Trip Report - February 2016

I have been following Rob’s web site and message board since my first trip to Zihuatanejo in 2004. Even when I’m stuck in Minnesota it feels to me like I’m still “in contact” with all of the beauty, culture, and flavor that the area has to offer by just visiting on line. I do like reading other trip reports and thought that I should finally register and submit my own to perhaps return the favor in case you too enjoy a story about someplace you may have previously been or would like to see on a future trip.
And so, without further ado..
Day 1 – February 2nd, 2016
11:30 Arrival from Minneapolis - aside from being removed from a waterboarding experiment, the first breaths of air outside on the stair platform are always the best one can experience. Checked into room #102 Aura Del Mar and were greeted with bottled water and warm welcomes from Miguel. Soon after, onto Madera for our traditional first stop – Valeria on Madera. Shrimp and Fish Tacos, Mango Margaritas, and a many Sol’s were enthusiastically served up by our waiter Chewie. A 4:00 pool swim at Aura and then on our way to Puerta Del Sol for dinner. Jorje and Gabby remembered my wife Molly and me from prior trips and enjoyed wine with us after dinner and we all chatted with Patricia Carrion – the absurdly talented Jazz guitarist in town from Mexico City for the week.

Day 2
Sombrillas and chairs beachside at La Perla on Playa La Ropa. Spent the whole day on the beach, and I know things can change with tides, weather, and currents but the entire beach stretch was absolutely pristine. Did not see even one plastic bottle. Later we made our way into Centro Zihuat for some shopping, Coronas at the corner bar “The Fishing Hole” (an amazing bano if you ever get the chance) – and again were remembered by bartender / proprietor Alejandro. Back to the hotel room and drifted off to some Travis McGee…

Day 3
Playa Madera sunrise walk around the paseo and watched the fishermen’s market. After breakfast at Bistro Del Mar, picked up at the pier by Thierry, Arturo, and Chilolo from Carlo Scuba for a dive in front of Ixtapa. Their staff is top notch – many dives with this outfit as well as my original certification in 2004. That evening, Molly and I ended up at an Art Gallery / Studio party (cultural exchange by wandering as we call it) with owners and artists James and Monica. Their converted studio is just across from Hotel Irma and is loaded with great pieces of artwork. Bountiful nightcaps back at Aura where we became fast friends with bartender Saul which leads us into…

Day 4
Saul picks us up from Aura and drives us down to Playa Blanca and the off the charts beautiful Hotel Las Palmas. Saul makes quick introductions for us with the staff members and we are welcomed to spend the day on their beach chairs and order from the restaurant. Playa Blanca was in great form – big surf and aside from the handful of people at Las Palmas – not another human being visible for as far as you could see both up and down the beach. Director at Las Palmas, Andres Gurumeta came out to personally greet us. Impeccable service from everyone – we dined on Tuna Tartare, Tacos Arrachara, and other assorted appetizers.

Day 5
Packed up for Part II of the trip and headed up to Troncones – Inn at Manzanillo Bay – Bungalow #1. Lunch at the Inn and walked into downtown Troncones – about 55 minutes. Grabbed a table at The Steakhouse in Mi Casa es Su Casa. Carne is melt in your mouth – best I’ve had in Mexico. Margaritas and watched surfers into the sunset. Back at the Inn for nightcaps of Big Boy Tequila.

Day 6
Morning coffee and yogurt, walk down the bay, swim in the surf, and a dunk in the pool. Laid around on beach chairs all day at the Inn and finished “Pale Grey for Guilt” John D. Macdonald. Afternoon snorkel in front of the Inn – saw a big ray with about a 6’ wing span. That evening was Superbowl #50 and shared watching the event at the Inn with new friends Tom and Robin from San Diego and Troy and Candace from Canada.

Day 7
Tom and Robin invited us up to see Playa Saladita. Tom drove us up to Lourde’s on the beach and we watched world – not kidding you – world class surfing. Back to the Inn for afternoon cocktails with new friends Dan and Jay and an after dark swim in the ocean where the luminescent algae was in full bloom.

Day 8
Snorkeled again in front of the Inn and got rolled by a wave up and onto the reef rock where I put my hand into a spiny black sea urchin. Blood, pain, and swelling. Note to self – don’t do that. We finished our last evening with dinner at the Inn – tender ribs and a few bottles of Los Robles Cab Sauv. Guitar from Alfredo and more exceptional service from Belam (Gen Mgr), Cesar, Estefania, and Able. Thank you Everyone!

Day 9
Back to Minneapolis – 15 Degrees upon arrival. Hasta Luego mi amigo, Zihuatanejo.