Woke up to brilliant sunshine early this Friday as scattered clouds provided little shade. Fishermen seem to have plenty of catch to sell. Their area of Zihuatanejo's downtown beach has been busy every morning this week except Monday. Ni las gallinas ponen los lunes.

Fútbol fever continues. You'd be surprised how many folks here manage to keep up with the games. We tend to try to follow the matches of the American teams as well as to root for them. We were rooting for the USA's team who played in Los Angeles last night. Unfortunately, Turkey scored a winning goal in the last minute of the extra 7 minutes added to the clock at the end of the game after the USA lost a player to injury with no substitutions left (remember not to make THAT mistake again). Rey Felipe VI of Spain is here to watch Spain play Uruguay in Guadalajara this Friday evening. Of course we're all cheering for the American team, Uruguay. But there are no hard feelings against Spain. We're all friends and family here. That's why we call it el hermoso juego.

There's a very slight chance of rain in the wee hours tonight. Two-meter high waves are expected to arrive this Saturday, improving the conditions for surfers.

Don't miss the Eco-Tianguis "Sanka" that happens every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:40 p.m. in the small plaza in front of the Vicente Guerrero school, across the street from the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande in downtown Zihuatanejo by the waterfront where La Boquita canal runs into the bay. Besides wonderful handcrafts, they feature a variety of homegrown produce, fresh foods including pastries, breads and tamales, fresh coffee, juices and mezcal.
https://www.facebook.com/ecotianguissanka

Speaking of good surf, some of the finest lodgings in Troncones can be found at Inn at Manzanillo Bay. A laid-back luxury inn located on the beach at Playa Manzanillo with 10 individual air-conditioned tropical bungalow suites in a serene tropical setting around a pool and excellent restaurant serving some of the most incredible dishes in the region. A perfect location for surfers and those who like to watch them. (click to enlarge image)
Vacation Rentals & Bungalows in Troncones

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Pescadores en sus pangas trabajan durante el amanecer en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

Wednesday night was one of great celebration all across Mexico and wherever there were Mexicans after the Selección Nacional beat Czechia 3-0, making history by remaining unbeaten during the first round of World Cup matches. There were folks all over Zihuatanejo celebrating and chanting in the streets and plazas. Around 800,000 aficionados turned out to celebrate on Mexico City's Avenida Reforma at the Ángel de la Independencia. A deluge around the monument during the second half of the game didn't deter any of the fans who splashed each other and cheered in the flooded streets. ¡VIVA MÉXICO!

Of course, Mexicans are also greatly concerned for our brothers and sisters in Venezuela who suffered the two devastating earthquakes one after the other. Such a beautiful country full of so much suffering today. Mexico's earthquake rescue team known as "Topos" will be helping to try to rescue people and pets from the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Thursday started off cloudy and refreshing, but the rain stayed away. The mar de fondo seems to have calmed down a bit. Waves are expected to remain around 2 meters for the next 3 days or so before settling down to around a meter by July 1st. The chance of rain increased from 40% to 70% over the next 3 days, but there were already a few visitors showing up this afternoon.

The pier is a total disaster area, still without lights. The fishing cooperative's tejebán that shaded their offices has been removed, and people must walk in mud and rubble to reach the pier now. Lots of our neighbors are saying the same thing as I am: that the mayor has no shame, and that this particular project is a direct insult to the community, including the fishermen, neighbors and our visitors who use the pier. Zihuatanejo would be a much prettier and more popular place with moneyed visitors if it weren't for its politicians.

If you're looking for the perfect family vacation villa or want to share a place with friends, Casa Estrella del Mar may be just what you're looking for. Located on the beach at Playa Troncones, this beautiful 3-story villa features 4 bedrooms with king-size beds, en suite baths, A/C, and balconies, as well as a large pool, covered parking, satellite TV and wireless internet. (click to enlarge image)
Troncones Vacation Rentals

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El amanecer en Zihuatanejo con el Cerro Viejo totalmente verde por las lluvias recientes.

El Leñador (The Lumber Jack) in Centro Zihua has a Wonderful Night in-store, with lots of Music from Rock, Blues, Country and more. For a Great evening of Music and Food, Come and Join us this Thursday the 25th. Listen to so many of your Favorite songs and some originals. While there, try our Wood Smoked Oven Pizza, and also tasty Ribs, Burgers, Tacos, Taters, Drinks and so much more. So Come on over, The Fun Starts at 6:30pm This Thursday Night the 25th (Barring any heavy rain)

See You There !

