It's true what the travel journals say about Zihuatanejo, it is a paradise of beautiful beaches and a town that has maintained its charm and authentic feel.  Zihua, as it is affectionately called, was an undiscovered sleepy fishing village for many years.  Some will recall it as the escape destination for Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption.  Zihua has changed and is now a tourist town, but thankfully still can be considered as somewhat off the beaten track.

Downtown is a discovery of local restaurants, bars, shops and artisan studios lining cobblestone streets.  If you get up early enough, you can be part of a morning ritual on the beach by Paseo del Pescador where fisherman sell their catch every day.  And don't miss the experience of the Mercado where locals shop. Come sunset you are guaranteed a show as the sun dips behind Zihuatanejo Bay and the town lights up.  It would be remiss not to mention the splendor of dining options downtown and along the beach, from exquisite dining under twinkling stars to beach fare with your toes in the sand.

Activities for your vacation:

• World-class sport fishing
• Sailing, boating and Kayaking
• Snorkeling, scuba diving, scuba instruction
• Para-sailing and water-skiing
• Golfing in Ixtapa
• Shopping
• Nightlife - live music, discos, clubs
• Yoga on the beach
• Cycling, Beach-walking
• Beach and countryside horseback riding tours

Check out Another Day in Paradise, Zihuatanejo's English language magazine has a wealth of information on special events, history of the area, cultural insights and activities. you can pick up the magazine while in town for some good poolside reading!

The following links highlight some of the popular events in Zihuatanejo and information on activity providers:
 

• Zihuatanejo Sail Fest - An annual event with cruises from all over the world, benefiting the Netzahualcoyotl Bilingual Primary School for Indigenous Children
• Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival - A fabulous week of guitar music with national and international artists
• Zoe kayak Tours - Ecological Kayak tours and birdwatching/nature expeditions into nearby lagoon with an experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking guide
• Picante Cruises - Sunset and snorkeling cruises, one of the best ways to see Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo from the water
• Zihuatanejo.net - An extensive guide to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo with information on golfing, deep-sea fishing, beaches, diving and snorkeling and more