Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: A Twin Paradise on the Mexican Coast

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah oon/ehl]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo pasa el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh pah-sah ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the region that is now Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Cuitlatecs and the Tarascans. These indigenous peoples thrived on the abundant natural resources, engaging in fishing, agriculture, and trade.

In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers, led by Hernán Cortés, began their conquest of Mexico. The coastal region of Zihuatanejo was officially claimed by the Spanish in 1522. The name 'Zihuatanejo' is derived from the Nahuatl language, meaning 'place of women,' which may refer to the goddesses worshipped by the indigenous people.

During the colonial period, Zihuatanejo became a small but significant port for Spanish galleons. The port facilitated the trade of silver and other goods between New Spain (Mexico) and the Philippines. Despite its strategic importance, the area remained relatively undeveloped and sparsely populated.

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Pacific coast of Mexico, including Zihuatanejo, was frequently targeted by pirates. These attacks prompted the Spanish authorities to fortify the coastline and establish military outposts to protect their trade routes and settlements.

After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the region of Zihuatanejo slowly began to grow. Fishing continued to be a primary economic activity, and the town remained a quiet, picturesque fishing village for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In the early 1970s, the Mexican government, through the National Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR), initiated a project to develop a new tourist destination on the Pacific coast. The result was Ixtapa, a modern resort area built on what was once a coconut plantation. The development included luxury hotels, golf courses, and a marina, transforming the area into a major tourist destination.

Today, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a thriving twin-destination that combines the old-world charm of Zihuatanejo with the modern amenities of Ixtapa. The area attracts tourists from around the world, drawn by its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Despite its growth, efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty and cultural traditions of the region.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is accessible via the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), which has direct flights from several major cities in the United States and Mexico. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can drive to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo from Mexico City, which is approximately a 7-8 hour drive.

Within Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, taxis are the most common form of transportation and are generally safe and reliable. You can also rent a car if you prefer to explore the area at your own pace. Public buses are available and are an economical option for getting around. For a more local experience, consider taking a 'colectivo,' which is a shared taxi.

The official currency in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the area, but it's a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and not displaying valuables openly. Be cautious in areas known for higher crime rates, such as certain parts of downtown Zihuatanejo. Always use reputable transportation services and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police and medical facilities are available and generally reliable. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the beach, but avoid overly revealing clothing in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and any religious sites you visit. Public Transport: Do have small change ready for bus fares and be respectful to drivers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and street food, but avoid drinking tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo like a local, visit the Mercado Municipal in Zihuatanejo for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with local fishermen in Zihuatanejo Bay for a chance to hear fascinating stories and maybe even join a fishing trip. Don't miss the sunsets at Playa La Ropa, which are a favorite among locals. For a unique experience, take a bike ride along the Ciclopista, a scenic bike path connecting Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.