Zihuatanejo is the fourth largest city in the western part of Mexico’s state of Guerrero. It is located northwest of the popular vacation destination, Acapulco and itself has been developed for tourists. Despite this, it maintains a small, traditional atmosphere.
Located on a well-protected bay, the city was for a long time known as a sleepy fishing village. A great place for sport fishing, development of a tourist industry began in the 1970s with the introduction of resorts. Now, it is the third most visited area of Mexico; just behind Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
The city offers activities for everyone, as it is located on the water and at the edge of the Sierra Madre del Sure Mountains. It has attracted large immigrant populations from Italy and Switzerland with its charming narrow, brick lanes and downtown area, called ‘El Centro.’
There is a tree-lined pathway bordering the beach and connects the fishing pier with the archaeological museum. This is a popular area as it boasts restaurants, shops and a marketplace, as well as a flourishing nightlife.
Zihuatanego does not contain a plaza, like most of its Mexican counterparts; instead, a basketball court sits at the center of town. This serves as a venue for community events such as concerts and art shows. Each year, the town hosts a festival to raise money for educational programs aimed at disadvantaged youth of the region called the Zihua Sail Fest. It takes place over five days and includes parties, concerts, races and auctions that attract people and boats from far away. In 2009, the festival raised more than six hundred forty thousand pesos.
The Mercado de Artesanias is the largest market in the city. It contains more than two hundred fifty vendors, eager to sell locally made crafts and food products.
The city’s waterfront is home to a vibrant nightlife, which includes a wide variety discos, clubs and restaurants that have made it popular for visitors. As you move away from the water, you will move towards the mountains. Nestled in the Sierra Madre, lies a large park where visitors can participate in bird watching and other outdoor activities. An archaeological site, the Tierras Prietas, is inviting to many tourists, as are the more than four hundred twenty species of plants that call the park home.
Fishing remains a strong industry in this region. As does logging and timber. Not many crops are grown; however, some families do grow coffee, corn and beans to make a living. Tourism and services remain the single strongest force for the local economy.
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