THE PACIFIC - Travel Agent Academy
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MAZATLÁN
A CA PULCO
P U ERTO VA LLARTA
MANZANI LLO
THE PACIFIC
31
ZI HUATANEJO
work on a Central Park and airport turnpike has recently
begun. The destination is a magnet for repeat visitors:
THE PACIFIC travelers not only fall in love with the friendly service and
12 miles (about 20 km) of swimmable beaches, but the
fact that it’s the only resort destination in Mexico with a
Mexico’s Pacific region is home to some of large, pristinely restored 19th-century historical center is
its most spectacular resort areas with hotels a big plus.
ranging from five-diamond to more modest Mazatlán can be divided into several areas: the fast-
properties, RV parks and camping areas—truly growing, beachfront Nuevo Mazatlán area, the Marina
something for everyone. A prime destination Mazatlán, the Zona Dorada and the colonial Historic
District. Agents can book a good selection of four-
for sun and sand, the region also has lots of
and five-star hotels, most from the top Mexican brands
other attractions that can usually be found and, more recently, names like Holiday Inn, Radisson,
right in the traditional downtown areas or and Courtyard by Marriott, plus a few independently
within a short distance of them. And though owned boutique hotels and beachfront properties like
they share similar jungle-mountain scenery, the five-star The Local. There are also several business-
a coastal highway and (in some cases) even oriented hotels catering to events hosted by the first-
airports, each has its particular charm. rate Mazatlán International Convention Center, though
many double as beach resorts.
And there’s always plenty to do and see. A favorite
with locals and visitors alike, the upgraded Malecón
stretches along the beach down Olas Altas Boulevard
for 4 miles (about 6.5 km) from the Historic District to out to Isla de Venados, one of the three little islands
the Golden Zone. Lined with monuments depicting life across the way, for an afternoon of snorkeling on a virgin
in Mazatlán on one side and restaurants and non-chain beach. If they prefer something more structured, tours
hotels on the other, it’s a place to see and be seen. are available to the beaches of Isla de la Piedra about
The Historic District itself is charming with its narrow 2.5 miles (4 km) offshore, most of which include lunch,
streets, colorful neoclassical buildings and green parks. drinks, and snorkeling equipment.
Lush landscaping, meticulous
restorations and galleries, shops,
jazz clubs, boutique hotels, and
open-air cafés and restaurants
have made it the go-to place day
or night. The centro is also home
to three museums, the exquisite
Angela Peralta Theater, and
the Catedral Basílica de la
Inmaculada Concepción, the
city’s cathedral, with spires that
soar above a Moroccan-tiled
façade and a Baroque interior.
For many, watersports
and the beach are the main
Mazatlán attraction, whether it’s relaxing
Seaside Mazatlán (pop. about 474,500) in the state of on Playa Sábalo at the north
Sinaloa is fresh from a multimillion-dollar makeover, end of the Zona Dorada, playing
which reenergized its Zona Dorada hotel zone, the beach volleyball on Playa
Malecón boardwalk, the Historic District (or Centro Gaviotas, or surfing at Playa
Histórico), Olas Altas Boulevard and several other Olas Altas and Playa Los Pinos.
landmarks. It also added the new Sister City Plaza, and Visitors can catch a small boat
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Sometimes, though, Mother Nature itself is the
headliner: every year between December and March, CLIMATE
pods of whales head into the Sea of Cortez, swimming
past Mazatlán on their way. Certified whale-watching
tours led by oceanographers, biologists and naturalists This is the land of perpetual summer: humid
take vacationers up close for an unforgettable and warm, with plenty of sunny days. Winters
experience; a “Swim with the Dolphins in the Wild” is days range in the 80s with 60s to 70s at night;
also available. Back on shore, the El Verde Sea Turtle expect warmer days in the summer with brief—
Conservation Center helps newly hatched turtles make though in rare cases intense—showers.
their way out into the waves.