Address: El Leñador Restaurant. Av.Jose Maria Morelos Y Pavon 31, Centro, Zihuatanejo. Located right across from the Zihua Olympic swimming pool next to Pops Bubbles with walk-in front and rear entrances and plenty of parking in rear.

This Wednesday is Presidenta Sheinbaum's 64th birthday. At the end of her morning news conference they played "When I'm 64" by The Beatles as she cut her birthday cake for the members of the press. A win by Mexico's World Cup fútbol team this evening in their match against Czechia would literally be the icing on the cake for her today.

A light drizzle this Wednesday morning is the only precipitation we've had since Saturday morning. It looked like it was going rain late this afternoon, but it barely sprinkled. Once again the geography of our coastline seems to have worked as a barrier for us as the storm seemed to almost curve around us before continuing up the coast towards Troncones and La Unión.

Good thing because there are thousands of people heading towards their favorite place to watch this evening's match, with several hundred at the Cancha Municipal where a giant screen and hundreds of chairs await under huge awnings. Literally a sea of green as everywhere you look everyone is wearing their Mexican fútbol team's t-shirt. Even at my bank this morning all the employees were wearing their green Mexican team t-shirts.

Last night's Telmex internet outage was repaired when I awoke at 2 in the morning. Cut fiber optic cables near Iguala have been blamed. Younger people this morning had a look of shock still on their faces from a half-day without internet.

Expect huge crowds of people to be out celebrating this evening if Mexico wins their match against Chechnia, as they're expected to do. In Mexico City there are likely to be hundreds of thousands of people gatehered on Avenida Reforma in both directions from the Ángel de la Independencia where it's become traditional to celebrate after our national team wins fútbol matches. Wish us luck! And ¡PONTE LA VERDE!

Whether you want to go sportfishing, whale watching, sightseeing or snorkeling, my friend Capitán Ramón Olea of the panga Oleaje offers an affordable adventure waiting to be enjoyed. Ramón knows all the local fishing and snorkeling spots as well as what else is worth seeing. His 24' covered panga doesn't offer much luxury, but his expertise in fishing and his local knowledge of our coast and its marine life is second to none! Ramón practices "catch and release" fishing when possible. (click to enlarge image)
Activities, Charters & Tours in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa

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El amanecer en el Paseo de Zihuatanejo frente a la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

Somehow we keep not getting the rain forecasted for our area. Tuesday we enjoyed a partly cloudy morning that kept the temperatures mild, though it looked for certain that rain was coming our way. But the skies cleared and... nothing but another picture-postcard-perfect day in paradise. I suspect we may not be as lucky this Wednesday and Thursday. Lupita and I are anxious to see if our temporary repairs work on our leaky bedroom window, so we have to be home if rain looks imminent.

World Cup fútbol fever continues, and while the beaches remain mostly empty except for surfers at the local surf spots and Ixtapa's all-included hotel guests who mostly never leave their hotels, when there's a World Cup fútbol match folks can always be found sitting around a TV cheering their favorite teams and players. Personally, I tend to root for the American and African teams, but it's been fun watching them all. Don't miss Mexico's match against the Czechia Wednesday evening at 7PM local time. ¡Ponte la verde!

Telmex Infinitum is suffering a major internet outage in all of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa this evening. Thank goodness for Telcel so I can at least get on the internet for minor things, but no IPTV service for now, only cable TV. Apparently folks with Megacable still have internet. Lucky them.

Located at a privileged location with a panoramic view, Vista Bahía Zihua is a very affordable 2-bedroom beachfront vacation condo overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay from above La Madera Beach. It features a full kitchen, cable TV, wireless internet and maid service. The condo complex has a pool and 24-hour security. (click to enlarge photo)
Vacation Rentals in Zihuatanejo

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Un bello atardecer en Playa Principal después de un hermoso día en Zihuatanejo.

Mexico is in Modo de Mundial. From morning until late in the evening, the Copa Mundial is on TVs in homes and businesses everywhere. The beautiful game. The most popular sport in the world. With Mexico as one of the host countries, it's taken on even more importance this year. A Mexican family's pet duck, Merlín, has become one of the World Cup's most popular icons after videos of it following its family around while wearing a t-shirt of Mexico's national team made the rounds on social media and news outlets. It was even in Presidenta Sheinbaum's morning news conference at the Palacio Nacional this Monday. Mexico's national team plays the Czech Republic this Wednesday evening at 7PM in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. We've already won our pass to the next round, so this is mostly a symbolic match for Mexico. But tens of millions of Mexicans will be watching and cheering on our team. There's nothing else quite like the current World Cup spirit. ¡Ponte la verde!

