Z-what?

Last winter Frontier Airlines ran this add for their new service to Ixtapa/Zihuatenajo Mexico. Nearby our apartment on Colfax there was a billboard that read “Z-what?” and we quickly latched onto the joke and have been using it ever since. So here we are in Z-what-tenajo, a few frown lines later, smiling again.

Once we arrived in Zihuatenajo we lucked into a great, quiet, little RV Park (while trying to following directions to another) called Villas Los Arcos, owned by David & Nancy, snowbirds from Idaho. Tucked in behind their property (which also includes a few villas they rent), the RV park is just steps from their beautiful swimming pool. When we rang the bell a relative, Don (who happens to have the only other RV here) welcomed us in. Only a block from the best beach in Zihuatenajo (Playa La Ropa), our first day we joined the masses on the sand (by Monday they had cleared out). For Easter we ventured over to Ixtapa to explore that area on (what else?) bicycle – a tandem bicycle to be exact.

a tandem ride in Ixtapa from Krista on Vimeo.

Before pulling out of Zihua we also went deep sea fishing with a local captain, David. The water was calm and the ocean breeze made for a nice day at sea. We got to see dolphins, sea turtles and a few manta rays in their natural habitat. While we didn't catch any big ones (but David was pretty sure we got a bite from a Marlin) we did catch a whole bunch of little tuna, that David cooked up for us when we got back on shore. In between reeling in my catch, I took to napping on board the boat. I've come down with la gripa (common cold) and the rocking of the boat mixed with my Sudafed made my feel really drowsy.

it didn't take long for me to get some bites

veteran fisherman Ben wasn't as lucky at first

the perfect place for napping

the end result - tuna ceviche

If you're thinking about a trip to this part of Mexico we think you should give Zihua a try. Smaller and less expensive than Ixtapa with it's Las Vegas feeling resorts, Zihuatenajo has a peaceful feeling that we have really enjoyed. If you're looking for a smaller hotel, David and Nancy's villas are in a great location. Ask for the "bird's nest" if you've always wanted to shower, sleep and cook in an open air palapa. I'm already planning my return trip to stay up there!

Villas Los Arcos

the beautiful pool at Villas Los Arcos