Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

On the stunning Mexican Riviera, sandwiched between the majestic Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and the glittering Pacific Ocean, lay two antithetical towns—Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in Guerrero. While Ixtapa is your typical chic resort town, much like in the Acapulco fashion, with modern high-rise hotels and upscale restaurants, Zihuatanejo is where you head for some historic charm and a laidback lifestyle. Both these self-sufficient microcosms offer visitors crystal clear waters to surf and dive, some of the best beaches in Mexico, and verdant jungles filled with exotic wildlife. In Ixtapa, beachfront resorts offer enough pools, restaurants, and activities for families that they never have to venture outside the property. For those who do, highlights include the rocky coves of Isla Ixtapa, horseback riding on golden beaches, and the crocodile reserve in Playa Linda. Zihuatanejo charms with narrow cobblestone streets that hide cozy local restaurants, bars, and artisan studios. In Mexico, it’s one of the friendliest spots for Pacific Coast vacations.