Tourism remains extremely slow. We see very few visitors around downtown Zihuatanejo or its waterfront. I keep making the argument for diversifying our local economy precisely for this reason. Unfortunately, not one of our so-called popularly elected representatives in Zihuatanejo or Guerrero's state government even mentions such a notion. They're all 100% on board with tourism because it's an easy sell for simple minds even though it always eventually destroys the community and the natural environment. Especially politicians connected to the construction business. They like to sell MEGAPROYECTOS, even if they're in flood zones. And they use tourism as an excuse for constant "remodelling" to disappear millions of pesos from the public coffers. Nothing beats the steady income from clean industry jobs. Tourism is too fickle an industry for entire cities the size of Acapulco and Zihuatanejo to have to depend on.

Rain continues in the forecast, but so far none this Monday. Wednesday is looking like we might get some stormy weather. Hoping it's only a nice light rain. Nothing dramatic. And the ocean is expected to get more active in coming days. The mar de fondo is still barely noticeable in Zihuatanejo Bay, but the erosion of our beaches is becoming more apparent. Good surfing weather!

A much coveted vacation lodging located front and center on Playa La Ropa, Casa Gloria Maria offers air-conditioned 1-bedroom beachfront apartments with kitchens located centrally on the beach. Plenty of good restaurants are within easy walking distance. An easy place to relax and forget about the troubles and stress of the rest of the world. (click to enlarge image)
Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals

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Una panga de la pesca deportiva se prepara para un día de acción durante el amanecer en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

I hope all you dads out there felt the love today! I got mine, and it's a wonderful thing. It's nice to be appreciated for being a parent. Town was full of families celebrating together, especially in the waterfront restaurants. The Cancha Municipal also had a pretty good crowd for the games today.

Our absolutely picture-postcard-perfect weather continues. Although rain was forecast for today, so far we haven't had any, though there's still a good chance we'll get some later. Hopefully nothing more than a simple moderate rain without all the scary wind and thunder.

A mar de fondo event is expected over the next several days. This coming Wednesday, besides the match between Mexico and the Czech Republic, we're expecting large swells as high as around 2.6 meters from the southwest. Surfers have an excellent week to look forward to.

This Sunday marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. From here on until the Winter Solstice we get to enjoy sleeping a little later in the mornings. Oh boy! My favorite half of the year. This is more like it.

Got more Father's Day to celebrate, so I'm outta here! Enjoy!

A favorite location for many visitors, Amor del Sol located overlooking Playa La Madera is an extremely comfortable and nicely appointed condominium that offers from 1 to 3 bedrooms (only pay for what you need!). The complex has a pool, but the ocean at La Madera is often calm enough for easy swimming. (click to enlarge photo)
Vacation Rentals in Zihuatanejo

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Los pescadores venden el fruto de sus labores nocturnos durante el amanecer en Playa Principal en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

I have had little issues at ZIH for at least 3 trips now. I believe whatever company working customs that was causing issues is now in Cabo. The last 2 trips there has been very similar to the intense searches we were getting at ZIH. Last time in Cabo they even stuck their gloved finger inside my bottle of Tums, I bring the rolls now.

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What a deluge we had this morning! Around 5:30 or so I thought I heard what sounded like someone counting coins, and I thought it was odd, but that it must be Lupita getting organized to go to the mercado. But when I opened my eyes and rolled over I saw she was sound asleep. I looked around for the source of the sound and realized it was our new bedroom window, the one that I didn't want. Water was pouring in, same as it was our daughter's bedroom where she and her partner were working feverishly to mop it up and cover the window with plastic. By the time I got the water soaked up, all our windows were jerry-rigged with plastic to stem the flow. Not the best way to wake up. Though it only rained around 40 minutes or so, less than an hour, much of downtowen Zihuatanejo awoke to incredible flooding.

