About 145 miles northwest of Acapulco is my favorite seaside town on this cruise, Zihuantanejo. Zihuantanejo means “place of women” by the Nahuan, an Azetecan group of related languages and dialects indigenous to the Mesoamerica and spoken by most of whom live in Central Mexico.
This picturesque seaside village with it’s gorgeous rocky cliffs, spotted colorful buildings, blue sea and swaying palm tree beaches with floating anchored fishing boats balancing awkward pelicans and seagulls makes me just wanna relax with a cold cervesa and I don’t even like beer, so how about a frosty margarita instead. Wanna join me?
Unlike the hustle and bustle of Acapulco this town is laid back and best enjoyed with a much slower pace. There is plenty to do if you enjoy water activities, shopping local arts and crafts and enjoying the delicious Mexican cuisine. I came across a particularly interesting article that I highly recommend you check out… “If You Only Have A Day In ZIHUANTANEJO” by Jim Kerr. Unfortunately, we have less than a day to visit this lovely seaside fishing village, but if you are like me…this place may just be a returning port city for you.
Just about 10 minutes or 4 miles north up the coast is the modern resort hotel town of Ixtapa. Kinda reminds me of a smaller, slower paced version of Honolulu’s Waikiki. Most of Ixtapa can be described as a Hotel Zone along Palmar Beach with village like shopping “plazas”, a marina, couple of world class golf courses and a “dolphinarium” which you can sign up through Carnival Shore Excursions to swim with the dolphin and just perhaps be shown on the Carnival TV network during our cruise. Here's your chance to be a star and a remake of 'Flipper"?
To get familiar with Zihuantanejo and Ixtapa, check out these links that I have come across for you: Wikepedia , Visit Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico Adventure, Ixtapa-Zihuantanejo.com and of course don’t forget to take a peek at the Carnival Cruise Shore Excursions. There is definitely more to do if swimming with the dolphin just doesn't quite sound like your first choice for a shore excursion.
In my humble travel experiences, I find that nothing is more eye-opening to understanding the culture and customs of the people and country than to visit their local markets. With the ship being in port for a limited time, visiting the local markets allow for a wide variety of exposure and learning about the way the people live, eat and reside in the community. Market places offer the tourist an opportunity to try local foods, interact and communicate with the local people and also complete that souvenir gift giving custom at often a reasonable price.