With the Pacific at its doorstep, in Mazatlán the
menu revolves around seafood, including marlin (try
the smoked marlin tostadas), mahi mahi, fresh octopus, TRIBES
conch and crab. Dining here is mostly a casual affair, with
plenty of beachfront palapas and homespun restaurants.
The dishes jump into haute cuisine territory in the Golden
Zone, and at the sidewalk cafés and restaurants that
surround the Plaza Machado in the Historic District, MEETINGS CULTURE & ADVENTURE
where award-winning chefs create world-class cuisine. GASTONOMY & NATURE
A series of culinary tours have been put together to
introduce visitors to Mazatlán’s liquid bounty as well,
including one that visits the 130-year-old Los Osuna MAZATLÁN:
Blue Agave tequila distillery and plantation, and another A WORLD OF ITS OWN
Carnaval: Mazatlán’s pre-Lenten carnival rivals
that of Rio and takes over the entire oceanfront
boulevard with floats, parades, live music,
dancing and more.
Pueblo Mágico of El Rosario: Just 40 miles (64
that focuses on the Pacífico Brewery, the birthplace km) south of Mazatlán, it’s famous for its gold
of the ubiquitous Pacífico pilsner created by German church altar and being the birthplace of singer
immigrants. Lola Beltrán.
Beyond the city limits, a great place to taste the
best of Mazatlán’s traditional cuisine is El Mesón de los Pueblo Mágico of Cosalá: Once the state’s most
Laureanos in the town of El Quelite, a fun day trip where important mining center, it has a storybook
diners can see cooks making fresh tortillas and eat under appeal and is surrounded by natural attractions.
thatched palapas to live music. Other inland villages like
Concordia, Copala and Cosalá—all founded in the 16th Adventure Tourism: South of Mazatlán,
century—are also a relatively short drive from the Golden Escuinapa is the doorway to the state’s vast
Zone. network of estuaries and mangrove swamps. An
For adventurous clients, day trips to the Amazon-like hour’s drive inland lies El Calón, a 4,000-year-old
estuaries and waterways of eco-reserve Teacapán or a pyramid of oyster shells.
jungle tour of San Blas are a must: here their cameras will
come face-to-face with iguanas, birds and crocodiles. El Faro Lighthouse: Located on the peak of Cerro
del Crestón, this is the highest natural lighthouse
Contact in the Americas, and one of the highest operating
Mazatlán Tourism Board natural lighthouses in the world.
www.goMazatlán.com
33
plethora of boutique hotels and villas extremely popular, as are pretty much any water sports,
for rent: indeed, this city is home to from banana boating to surfing adventures to sport fishing
the largest number of hotels with expeditions. There are several outfitters in town that can
Diamond Awards in Mexico—17 in take you on up-close-and-personal visits with the area’s
total. immensely varied sea life, which also includes orca whales,
The destination ranks among sea turtles, dolphins and more.
the top ten favorite destinations of On dry land, horseback riding, hiking, zip-lining or ATV
the world in which to get married, tours will take clients through picturesque landscapes
thanks to its unique combination of dotted with villages, or along thick jungle trails to refreshing
classic Mexico world-class resorts waterfalls; or they can hop on a puddle jumper to visit the
and its gorgeous landscapes. It’s also Pueblo Mágico of San Sebastian, one of the oldest still-
a leading culinary beach destination inhabited mining villages.
with over 360 restaurants, including The Riviera Nayarit is home to some of the most
AAA Diamond Awarded restaurants. luxurious and exclusive resorts, designer golf courses,
For over 20 years it has hosted one of world-class spas, marinas and gourmet restaurants
the premier gourmet festivals in the in the world. As one of the newest, most modern—yet
world together with nearby Riviera genuinely authentic—beach destinations in the country,
Nayarit and the City of Tepic; the Riviera Nayarit from its very beginnings attracted first-rate
event takes over the area for ten days investments: agents will recognize names like the Four
and brings in top chefs from Mexico Seasons, St. Regis, Grand Velas and W Punta de Mita, with
and the world. Restaurant choices run more on the drawing board. Its service infrastructure is of
the gamut, from modest, family-run the highest quality, as evidenced by the large number of
eateries to internationally acclaimed four- and five-diamond venues, international hotel chains
and awarded establishments, making such as Iberostar, Hard Rock and Riu, national brands
dine-arounds an excellent option for such as Grupo Marival, Krystal Grand Paradise Village and
visitors.
Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit And Puerto Vallarta is made for shoppers: clients will
Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit includes two beach resort
love browsing the traditional markets such as the Mercado
areas in two distinct states. Puerto Vallarta (pop. about
de Artesanías next to Isla Río Cuale in el centro (the
203,300), located in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is the
colonial downtown area) for handmade crafts, jewelry, and
homeland of Tequila, Mariachi and the Charro culture. The
clothing, or stopping in the upscale boutiques for more
Riviera Nayarit, meanwhile, is a 192-mile (309-km) coastline
expensive take-homes. Puerto Vallarta is a city of art as
in the state of Nayarit, which is dotted with seaside towns
well, and one of the best ways for visitors to appreciate
that stretch from the historic port of San Blas to the north
the scene is during the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk (October
and the city of Nuevo Vallarta to the south. They share one
through May), when over a dozen galleries open their doors
international airport and together are a favorite destination
for both guided and self-guided tours. Even the seaside
for singles, couples, families, adventure travelers, foodies,
boardwalk, or malecón, has been transformed into an
LGBT travelers and A-list celebrities.
ample pedestrian area with a dynamic outdoor gallery,
Set on Banderas Bay at the foot of the lush Sierra
lined with charming shops and restaurants that offer live
Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s top
music and even better menus. After sunset, the nightlife is
destinations, continuously receiving accolades from
vibrant and constant, with plenty of entertainment venues
the media and visitors alike. It’s a considerable cruise
including live events.
destination, and very recently invested millions of dollars
The bay showcases miles of golden beaches and
in the renovation and modernization of the Puerto Vallarta
is home to an exciting assortment of sea life, including
Maritime Terminal, which included a new aquarium. The
humpback whales in season (December through March).
city boasts three championship golf courses, luxurious
There are plenty of excursions (both tours and charters)
spas and an upscale hotel infrastructure. Agents will find
available to nearby coves and beaches, some of which
big U.S.-based chain hotel names such as Hilton, Marriott,
can be reached only by sea, such as the little beaches
Hyatt and Westin, as well as international names like
of Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, Yelapa and the
Barceló and Meliá, and well-established Mexican brands
nearby island ecological reserve. Snorkeling and diving are
like Fiesta Americana and Velas Resorts. There is also a
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sailors, and San Pancho is the Culture Capital, where
clients can nosh on excellent cuisine and visit the Tercer CLIMATE
Mundo Avenue to browse galleries and shop for exquisite
artisan objects among other delightful take-homes.
Agents will find myriad choices for accommodations, The west coast of Mexico averages temperatures
perfect for just about every range of budget and all of 77ºF (25ºC), with a warm and humid climate
brimming with the region’s traditional warmth and during summer and fall, and drier during the
hospitality. Consider recommending a rental car as part of winter and spring. The area enjoys over 300
a vacation package, as that will give clients the opportunity sunny days a year.
to explore all the area has to offer.
Among the Riviera Nayarit’s many attractions is its
commitment to sustainability—it boasts three Blue Flags TRIBES
and a Silver-Level EarthCheck certification. Outdoor
activities rule: the jungle is home to one of the best and
most diverse bird-watching areas in the entire country. The
mountains are perfect for zip-lining, rappelling or exploring
aboard an ATV or on horseback.
There is an abundance of aquatic life in the region, and SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM
MEETINGS CULTURE &
GASTONOMY
ADVENTURE
& NATURE
ROMANCE LGBT
its diversity is breathtaking and change with the seasons.