Zihuatanejo has always flooded. But it used to take days of heavy rain to do so. Now in less than an hour we have major flooding downtown where various municipal administrations have disappeared grotesque amounts of money to allegedly deal with this problem with varying degrees of success, mostly none. Thanks to massive deforestation of our hillsides and the covering of so much soil with cement, including all the roads on our hillsides that were built with no pluvial drainage whatsoever, the flooding problem downtown is worse than ever. This is a longtime serious problem that needs attention. Instead, from our current municipal government we get a vanity project to pour even more cement where it isn't needed, tearing down more trees in the process.

The Cancha Municipal had a decent crowd this evening of folks watching the fútbol match between Ecuador and Curaçao, two American teams. Folks were getting into it, and off to one side some boys were playing fútbol with some impressive skills.

The only restaurant that was busy along the waterfront this evening was Sirena Gorda, full of mostly Gringos listening to music and ignoring the fútbol match on the large-screen TV.

If you're a fan of mouth-watering recipes, one of the best reasons for visiting Ixtapa is to go to Deborah's Restaurant. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, everything we've ever eaten there has been prepared to perfection and the service has always been excellent. Deborah also makes some of the best desserts around, so save room when you go.
Restaurants in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and the Region

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Una garza con unos pelícanos, todos mendigando de alguien limpiando pescado durante el amanecer en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

Mexicans everywhere celebrated their team's World Cup match win over South Korea last night. In streets all over the country folks were out chanting and singing, as is customary in a World Cup win. Close to a million people filled Mexico City's Avenida Reforma in both directions from the Ángel de la Independencia, and they partied into the wee hours. A scene we hope to see repeated if Mexico continues to win matches. Their next match is against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, June 24 at 7PM.

Tragically, it appears that a woman from the USA drowned this Friday at Playa La Majahua between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. Newspapers haven't identified her. They only estimated her age at around 60 years old. I have never recommended swimming at this beach, and this is a reminder why.

The mar de fondo is predicted to generate swells from 2 to 2.3 meters high this Saturday and Sunday. It's not so much the height of the waves that makes these swells dangerous for swimmers but the volume of water they push that causes swirling currents and riptides.

We're getting a nice rain at the moment. It'll probably keep us from taking a stroll this evening. Thank goodness we still have electricity, though it went off briefly a little while ago. A cultural folkloric music and dancing event that was going to take place this evening in Plaza del Artista had to be called off. Not sure if the fútbol watching event at the Cancha Municipal is also cancelled for tonight. I wouldn't want to be there in this storm. It started less than an hour ago, but the streets downtown are starting to flood already. This could be bad for some places. But instead of dealing with this and other historical local problems, our mayor is focused on an expensive and totally unnecessary vanity project at our municipal pier, a place she almost never visits, and that still has no illumination after dark after over 3 weeks since her vanity project got underway and cut the electric lines. I believe she displays an incredible amount of arrogance and disrespect towards the community with nonsense like this. It's extremely disappointing.

With this weather, our weekend tourism may not be what it usually is. I don't recommend swimming in the water for at least 3 days after a heavy rain due to the runoff. A shame our local health "authorities" don't put signs at the beaches warning bathers of the health dangers.

Looking for your dream home? Vega, Bravo y Asociados offers fine local properties for sale, including at the exclusive Punta Garrobo development near Cerro del Vigía at La Ropa. Follow your dreams and buy a villa, home or a lot in one of Zihuatanejo's most exclusive residential areas.
Real Estate Properties and Services in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa

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Un arcoíris parcial se formó durante el atardecer al oriente de Zihuatanejo.

Uff! Wednesday night was another warm one. It only got down to about 26°C, but with the humidity and lack of breeze it felt warmer. A difficult night for a lot of people of scarce resources. It's hard for folks who visit and reside here now, especially newcomers, to imagine how we ever survived here without A/C or electricity. Like a lot of people from back in Zihuatanejo's more primitive days, I slept in a hammock and rocked myself with a rope tied above the hammock to keep cool if there wan't a breeze. Mosquitos were the only discomfort sometimes, but mosquito coils usually did the trick and kept them away. Plus we mopped our floors frequently with kerosene as did most homes to keep bugs away.

Since there aren't hardly any visitors here in Zihuatanejo, downtown seems especially quiet. The calm before the storm?

And a storm certainly looks to be brewing with rain expected any minute. It's expected to rain off and on tonight as well as much of tomorrow and the weekend. Keep your wet-weather sandals handy.

Congratulations to Canada for their win today over Qatar! Wow!

Okay, we've got a fútbol match to watch. ¡Vamos México! ¡PONTE LA VERDE!

