Zihuatanejo in Photos
Issue # 44
A week on the ocean shore near Zihuatanejo gave us an opportunity to explore the city.
We met taxi drivers and restaurant owners, strolled along the ocean shore on the malecón (boardwalk), or Paseo del Pescador, walked the busy streets lined with tourist-shops, experienced the quiet of the city midday, and the noisy rush at twilight and after dark, watched locals, expats, and snowbirds mingle, and on a Saturday night we enjoyed fiesta-time, with music and dances on every street, impromptu-shows and even fireworks, mixed with quiet nature moments. In other words, we tapped into the life of the city. And we loved it.
The images we took may give you a better feel for the city than any words could. Sometimes “a picture is worth a thousand words” indeed.
A fishing village before the 1970s, Zihuatanejo still retains its local background, even as it became a tourist destination, while Ixtapa (where we didn’t go) turned into the main tourist town.
Fishing boats line the shores of the river and the bay near the pier. During mid-day it was all quiet, only a few boats were out on the water, while on the pier several locals were still selling home-made tamales.
The water was calm along the municipal beach, empty of people during the hottest part of the day. Instead of sitting in the sun, everyone was enjoying a cold drink or a snack in one of the palapa-covered restaurants on the shore.
Several statues of women along the walkway remind us of the origin of the city’s name: Place of Women, Cihuacan (or Xihuacan) in the Nahuatl language. It refers to the home of “goddess women” who arose in the afternoons to lead the sun at dusk to the realm of the dead to give a dim light to the dead.
Shops along the malecón and in town showcase colorful street art.
Waterbirds wade in the crystal-clear waters along the shore.
The city is much livelier at night, after the sun sets. Especially on a Saturday night.
The photos might not tell you the whole story, but hope they gave you a feel for the town. More stories from our Zihuatanejo vacation:
Lost and Found in the Pacific: How We Met Arturo, the Lifeguard
On the Road to Xihuacan - A Day Trip from Zihuatanejo
Until next time (when I will return to my old Stories from Land of the Maya),
wishing you all happy travels and better days to come,
Emese
Every time I read "Zihuatanejo," I hear it in Morgan Freeman's voice 😂 What a lovely trip!
Stunning beaches, quiet streets, and beautiful street arts, Zihuatanejo is a hidden gem! These days, not many places still have that authentic small-town vibe. Thanks for introducing me to another place to add to my bucket list!