Humpback whales appear in the winter, and there are
whale sharks (that your clients can swim with) and plenty
of challenges for sports fisherman in the form of black and PUERTO VALLARTA-RI V I ERA NAYARI T:
blue marlin, yellowfin tuna and sailfish, to name just a few A WO RLD O F I TS OW N
(tag and release, of course.)
There are to date 7 golf courses in the Riviera Nayarit,
designed by household names such as Jim Lipe, Percy Vallarta Botanical Gardens: A spectacular
Clifford, Robert Von Hagge, Jack Nicklaus and Greg attraction with an orchid house that features over
Villagroup, as well as spectacular boutique resorts. Norman, which host both amateur and professional golfers.
A distinctive feature of the “Nayarit” half of the equation 100 species of orchids, and jungle-like trails that
One of them, the Punta Mita Pacífico course, was called run through the gardens to the river.
is its 23 micro-destinations, a collection of coastal villages the most spectacular golf course in the world by Conde
that have everything a traveler might desire: culture, Nast Magazine in 2008: Hole 3B, known as the “Tail of the
cuisine, tradition, adventure, nature and history. Each of Islas Marietas National Park: A protected park
Whale,” is the only green in the world located offshore on as well as “Biosphere Reserve” recognized by
these micro-destinations has a charm all its own. a natural island.
North of the area’s shared airport, for example, lies UNESCO, home of the “Hidden Beach” or “Lover´s
Meeting planners will also find this destination to their Beach” considered among the ten most exotic
the residential-resort development of Nuevo Vallarta, liking: the modern International Convention Center caters
the geographical doorway to the Riviera Nayarit. This beaches in the world.
to events of all sizes, as do the dedicated facilities in many
gorgeous resort area has navigable canals, two jetties, a area hotels and unique venues around town, such as the
luxury yacht club, two marinas and four professional golf Pueblo Mágico of Sayulita: Boho-chic micro-
new Hacienda Tequilera. destination in the Riviera Nayarit, famous for its
courses. Nuevo Vallarta is home to the most significant Because of Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit’s sizeable
concentration of hotels and resorts in this region and is a waves and SUP and a favorite with celebrities
offer, you might want to recommend a travel itinerary seeking luxury and privacy.
family destination par excellence. The beaches are long, that combines stays and visits, for example, a three-day
and the waves are gentle, making them perfect for all kinds vacation in Puerto Vallarta with another three days in one
of water sports activities. (Currently under construction at Pueblo Mágico of Mascota: Surrounded by
of the coastal villages of the Riviera Nayarit or vice versa. mountains, valleys and rivers, this tiny town is only
the Vidanta complex, a massive Cirque du Soleil Theme
Park will add to the area’s attractions.) a two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta.
Contact
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is home to the Riviera Nayarit’s Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust
third marina and its famous Fish Market, while Punta Mita, The Huichol Culture: Also known as the Wixáritari,
www.visitpuertovallarta.com this indigenous tribe lives in the Sierra Madre and
known as the Glamour Peninsula for its luxury resorts,
villas and golf courses, has become a favorite of A-listers is known for creating beautifully intricate yarn
Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau paintings and beadwork.
and celebrities. Bucerías is known as the Wind Capital www.rivieranayarit.com
for its strong breezes and popularity with kite-surfers and
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Colima CLIMATE
Laid back and unfussy, Manzanillo (pop. about 110,700) in
the state of Colima has excellent year round weather and
is set in a magnificent landscape with twin bays divided by
the Santiago Peninsula. One of the country’s leading ports, The coastal area enjoys a dry season from November
it’s also known as one of the country’s less-developed through May with cooler temperatures than during
destinations and a magnet for vacationers in search of the wet season; the coolest month is March, with an
serene settings. average of 74ºF (24ºC). Wet season runs from June
Beyond the bustle of the port, the city has a charming, through October; the hottest month is July, with an
picturesque side. This is a very Mexican town, great for average temperature of 83ºF (28.3ºC).