If you enjoy spectacular views and balmy breezes, you'll LOVE La Casa Roja on Cerro El Almacén with two comfortable suites. The upstairs has 2 bedrooms with a king-size and twin beds, full kitchen, private bath, and 2 terraces. The lower level also has 2 bedrooms with a king-size and twin beds, full kitchen, 2 baths, and a terrace. A peaceful place within easy walking distance of downtown and nearby restaurants.
Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals

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Un pescador lanza su atarraya frente a Playa Principal durante el amanecer en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

Tuesday night was a warm one, good for sleeping on top of the sheets for folks who don't like to make their bed.

Storm clouds filled the horizon to our south this Wednesday morning, just off the coast of Zihuatanejo. Slowly but surely they came our way, but surprisingly there was almost no wind, just a brief and steady but not too heavy downpour that left town rinsed clean of dust and fragrantly scented. A beautiful rainbow formed over the bay, and our humble home was at one end of it. Yes indeed, I must be the luckiest Gringo in Mexico.

With the lack of visitors, many of us are in modo Mundial, tuning in daily to what matches we can make time for. Besides the Olympics that combine many disciplines, there's nothing else like the World Cup matches where so many countries get together in peace and respect, except for the USA this time, and enjoy what we call the beautiful sport. And of course we're all excited about Mexico's next match with South Korea this Thursday evening at 7PM local time. Lots of locals will be wearing their patriotic green this Thursday. ¡Ponte la verde!

The beaches looked mostly empty in Zihuatanejo this Wednesday. And there were hardly any visitors along the Paseo del Pescador this evening. Mostly locals watching the match between Ghana and Panamá at the Cancha Municipal. Quite a few familiar faces were there having a good time. It seems like it's always the slow season when we see many of our friends and neighbors the most.

Enjoy jueves pozolero!

Rain is on the way.

Enjoy spectacular views of Zihuatanejo's bay from A View at the Sea, a beautiful and modern 2-bedroom vacation rental condo with a terrace located at the "Casa Que Ve Al Mar" complex. It features a fully equipped kitchen, internet access, cable & satellite TV, 24-hour security, and a pool and sun deck right out the front door. There are still dates available for the holidays. (click to enlarge photo)
Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals

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Unas nubes cúmulos se levantan al sureste de la bahía de Zihuatanejo durante el atardecer.

This Thursday Night El Leñador (The Lumber Jack) in Centro Zihua has yet another Great Night in-store, with Music from Rock, Blues, Country and a lot more. For a wonderful evening of Music and Food, Come and Join us this Thursday the 18th. Enjoy so many of your Favorite songs from many styles as well as some originals. Come and try our Wood Smoked Oven Pizza, and also tasty Ribs, Burgers, Tacos, Taters, Drinks and so much more. Bring the family and friends, they will thank you. The Fun Starts at 6:30pm This Thursday Night the 18th (barring any heavy rain)
See You There !

Address: El Leñador Restaurant. Av.Jose Maria Morelos Y Pavon 31, Centro, Zihuatanejo. Located right across from the Zihua Olympic swimming pool next to Pops Bubbles with walk-in front and rear entrances and plenty of parking in rear.

Monday night was anything but cool, even with fans on high. Definitely not a night for sleeping under sheets. And the sound of the surf kept growing as swells grew from the mar de fondo effect.

Beginning Thursday swells will continue increasing in height, reaching around 2½ meters by Sunday. It's not so much the height of the swells causing problems as the massive amounts of water pushing them. The rare extreme high tide is when they do the most damage. Currently the swells are only reaching about halfway up Playa Principal, but folks at Playa La Madera and Playa El Palmar have very little beach to enjoy.

The energy is already building for the upcoming match between Mexico and South Korea. It should be an excellent match. Both teams did well in their first match, and though they play with different styles, they have a similar intensity. Since they're playing in Guadalara where South Korea is based for the Mundial, they are considered the Home Team in this upcoming match, and they've won the heart of the Tapatíos there. This is going to be fun, which is what sports is supposed to be all about. Warm saludos to my South Korean friends!

Rain is in the forecast for this coming Wednesday and throughout the weekend, so heads up.

