on the rugged beaches of Mexico’s Guerrero state has turned out to be a winning combination. With the best of luxury services, access to true Mexican culture and endless outdoor opportunities, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo together rival the larger cities of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta for offering the most dynamic vacation possible on the Central Pacific coast of Mexico.

Ixtapa is located on a long, gentle crescent-shaped beach, called Playa Palmar, which is open to the sea and lined with huge resorts. Zihuatanejo sits protected with a pristine cove in the far end called Las Gatas. Zihuatanejo has the old-fashioned charm of traditional Mexican culture.

A fishing village since the 16th century, Zihuatanejo steadily grew into a medium-sized town that was used by sailboats and small ships as a port because of the natural protection provided by Zihuatanejo Bay. Fishing continues to be a way of life for a large number of families, and the increasing popularity of the area as a sport-fishing destination has given new impetus to their livelihood.

Seniors Find Friendly Resorts

Both locations which are set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains have excellent white sand beaches and stunning natural scenery. It’s no secret that this area of Mexico is ripe with historical significance. From conquistadors to ancient civilizations, a great many people have laid claim to the area.

The Museo de Arqueologia de la Costa Grande, or the Archeological Museum of the Large Coast, has an enviable collection of artifacts from Mexico’s indigenous residents, including the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Tarascan, and Aztec civilizations, among others. You’ll not want to miss this museum.

My old standby TripAdvisor suggest 29 things to keep you busy and enjoying your visit. These may be the friendliest of Mexico’s major resort areas. Read what Ron Kapon has to say about his experience in both places. They are prime spots for a super holiday.  jeb