“slow” travel and those who want to really get to know
the locals. Visitors can start at the mile-long boardwalk
from Miramar beach, browsing at the local marketplace TRIBES
for seashell crafts and more to take home. The best way
to explore the historic downtown and its well-preserved
colonial buildings is on foot, followed by dinner at an open-
air restaurant by the water to sample some of the local
seafood dishes. Taxis are plentiful, cheap and probably the SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURE ROMANCE LGBT
best way to get around. of the best 100 Golf Resorts in the world. Together with El TOURISM & NATURE
The area hosts a selection of family, mid-range and Corazón Boutique Hotel and Golf Resort, and a handful of
luxury hotels and resorts. There’s one, though, that your others (including those in the Costalegre, see below), it has
clients might recognize from the big screen: the Moorish placed this destination square on the map for golfers. COLIMA:
Mediterranean and Mexican architecture of Las Hadas by Sport fishermen also have Manzanillo in their sights: A WORLD OF ITS OWN
Brisas, made famous by Bo Derek and her braids in the the marina and fleet are excellent and charters are very
movie “10.” Set on one of the best locations on Manzanillo easy to book. From November through March, the ocean
Bay, this AAA Four-Diamond resort has also ranked as one waters teem with sailfish, giant tuna, snapper, mahi-mahi, Pueblo Mágico of Comala: Just 20 minutes north
sea bass and yellowtail, and every year there are two major of Colima, Comala’s cobblestone streets, white
tournaments, in November and January, including one of walls and red roofs sit in the shadow of the Volcán
the longest running sport fishing tournaments in the country. de Fuego, attached to the Nevado de Colima.
Other waters sports are plentiful as well, taking advantage
of the miles of wide, uncrowded beaches spread out over Nevado de Colima: The seventh highest peak
the bay, including paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, diving in Mexico located on the border of Colima and
and snorkeling the rocky, coral-encrusted shoreline. Jalisco, this is a dormant volcano and a Mecca for
The Palo Verde Estuary provides amazing natural climbers.
sceneries for your eco-minded clients to practice bird-
watching and discover the abundant wildlife. The is also El Salto Waterfall: Less than an hour from
home to the Tortugario, a sanctuary that preserves sea Manzanillo, this 33-foot waterfall is in the middle
turtle species and where you may participate in their of jungle so lush that visitors think they’re in
conservation by freeing them back to the ocean. Jurassic Park.
Some of your most demanding clients, however, will
want to head north, whether in a rental car or chartered van. La Campana Ruins: Site of the largest pre-
Past Manzanillo and up the coast toward Puerto Vallarta, Hispanic population center in western Mexico, it
the Costalegre (the “happy coast”) extends along the coast contains the only open tomb available for viewing
of the state of Jalisco and is the most undeveloped stretch by visitors.
of Mexico’s Pacific shore, though still very accessible
via Federal Highway 200. It has nearly 150 miles of virgin El Tortugario Ecological Center: Located on the
beaches, capes and bays; rustic villages; and swaths of beaches of Cuyutlán, this center is where clients
jungle-covered mountains—plus some of the country’s can check out the crocodile and iguana displays
most posh resort hideaways. and take part in a turtle release program.
About an hour north of Manzanillo, Isla Navidad awaits
36
golfers, families, couples, and sailing and fishing enthusiasts
with a Gold Medal 27-hole course, a 700-slip marina and
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Located about 100 miles north of Acapulco in the state
the Grand Isla Navidad Resort. Further north, boutique
of Guerrero, the two separate towns of Ixtapa (pop.
luxury can be found in Playa Careyes, one of the most-
about 9,000) and Zihuatanejo (pop. about 62,400) are
visited stretches of sand, famous for watersports and the
the yin and yang of Mexico, and one point of Mexico’s
Costa Careyes Resort. Then there’s Las Alamandas, known
famed Triangle of the Sun. This “dual destination” offers
for its riot of Mexican color and white-glove service, located
your clients a mixture of unique travel experiences.