A good place to escape the problems of the world is Troncones. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Troncones is one of its loveliest vacation lodgings, Regalo del Mar. A uniquely Mexican small, exotic, luxurious tropical-style vacation guest inn on the beach at Playa Troncones with comfortable suites, bungalows, and a pool. Surrounded by exuberant gardens and natural beauty, it's a place for nature lovers, peaceful and ideal for relaxing. Far from anything resembling stress. (click to enlarge image)
Luxury Vacation Rentals in Troncones

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Sunday night wasn't quite as cool as the previous night, but by dawn it was close. No rain yet, but it's coming.

The waves have been eating up some of the beaches from the mar de fondo events. Currently there's no beach in front of Rossy's Restaurant at La Ropa. The waves were practically washing into the restaurant, and when they recede instead of sand it's all gravel from the previous mayor's vanity project: the expensive cement road to nowehere at Capricho del Rey. In Ixtapa's Playa El Palmar there isn't much beach that isn't being affected by the large swells, and they're expected to get even larger. So most folks there are avoiding the beach. Surfers were practicing at Playa La Madera this Monday. I expect there will also be surfers at Playa Las Gatas and Las Escolleras in Ixtapa as well as the usual spots to our north like Playa Manzanillo and La Saladita.

No tourists around to speak of. Waterfront restaurants at Playa Principal were mostly empty and closed. The match between Iran and New Zealand was being shown on TVs in some mostly empty restaurants as well as at the Cancha Municipal, but most of the seats at the latter were also empty.

We should be getting some weather possibly as early Tuesday night. A high probability of rain is forecast every day from Wednesday though the weekend and into next week. So keep an eye on the weather.
https://www.zihuatanejo.net/html/weather.html

For traditional lodging with a distinct flavor of old Zihuatanejo, I highly recommend Bungalows Pacíficos. Comfortable, quiet and with a wonderful view, this small iconic Zihuatanejo bayfront vacation lodging is located in La Madera and features 6 suites and a small house, all with one bedroom with a king-size bed, air conditioning, kitchen, and terrace. The suites also have two single beds, and the small house has a twin-size bed for family or friends. They have direct access to the waterfront and are within easy walking distance of many excellent restaurants as well as downtown.
Hotels & Inns in Zihuatanejo

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Un papá con su hijo caminan frente al Sector Naval en Playa Principal durante el amanecer en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

North America
Canada: Canadians
Mexico: Mexicans
United States: Americans
Greenland: Greenlanders

Central America & The Caribbean
Belize: Belizeans
Costa Rica: Costa Ricans
Cuba: Cubans
Dominican Republic: Dominicans
El Salvador: Salvadorans
Guatemala: Guatemalans
Haiti: Haitians
Honduras: Hondurans
Jamaica: Jamaicans
Nicaragua: Nicaraguans
Panama: Panamanians
Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidadians and Tobagonians

South America
Argentina: Argentines / Argentinians
Bolivia: Bolivians
Brazil: Brazilians
Chile: Chileans
Colombia: Colombians
Ecuador: Ecuadorians
Guyana: Guyanese
Paraguay: Paraguayans
Peru: Peruvians
Suriname: Surinamese
Uruguay: Uruguayans
Venezuela: Venezuelans

Saturday evening it didn't rain, but the temperature got cool enough overnight to sleep under the sheets. But the darn sun keeps rising earlier and earlier. It'll be summer solstice soon, and afterwards the sun will begin rising later and later. That's more like it.

The tourism authorities keep publishing their cifras alegres, but we're just not seeing anything like what they're posting. So if a third of Zihuatanejo's lodgings are occupied as they reported today, we should see people on the streets, beaches, in the shops and in the restaurants. But the reality just doesn't match their stats. There's hardly anyone around. The pier was the only place where there was sort of a crowd, mostly locals fishing, sitting staring at their telephones, and a few visitors returning from Playa Las Gatas and taking selfies. The restaurants were mostly either closed or empty except for La Porteña. The Cancha Municipal was all packed up except for the Coca-Cola goal display for fútbol where adults were keeping the children from playing. Something that struck us as odd.

I have to admit, I like the lack of tourism, but I'm still surprised to see more and more foreigners remaining here during the summer months each year. Not that long ago I used to pretty much be just about the only gringo around during these months. Enjoy the ride! Things are just starting to get interesting.

The Secretaría de la Marina issued a warning for another mar de fondo event expected to arrive to our shores this Monday with waves from 2 to 3 meters. And it looks like we could get some rain by the middle of the week. Something to look forward to.

