Guerrero, Mexico landed itself on a strict DO NOT TRAVEL list for US travelers.
Marty L. and I have traveled to Guerrero, Mexico and back. We are here to tell the tales.
I’m not sure where or when the idea of Zihuatenajo materialized into reality. Marty and I were looking for a sleepy beach town to get serious R&R. Our travel tactics thus far could best be described as adventurous and adrenaline filled. The change of gears was welcomed but challenged my role as the logistics planner.
More reading on Zihuatenajo lead to the ‘danger factor’. In January of this year (2018) Guerrero, Mexico found itself on a strict Level 4 – Do Not Travel list for US travelers. Level 4 is the highest level of potential danger usually reserved for war-torn territories such as Syria, Yemen, Somalia. For comparison, you will not find a Level 4 territory in Philippines or Thailand.
We were weary and cautious – not positive we were actually going until we were on Mexican soil. We asked friends and family in our network, we read extensively online, we asked our resort’s concierge, etc. Still no one person could tell us definitely GO or DO NOT GO.
Not ready to give up on the idea, we found Ixtapa. Ixtapa is a neighboring town, still in Guerrero, with five-star resorts that cater to foreigners; Read: far more touristy, watered down, safe, catered to foreigners. We felt this would be the key: stay in a resort the next town over and explore Zihuatenajo on our own terms.
Here is the breakdown of the two ‘safest’ towns in Guerrero.
Zihua beach vs. Ixtapa beach
If you are looking for classic beach vibes – Ixtapa wins.
Zihua beach is not a beach to lay out and picnic with your friends. Zihua beach seems more like a stopping point on the way to more exciting adventures. Zihua beach can more accurately be described as Zihua pier. From the pier, most seem to be traveling to Playa Coral – an island off Playa Linda – or to scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing excursions. The Zihua beach is littered with small boats looking to be booked for the day.
Ixtapa beach is the place to lay out, order a pina colada, tan, and finish the book you’ve been working on for weeks. From Ixtapa beach you can go parasailing, jet skiing, or go for a quick zip on a speedboat. Full disclosure: our hotel had designated palapa’s for each party with waiter service.
Marty and I made it a point to find the public entrance to Ixtapa beach. Locals and those not staying beachside have the option of parking their car in the public lot, using the public porta potties, and entering the beach.
Zihua town vs. Ixtapa town
There is no real comparison here – Zihua wins.
Ixtapa town boasts a Senor Frogs, Subway, and Dominoes. There are familiar chains for foreigners and some small shopping booths for handmade Mexican souviners. USD accepted. Would use the words ‘deserted strip mall’ to describe Ixtapa town.
Zihua town is a colorful, vibrant, full of life town. Pumping with music, people, stories, and artists. There is a street with alleys of booths selling handmade souvenirs called ‘Ave 5 de Mayo’. 5 de Mayo feeds directly into the Zihua beach and pier area, primed for a day of shopping, eating and taking beach photos.
Restaurant: Marty and I deliberately went to Bandidos twice. Once for lunch and once for dinner – we were not disappointed.
The people of Zihua and Ixtapa were friendly and helpful. We did not have any confrontations or negative interactions with locals in either town.
Exercise caution: We were advised not to stay out past 10pm in Zihua.
Transportation
On each visit to Zihua we took a taxi. From Pacifica, Ixtapa to Ave 5 de Mayo, Zihua we paid 100 pesos. The taxis coming and going from Pacifica had a set price list. Unsure whether it would cost less if we were to catch a taxi outside of resort premise.
The taxi ride between Ixtapa and Zihua may be where we felt most ‘at risk’. While traveling through the rural regions, we were stopped by a large van. Nothing happened, but we were uneasy because the van was protected by private security with machine guns. The building we were stopped near also had private security with guns. The neighborhood we were stopped in would be described as ‘run down’ on a good day – maybe decades ago. Our taxi driver hesitated then expertly manuverued out of the way so we could continue on our trek.
Thoughts
Definitely would go back and stay in Zihuatenajo. Ixtapa provided a safety net of sorts, but Zihua’s energy and lifestyle is more active and classically ‘charming Mexican beach town’.
Exercise caution. Be vigilant. Relax.