on a 1,500-acre nature reserve, and the ultra private and
Zihuatanejo, once a quiet fishing village, has evolved into
super exotic Cuixmala. Because of their exclusivity and
a charming tourist destination. Ixtapa, on the other hand,
service, all of these are highly recommended for romantic
is a modern, master-planned development. The contrast
getaways and private vacations with family.
has tremendous appeal to a variety of tastes and desires
However, Costalegre’s story doesn’t end here. Its main
from families and sports enthusiasts to luxury seekers and
highway was recently extended and modernized, and there
couples.
are additional plans that will open the destination even
Once a coconut plantation, Ixtapa stretches along
more. Among them is an airport in the Chalacatepec area
Playa Palmar, a Blue Flag-certified, nearly two-mile-long
for both private and commercial planes that will no doubt
beach lined with several high-rises, four- and five-star
bring passengers to the handful of other planned projects.
resorts, including a Club Med, the AAA Four-Diamond Las
These include the One&Only Santa Maria de Xala; the
Brisas Ixtapa, the AAA Capella Ixtapa Resort & Spa, and
mega luxury Zafiro complex, which will include a Cheval
some well-known Spanish and Mexican brands. There’s a
Blanc hotel and an 18-hole golf course; and the new Zoëtry
smaller hotel zone up the coast at Playa Quieta and Playa
Chamela Costalegre, in the works for 2020. In Tenacatita,
Linda.
the Four Seasons has taken over the original resort hotel
Ixtapa is also the site of Marina Ixtapa, a 40-acre
in the Tamarindo development (the golf course is still
mixed-use facility with restaurants, shops, a full-service
operational) and has already begun work.
marina and the magnificent Marina Ixtapa golf course
designed by Robert Von Hagge. A second excellent
Contact course, the Robert Trent Jones II’s Palma Real, make this
Colima Tourism Board destination a favorite of golfers. most popular snorkeling spot. Here clients can spend
www.visitacolima.mx With beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resort options, an entire day of relaxation under the sun, enjoying the
a subdued nightlife and fun eco-adventure day trips to thatched-roof restaurants that offer drinks, fresh seafood
Jalisco Tourism Board the surrounding mountains and coast, this destination and beachside lounge chairs for all.
www.visita.jalisco.gob.mx has consistently been at the top of the list for families Back in town, the center is a bit different than you’d
on trusted travel sites. Getting around is easy: cars are expect: instead of the traditional plaza, the center is a
available, but inexpensive taxis are always a good way to basketball court in front of the beach and is, like a plaza,
get around. the point of reference for directions. Sections of the
Just 10 minutes away, Zihuatanejo is a town awash centro are designated pedestrian zones, and visitors will
in traditional Mexican culture set on three coves backed find great local restaurants, art shows, and a crafts market.
by verdant hills and striking cliffs. Before the 1960s, when The real heart of Zihua, though, is the boardwalk called
the coastal highway was built, virtually no tourists visited. Paseo del Pescador, a tree-lined walkway that follows the
But now, with the road, an airport, and the fact that it’s municipal beach between the archaeological museum,
a favorite cruise-ship stop, the destination has become the fishing pier and the fleet of panga fishing boats. It’s
quite popular. Accommodations tend toward small inns busy with people enjoying great seafood and shopping at
and exclusive boutique hotels, such as the iconic Villa del stores selling rugs, arts and crafts, and souvenirs; at night,
Sol Resort and La Casa Que Canta, immortalized in film. it’s the place to socialize.