Still no lights at the pier after dark. And the trees and other plants that were there are beginning to be knocked down disappeared. A guamuchil was laying on its side, its leaves drying up. So sad to see.

A world apart from most of Ixtapa, Ixtapa Iguana Condo 270 offers a comfortable and lovely two-bedroom low-rise condominium overlooking a pool right on El Palmar Beach in Ixtapa, available by week or month. Sleeps up to six and features a full kitchen, terrace, air conditioning, and TV. (click image to enlarge)
Ixtapa Vacation Rentals

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Las pangas de transporte para Playa Las Gatas se preparan a trabajar durante el amanecer en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

We were extremely and pleasantly surprised by a brief thunderstorm in the middle of the night, but it brought the temperature down and added to the natural music of the ocean's waves. An unexpected but welcome pleasure. This evening the sky looks pretty much the same as last night, so maybe we'll get lucky again.

There were busloads of visitors on the beaches and at the Cancha Municipal at sunrise this morning. I felt bad for the beachfront restaurants who were setting up and hoping for clients. These folks brought everything with them. We even saw local friends heading to Playa Las Gatas early with everything they needed for the day. The problem is too many beachfront restaurants and not enough visitors with the purchasing power our community needs. We used to have a much better balance.

Ixtapa's all-included hotels appear to be doing well, but you'd never know it since most of their visitors never seem to leae the hotel property to dine in any local restaurant or to shop in any local stores. But yeah, Ixtapa's shopping area needed a new hot cement griddle for them to not stroll on. Good thinking by our mayor.

While there's no rain forecast (again) for our area, the sky looks like we could see a repeat of last night. The forecast is for rain in our region by the middle of next week, and it also shows the possible formation of a tropical system right in front of us that could become a problem. A reminder to always be careful what you wish for! Tlaloc has his own agenda.

If you enjoy learning about and experiencing some of our local flora and fauna, El Refugio de Potosí is a center for wildlife conservation and environmental education. Among its attractions, it features a fully reconstructed sperm whale skeleton (the only one in Mexico), an observation tower, a wheelchair accessible footpath for observing local flora and fauna, and a butterfly pavilion. Located near the beach on the road to Barra de Potosí. Perfect for the entire family. (click to enlarge image)
Guide to Activities, Charters & Tours in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa

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Una bruma se levantó del mar sobre parte del anfiteatro de la bahía de Zihuatanejo durante el amanecer de este sábado.

Thursday night wasn't quite as cool as the previous night though it was extremely comfortable sleeping weather, so sheets remained optional. Friday morning in downtown Zihuatanejo it was mostly cloudy, and the humidity was close to 100% with a light sprinkle that didn't even wet the ground. Perspiration! It's what's for breakfast!

The clouds quickly cleared and it turned into another absolutely picture-postcard-perfect day. Fresh growth is noticeable on the hillsides as the plants that survived the dry season sprout new foliage. Flamboyants and frangipanis, a couple of my favorite tropical trees that are common here, are also blooming. Amates are dropping their figs, but surprisingly we still aren't seeing the fruit bats that usually swoop among the amates eating their ripe figs and helping to disperse their seeds. In downtown Zihuatanejo they seem to have disappeared. Not a good sign.

Though Canadians will curse and swear they aren't Americans, up and down this amazing supercontinent called America, many folks were rooting for Canada over Bosnia-Herzegovina during their fútbol match this afternoon precisely because we tend to always root for American teams. Now this evening's match between the USA and Paraguay will be a different story since we consider both of them American teams.

No real rain in the forecast until later next week.

Don't miss the Eco-Tianguis "Sanka" that happens every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:40 p.m. in the small plaza in front of the Vicente Guerrero school, across the street from the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande in downtown Zihuatanejo by the waterfront where La Boquita canal runs into the bay. Besides wonderful handcrafts, they feature a variety of homegrown produce, fresh foods including pastries, breads and tamales, fresh coffee, juices and mezcal.
https://www.facebook.com/ecotianguissanka

One of the loveliest vacation lodgings at La Ropa and one of my very favorite vacation rentals to promote is Villa Zanzibar, a charming 3-bedroom private villa tucked away in the old original La Ropa community at the southern end of the beach a short easy walk up from the waterfront. Located in one of the most peaceful areas of our community, this is a place to feel relaxed and at home. (click to enlarge photo)
Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals

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Al amanecer de este jueves fue posible notar que los cerros se están poniendo verde póco a poco en el anfiteatro de la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

¡VIVA MÉXICO!

