Trip Report Jan 6- 19

We arrived on Jan 6 for the annual vacation. Over the past few years, Westjet has offered direct flights from Calgary with great times. You leave YYC at 9:30 in the morn and arrive by 4:00 in the afternoon. There was very little variation in price this year so not many deals to be had but worth it to be back again this year.
Have lost track but do believe this about our 20th trip to the area. Like many others, we started out in Ixtapa many years ago on a 2 week holiday. But as Ixtapa went to the all-inclusive model, we looked at Zihua and have never regretted the change. We have stayed 10 years on the south end of La Ropa and enjoy it immensely.
There are many reasons we come back year after year. First and foremost would have to be the sense of community. We live in a very small village and Zihua has a very similar feel. Whether on the daily beach walks, shopping at a local store or in a restaurant, everyone is smiling and friendly. Many familiar faces and acquaintances over the year both tourist and locals. Even the beach vendors welcome you back!!
Second would have to be the amazing weather. Coming from an agricultural area, we know the value of rain but it is great to enjoy our time in a warm climate with blue skies and an afternoon breeze. A beach goers delight! I will admit the first week seemed a trifle hot as there was no breeze in the afternoon but it has thankfully returned! The water has been very clear on La Ropa. Ocean temps seem quite warm. There was even a few raindrops early this morning on La Ropa but the blue skies have returned and it is a beautiful day as usual.
The wonderful food is another reason to return! We have enjoyed meals at some of our favorite restaurants - Agave, El Vigia,
Joe’s, El Manglar, Cantinita’s, La Tasca, the Mediterranean, listening to Jimi at Daniels - to name a few. None have disappointed. We look forward to trying out some others in the next couple of weeks.
Some observations ......
the beach along La Ropa has been kept very clean. Kudos to the municipal workers as well as the visitors who walk every day and clean the beach. Garbage pick up also appears very frequent, although the large pack of stray dogs gets into anything left out for even a few minutes.
There have been some modifications at our end of the road. The long abandoned tourism center in the middle of the boulevard has been converted into public bathrooms (small cost of 6 peso to use). This is right near the empty lot the buses park so seems like a good location.
I recognize the issue of “paving paradise” but the addition/replacement of the sidewalk along the straight section of the roadway at the south end of La Ropa road is most welcome. Previously that was used by most drivers of any size vehicle as a 3-4 lane passing zone. And it most definitely was not wide enough for that. At any rate it much safer now for both pedestrians and drivers.
Lastly seeing a large amount of dead puffer fish on the beach in the mornings. Far more than usual.
Enough musings for now ......

Thank you for sharing this. I enjoyed reading it as I'm in cold snowy Missouri and wishing I was on a hot sunny beach at one of my two favorite places - Zihuatanejo or Sanibel Island. .

Thank you for this. I also love sitting and reading these whenever people post about their experiences. Always interested in the restaurants.

I feel the sidewalks and lights are a great addition. I was impressed by the amount of people walking up and down Escenica playa la ropa in the mornings, more so than I noticed in previous trips.