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This sleepy fishing village is coming into its own as an international vacation destination. Its wide, warm bay welcomes cruise ships, just as its warm, friendly people welcome a host of curious travelers.

Those not wandering through the cobble-stoned town to experience the local cuisine or pick up a handmade souvenir will, of course, find themselves drawn to the beach. Zihuatanejo offers three major stretches of sand, but Playa La Ropa, on the south side of the bay, is the widest and most accommodating of the group. Local charter businesses boast jetski rentals, fishing tours and other distractions throughout the day, should the surrounding scenery not be enough to entertain. Seafood also is readily available here, and restaurants often will adjust their seating -- even, on occasion, moving a table into the surf -- to give customers the best possible views of the sea.

Zihuatanejo’s sister resort to the north, Ixtapa, offers a more modern experience; in addition to golden beaches and seaside cocktail bars, high-rise hotels and international chain restaurants await.

Language: Spanish     Currency: Peso (MXN), US$