It got down to 23°C last night, so cool we had to turn the fan down and sleep under the sheets. One of the best parts of the rainy season!

This Thursday morning you could feel the anticipation and excitement in the air. Folks everywhere were wearing their green t-shirts in support of the Mexican national fútbol team. The opening ceremonies for the Cope Mundial were extraordinary, at least for Mexicans. The air was supercharged with energy and pride. Most Mexicans are extremely proud that Mexico is hosting the World Cup and holding the opening ceremonies and first game. People were cheering everywhere as Mexico scored. Winning 2-0 over South Africa had us all smiling ear to ear throughout the day, full of satisfaction and pride, even though the win was expected.

And of course, as if right on cue, the criminal regime to the north issued another even stricter travel warning for Mexico. I think they're afraid of U.S. citizens discovering what a wonderful place Mexico is and spending their money here instead of in the States.

The whale that washed ashore on the beach in Troncones was buried under the sand today by local authorities, but the pit didn't look very deep, and I wouldn't want to walk or sit on that part of the beach for at least a few months. Waterfront residents were frantic and in a panic because of the smell.

While the ocean is relatively calm for the moment and the swells are expected to remain around a meter and a half for the weekend, the Armada is issuing an alert for Monday for another mar de fondo event with swells expected from 2 to 3 meters. Much of the severity of its effect depends on the tides. I expect the pier at Playa Linda will again have to be closed.

No rain in the forecast for the next week, and very few visitors around even though our weather is absolutely picture-postcard perfect.

For a totally relaxing Bed & Breakfast lodging overlooking the remaining jungle in La Ropa, I highly recommend a hidden gem called Casa Arcoíris. The view of the sunset over the treetops from their pool is breathtaking, and the peace and quiet will relieve you of any stress. Five comfortable suites with air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi access at this LGBTQ-friendly lodging make it somewhat exclusive and definitely enchanting. Mention ZihuaRob's and get a discount. (click to enlarge photo)
Bed & Breakfast Lodgings in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa, Troncones & Barra de Potosí

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El corazón de Zihuatanejo es el mercado de los pescadores en Playa Principal todas las mañanas excepto lunes, porque ni las gallinas ponen los lunes.

¡PONTE LA VERDE!

See You There !

Address: El Leñador Restaurant. Av.Jose Maria Morelos Y Pavon 31, Centro, Zihuatanejo. Located right across from the Zihua Olympic swimming pool next to Pops Bubbles with walk-in front and rear entrances and plenty of parking in rear.

The stars actually came out on Tuesday night for the first time in 3 days as the remnants of Boris dissipated among the Sierra Madre del Sur. This Wednesday morning the sun shone brightly and the air was crisp and clean. A welcome sensation. It was an absolutely picture postcard perfect day in paradise! The cloudy water along the shore was the only visible remnant of the recent storm. Budding trees and new growth abound all over the hills among what few natural areas remain. Soon they'll be a color we call verde tierno. Fresh green. And the magic begins.

Instead of letting schoolschildren enjoy the Mexico-South Africa fútbol match at school with their friends, our irresponsible state authorities here in Guerrero have canceled classes altogether. Another schoolday lost after already missing school for two days because of Boris, which in itself was an unnecessary reason for missing classes.

A dead whale was reported this Wednesday floating off the coast in front of Troncones. It will provides food for many creatures for days, but the smell along the coast will be a new experience for most people who occupy the residences there.

¡PONTE LA VERDE!
This Thursday, jueves pozolero, at 1PM Mexico's national fútbol team opens the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico city with their match against South Africa. It will be televised all over the country in any establishment with a television. Zihuatanejo's municipal government has mounted a gigantic television under a large awning that covers most of the Cancha Municipal in downtown Zihuatanejo for fans to enjoy watching the match together. So if you want to cheer with the locals, come on down to the waterfront. It's certain to be quite an emotional experience.

Our longtime friend (over 30 years) José Manuel Guzmán of Guzmán's Tours is a federally licensed tour guide. He offers a variety of local tours in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and the region including to archaeological sites, outlying beaches, countryside communities, trips to Pátzcuaro, and the monarch butterfly sanctuary. He can arrange fishing and horseback riding tours as well as tours to other parts of Mexico. (click to enlarge image)
Activities, Charters & Tours in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa

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Tengo llanta de mar, y tragedia de arena en Zihuatanejo.