The destination’s ring of beaches includes the 1.2- Because of their proximity, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo
mile Playa Madera, site of bay-view restaurants, condos provide a dual-destination for your clients that’s “twice as
and hotels; and Playa La Ropa, less than a mile long but pleasing.” A morning round of golf in Ixtapa, for example,
excellent for swimming, and home to turtle conservation can be accompanied by an afternoon stroll through
campaigns and, in a fenced-off area, a tiny inlet with a few Zihua’s centro and dinner at a cliffside restaurant.
resident crocodiles. On the opposite side of the bay from There are plenty of day-trips as well that depart from
town, Playa Las Gatas is a mellow beach and the area’s either destination, including excursions to nearby villages
37
best destinations in the world for that pursuit. Marina Ixtapa including a new airport terminal (2018). Always popular
TRIBES has over 600 slips and full facilities for both pleasure with domestic travelers, international visitors are returning
cruises and sport-fishing charters, with state-of-the-art in droves: in fact, there has been a tremendous rise in the
equipment and excellent captains and crew for pursuing number of cruise ship arrivals just in the past year.
Pacific sailfish, the black and blue marlin that migrate The deep-blue waters of Acapulco are perfect for water-
through here during the spring months, plus skipjack tuna, skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, topnotch
SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM
ADVENTURE
& NATURE
ROMANCE LGBT yellowfin, and billfish. sports fishing and parasailing—first developed here, as were
swim-up bars, hotel rooms with private pools and other jet-
Contact set amenities. There’s always plenty to do: the destination
IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Tourism Board hosts scores of events all year, including music, sports and
A WORLD OF ITS OWN www.iztapazihuatanejo.travel culinary festivals.
www.visitiz.travel Beyond the beach, Acapulco has evolved into a complete
vacation destination combining eco-recreation at lagoons,
Xihuacan: An enormous 3,000-year-old national parks, spectacular beaches (Pie de la Cuesta is a
archaeological ceremonial center is being Acapulco & Taxco favorite for bird-watching), and archaeological sites with
excavated outside a tiny village just half an hour The world-class beach resort city of Acapulco (pop. about luxurious comforts and outstanding golf. It also welcomes
from Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. 1,500,000) and the mining town of Taxco (pop. about 104,000) meetings and events, thanks to state-of-the-art venues like
are two points of Mexico’s Triangle of the Sun. Together the Expo Mundo Imperial.
Gastronomy: Excellent and diverse cuisine is with Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, they offer agents the possibility of Acapulco can be divided into Playa Revolcadero/
evident in both towns, where dishes are created combining sun and fun with a visit to an icon of Old Mexico. Punta Diamante; Puerto Marqués; and the area surrounding
using the freshest and most tasty seafood. Mexico’s original beach destination is experiencing a Acapulco Bay, home to the hotel Golden Zone (Zona
Zihuatanejo is home to the traditional—and renaissance after an expensive infrastructure investment, Dorada). Closest to the airport, Playa Revolcadero/Punta
famous—tiritas de pescado.
Sustainable Destination: Ixtapa has a Silver
EarthCheck Certification, and is recognized for
its continued engagement and development of
environmental and social strategies.
Ciclopista (Bike Path): One path starts at Marina
Ixtapa and goes up the coast alongside the eco-
reserve of Aztlan to Playa Linda; the other runs
between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo through a golf
course and tropical forest.
Estilo Zihuatanejo (Zihua Style): The area’s
architecture has evolved into a distinctive open-
air style of thatched palapa roofs, local materials,
sustainably sourced coconut palm wood, infinity
pools, earth-tone stucco and multi-level living.
and lagoons. Ecotourism is gaining ground, with options
including birdwatching, rappelling, zip-lining, hiking and
kayaking, as well as horse-back riding on the beach, and
visits to archaeological sites. Zihua also holds a twice-
annual triathlon, welcoming athletes from around the
world.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has also long been known for its
fantastic sport-fishing, consistently ranking among the
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The magnificent Acapulco Bay and and a couple of splendid boutique hotels, including the
its Zona Dorada hotel zone are now Monte Taxco Hotel and De Cantera.
