Relaxing, Adventurous Vacation In Ixtapa Mexico

By Sean Elstins

Ixtapa, Mexico is a modern resort area, without the crowds of Cancun or Acapulco. Vacationers experience the best Mexico has to offer. The region is ideal for all water sports, and is blessed with lovely white sand beaches. First class amenities abound, combined with the quaint old town feel of neighboring Zihuatanejo.

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Ixtapa is a couple of hours' north of Acapulco. The weather is ideal, the average temperature being 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit. It rains very few days out of the year. An ecological reserve exists on a good part of the land called Ixtapa, which lends to a less congested more relaxed atmosphere. The land is hilly and tropical, its coast occupied by beautiful beaches and secluded coves.

This destination is easy to get to, as its airport, called Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International, has nonstop flights from many American cities. The airport is located only minutes from the resort area. While in Ixtapa, visitors do not need rental cars, and can rely on reasonably priced taxis and local transport. Day trips outside the resort would require a rental car, which can be rented at the airport.

A number of excellent boat charters are offered, as Ixtapa is very popular for sport fishing. The majority of the fish caught are sailfish, marlin and rooster fish. Local fishing captains are well-versed at finding the best fishing spots just off the coast. On land, golfers have two premium golf courses to choose from. Closer to the water, pristine beaches abound, perfect for sunbathing and a plethora of water sports.

Most memorable are Ixtapa's beaches, ranging from those in protected bays for swimmers and snorkelers, to beaches with open-water and waves ideal for surfers. Some of the most popular are Playa El Palmar, Playa Linda, and Ixtapa Island. Scuba Diving and snorkeling off the Ixtapa beaches is ideal, as the area is part of the southwestern coastal plain, which contains volcanic rock and marine sediment. There are over fifty popular dive sites, along with numerous certified dive schools offering all levels of training along with equipment to ensure safe and entertaining dives. The most popular snorkeling sites are located at Playa Las Gatas, and Ixtapa Island.

Ixtapa is only five minutes from the quaint Mexican village of Zihuatanejo. Visitors can easily split their time between both places. The combined locales provide an abundance of first class restaurants and a huge variety of shopping. Zihuatanejo has lovely seaside cafes, markets selling local crafts, and a picturesque promenade by the sea, contrasted by Ixtapa's contemporary sophistication.

An Ixtapa, Mexico vacation offers a huge variety of modern resort amenities and activities, along with a tranquil atmosphere without the crowds experienced at larger resort areas. This destination allows travelers to experience comfort and luxury along with quaint old-time Mexican character. - 30313

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