Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/604224
IXTAPA / ZIHUATANEJO Natural Wonder of the Mexican Pacific 200 Palmar Bay P A C I F I C O C E A N Marina Vista Hermosillo Beach H O T E L Z O N E Paseo de las Grandes Dolphinarium P a s e o d e l Pa l m a r Paseo Ixtapa To Zihuatenejo Palmar Beach 0 1/2 mile 0 1/2 km Only 4.3 miles separate resort towns Ixtapa and Zihuatenejo, but these sisters couldn't be more different. Ixtapa, a former coconut plantation, is the more glamorous sibling, with a Hotel Zone of high- rises, all-inclusive resorts, and upscale shopping. Its proximity to two championship golf courses, and the Magic World Aquatic Park completes its appeal. Down the road, Zihuatanejo is the laid-back, free spirit, a quaint fishing village with winding streets of galleries, folk art shops, and beachfront palapa-style restaurants. The bright blue waters both towns are blessed with mark them clearly as equally alluring tourist and fishing destinations. Sailfish average 75 – 100 pounds; black marlin can be 1,100 pounds (the biggest recorded catch in the area); and snorkeler favorite Las Gatas Beach is named after the number of cat sharks residing off its shores. Experienced divers head to Los Morros de Potosi's granite-rock cave network, but those who want to enjoy the Pacific above it can find their bliss in a sailboat or on water skis. 40 | Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo 8 1 2 3 4 7 6 5 9