a just a three-minute ride from Punta
Diamante thanks to the new MacroTunel Contact
project that bypasses traffic on the two- Acapulco Tourism Board
lane coastal highway. One of the most www.visitacapulco.travel
beautiful harbors in the world, it is ringed
by mountains and lined with golden Taxco CVB
beaches and swaying palms. Interesting www.visittaxco.travel
side-note: the lovely La Condesa area is
the first official LGBT neighborhood in the
country and the first LGBT beach in Latin
America. TRIBES
The bulk of the area’s hotels are on
the Costera Avenue, together with myriad
seafood restaurants, cliff-side cafés and
glamorous nightclubs. Among the most
iconic resorts is the swanky, romantic SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS CULTURE &
TOURISM GASTONOMY
LGBT ROMANCE MEDICAL & ADVENTURE
WELLNESS & NATURE
SPORTS
Las Brisas Acapulco, with its pink Jeeps
and flower-strewn private pool casitas.
Acapulco also offers a varied choice of
beachfront budget hotels, but unlike ACAPULCO & TAXCO:
other seaside resorts, its selection of all- A WORLD OF ITS OWN
inclusive properties is limited, giving your
clients a chance to experience dining and
activities in town. Divers at La Quebrada: A featured attraction in
Pairing Acapulco with a visit to Acapulco since 1934, divers leap from rocky cliffs
Taxco for a day-trip or longer stay lends 136 feet above the crashing Pacific, landing in a
an added dimension to your clients’ narrow, 11-foot deep inlet.
vacation. Known the world over for its
exquisite silver jewelry, this is one of the Palma Sola Petroglyphs: In this awe-inspiring
country’s prettiest colonial towns, with archaeological zone, beautiful stone carvings
winding cobblestone streets and tile- date back centuries.
roofed buildings that tumble across a
Diamante hosts the city’s most excellent golf courses (4);
hillside and exude a lovely air of Spanish antiquity. San Diego Fort: This ancient fort overlooking the
the high-end La Isla Shopping Village with movie theaters,
Accessible only by highway, the drive to Taxco takes 2.5 harbor offers a museum display focusing on the
department stores, restaurants and family-oriented fun;
hours from Acapulco by first-class bus service or escorted cultural exchanges between Asia, Mexico and
Forum Mundo Imperial, the country’s premier performing
tours. The high elevation makes it cooler than the shore, so the Old World, with rare relics on exhibit.
arts venue; and five-star resorts, including the Hotel Princess
suggest that your clients bring a light jacket or sweater for
Mundo Imperial and the Pierre Mundo Imperial. This area
the walk around its colonial center. Must-visits include the Pueblo Mágico of Taxco: This town is also a
is currently experiencing a massive, multimillion-dollar
Parroquia de Santa Prisca for a view of its striking ornate UNESCO World Heritage Site. See it all from
development push that will see more hotels, golf, and
Baroque style and the Museo de Arte Virreinal. above riding the cable car that climbs to the
attractions in the next three to five years.
Shopping for silver is easy to do—the city has over 300 statue of Christ on the Cerro Atachi.
Smaller than its neighbor, Puerto Marqués is another
shops—the hard part is choosing what to buy! Recommend
scenic wonder, growing to keep pace with demand for
a visit to the artisans market on the corner of Calle Miguel Cacahuamilpa Caves: Thirty minutes from Taxco,
luxury properties. Adrenaline-loving clients can view it from
Hidalgo and Calle Cuauhtémoc as well, and don’t forget to this natural wonder has a two-kilometer pathway
the new XTSEA overwater zip-line that spans the bay—it’s
tell clients always to look for the .925 stamp of authenticity for visitors to go through twenty different caverns
the longest of its kind in the world. Meanwhile, the balconies
on all silver items. with a state-of-the-art illumination system.
of the five-diamond (2013) villas at the Banyan Tree Puerto
Lodgings in Taxco are mostly locally owned and
Marqués and the luxurious Encanto Acapulco also make for
operated, with a good number of four- and five-star options
spectacular front-row seats to Acapulco’s legendary sunset.
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