The Norm

We have vacationed for years all areas of Quintana Roo and decided to venture to your Ixtapa coast area this trip for a different vibe. The US warnings along with the recent killings ect make me question.. Are these incidents, road blocks, ect of concern for tourists or the "norm ". Certainly not an alarmist but interested in feedback. Thanking you in advance.

All I can say, Guido, is that in the many years that my wife and I have been spending a month in Zihua we've never felt concerned enough about safety that we wouldn't bring our grandchildren down to visit.
I believe that, unless you're either involved in the drug trade -- or in trying to stop it -- the worst thing one might experience is seeing the occasional heavily-armed police and military patrolling the streets, or perhaps seeing the aftermath of a crime. (I noticed a bullet hole in a wall a few years back.)
If you exercise the same kind of caution you would in any sizeable U.S. city, you are very likely to feel nothing but safe in Zihua. You'll find the "vibe" a wonderful, I think unique, blend of old Mexican chill and charm with growing-city energy. And the people couldn't be nicer.
So...go for it!

--
http://www.OneMansWonder.com

We have vacationed for years all areas of Quintana Roo and decided to venture to your Ixtapa coast area this trip for a different vibe. The US warnings along with the recent killings ect make me question.. Are these incidents, road blocks, ect of concern for tourists or the "norm ". Certainly not an alarmist but interested in feedback. Thanking you in advance.

Guerrero has long been a state that has been known for violence. Guerrero bronco. This is where Mexico's independence was forged but also where much of the Guerra Sucia was fought. In spite of that, I don't think we ever could get used to the type of violence we've been experiencing these past years since the big capos were arrested (including El Chapo) and the unprincipled more violent punks took over their businesses. Presidente Felipe Calderón marched alongside the gringo government with its stupid and long failed war on drugs. He set Mexico on a path of violence trying to fight criminals who have more money than the government and who are better armed, thanks to our northern neighbors, and frankly everyone has been losing since then. Much of Guerrero still lives in the 19th century, barely accessible to the outside world and unable to advance. The criminals wear nice clothes and occupy positions in our governments. The police are paid miserably and barely trained. Our tiny police force still has about a third of its members who cannot carry firearms because they are unable to pass the "confidence tests". And innocent people can come into the crosshairs of cheap gunmen for even discussing the matter publicly.

Fortunately for tourists and people not involved in the narco trade, people who aren't police, military or public servants it is rare that they are affected by any of this violence. Only tangentially when their vehicles are stolen on the highway, for example. But for the most part as long as you steer clear of the places NOT recommended here in my website you should have a wonderful vacation. Don't seek trouble and it is doubtful it will find you. The overwhelming majority of our visitors have the most enjoyable times of their lives, as I expect you also will if you vacation anywhere in our region. THAT is the NORM.

Saludos.

Thanks to all---makes perfect sense. Z certainly sounds like our kind of place.
Rob-where on web site do you reference places not to encounter?

Saludos

Thanks to all---makes perfect sense. Z certainly sounds like our kind of place.
Rob-where on web site do you reference places not to encounter?

Saludos

I don’t. That’s what I meant. I don’t give publicity to places I won’t recommend. That doesn’t mean everything I don’t list should be avoided, but if a place or service you want to know about isn’t listed just ask. There may be a good reason.

Saludos.

Got It! Thanks again.

Guido, we spent the last two winters in Zihua and most of the one before that too. The month of November was spent in Akumal three years back and the rest of that winter in Zihua. Before that we Christmased in Zihua and spring breaked in Q ROO for many years while still working. We feel like we know both places well and keep up on news from both places.

The long standing gang related crime has ramped up a small amount near Zihua and exploded in Quintana Roo as I'm sure you know. It feels like a terrible loss of innocence in Quintana Roo and only a small notch higher near Zihua if any.

I feel that both places are equally safe and/or dangerous as a person chooses to view them.

There is ONE government FILTRO with uniformed soldiers between the airport and Zihua much like the permanent filtros heading in and out of Playa Del Carmen and otherwise we see no others because we travel very little away from town, by choice.

We always rented a car in Q Roo and never feel the need in the more compact area near Zihua.

The scale of most everything is smaller and closer with mountain barriers versus the flat plains of Q Roo.

Something that we had trouble with in Q Roo at first was the real lack of beach restaurants to sit at and trade consumption for your seating. There are many opportunities at all beaches to do this and explore at will near Zihua by bus or taxi or water taxi and combinations of these.

Welcome and enjoy your research.

A planning tip in Q Roo terms is that Ixtapa itself is a one mile hotel zone somewhat like Playacar with predominantly All Inclusive Hotels but with more a la carte dining and beach seating options but still limited choices for both.

--
Please be happy always

Thanks to all---makes perfect sense. Z certainly sounds like our kind of place.
Rob-where on web site do you reference places not to encounter?

Saludos

Was down to the ruins at La Chole yesterday then off to La Barra de Potosi [which I could not believe how packed with people it was] and then a wonderful taste bud, and visual experience filling up the stomach over-looking Ixtapa. Another incident free day in paradise!

D