Temperatures remained mild Wednesday night, and sleeping under sheets was optional. We awoke Thursday morning to a totally cloudless sky. The sun and humidity quickly warmed everything up nice and toasty. The heat index made 34°C feel like 40°C. Staying hydrated is a priority on days like today.

It appears most of our visitors are arriving by bus since the downtown streets are NOT filled with out-of-state vehicles, and parking isn't that big a problem as it used to be during a busy summer vacation period. Our municipal tourism "authorities" have bet the pot on travel agencies who send us charter buses. Since those same municipal "authorities" don't live from tourism, the number of visitors is all they care about, and the numbers are deceiving. Ixtapa's hotels seem mostly full with people actually staying in their hotels who rarely leave to buy anything in Ixtapa's shopping centers or downtown Zihuatanejo, while Zihuatanejo's beaches are mostly full of day trippers who tend to consume as economically as possible. Some might spend a night in our less expensive hotels. We know them locally as the 3B tourists since they seek lodgings and services that are Bueno, Bonito y Barato. They're certainly welcome, and we're happy to have them here, but our community can't sustain itself from them.

Whatever their economic status, the downtown waterfront is full of mostly families smiling, laughing and having a wonderful time. The downtown beach is full of people enjoying the beach as they should be enjoyed. Some playing music that doesn't bother anyone, others having picnics with their own food and beverages and cleaning up after themselves, others having fun with their furry family members. That's what Zihuatanejo is supposed to be about.

Not sure where to stay? Confused by so many lodging choices? Let my friend Carmen at ZihuaMía match you with a vacation lodging or a long-term rental ideal for your tastes and needs. Carmen offers a variety of vacation and residential properties for rent in Zihuatanejo, including some beautiful waterfront locations. (click to enlarge image)
Real Estate Services in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and Troncones

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El mercado de los pescadores en Playa Municipal de Zihuatanejo durante el amanecer.

The interior has to be some colour. The fibreglass is naturally white, but white would be very hard on the eyes because it is so reflective of the tropical sun.

Making it dark would reduce reflection, but it would absorb heat making the surfaces burn the skin.

They want to be able to see the fish that have been caught, so any similar colours are out. And they want to avoid red/pink because they want to be able to wash out blood.

Blue fits the bill to address all of that, plus it is easy on the eyes that are already adjusted to the blue of the sky and water.

Tuesday night's light drizzle turned into quite a fierce thunderstorm with gale force winds. I'm not sure what the municipal government is thinking when it puts its Disneylandish adornments along the waterfront and in Plaza del Artista, but they sure aren't thinking about the weather. While hanging ornaments and way too many lights swung dangerously from the poor amate tree in front of Plaza del Artista, threatening to rip tree limbs off, photo backdrops and other odd decorations blew all over the walkway and through the plaza, hazards to life and property.

The storm hit hard for hours. The wind whipping everything that was bendable. There were reports of downed trees. I'm sure some roofs were damaged. Lightning was crashing all around. I saw one bolt strike at Playa Las Gatas. Other strikes outside the bay rumbled gravely like bombs.

It looks like we'll have fine weather for Jueves Pozolero. While I don't currently recommend swimming in the ocean due to the rain runoff, it should be fine for the beach or fishing. But if the ocean temperature gets any warmer it will likely kill the local fishing industry like it did back in '96.

Oddly as far as I'm aware, our mayor has made no call for justice for Alex Serna, the recently murdered ecological reporter who documented allegedly unlawful acts by her and her husband that negatively impacted the environment. Suspicions of her complicity continue to grow among locals as well as thousands of Alex's supporters and interested parties including ecologists and reporters elsewhere. Any normal politician would have issued a public statement by by now, especially one who has been implicated but has nothing to hide. It's kind of a moot deal at this point. So sad, especially to see the ecocide continue at the municipal pier as trees disappear and her husband's cement gets poured.

If you're a surfer, beginning this Friday things should get exciting as the mar de fondo whips up some nice swells. See the surf report on my LOCAL WEATHER page.

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. (click to enlarge image)
Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals

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Parte del área de los pescadores en Playa Principal durante el amanecer en Zihuatanejo.

Tuesday was hot and humid from dawn to dusk. It only reached about 34°C, but it felt close to 40°C. It was a beautiful morning with mostly clear skies except for a huge thunderstorm that passed from the sierra to the sea just to the north of us. The late afternoon storm clouds rolled in again, and it started to sprinkle then stopped, but the sky turned dark gray at sunset, and another huge area of storm clouds is heading our way from the southeast promising rain. So far, it's only sprinkling lightly.

Bummed to see that the municipal government finally cut down the remaining palm trees and other trees at the pier except for one almendro next to the bathroom across from the ticket window for the water taxis. There are still a guamúchil and two tamarindos beside the walkway to the pier, but the municipal government has already severely damaged their roots. I've seen this movie before, and it doesn't ever seem to end well for our trees. A shame the current municipal administration shows such disregard for our beloved trees and ignores the pleas of everyone who asks them to save the trees. I'm not convinced they don't have anything to do with the murder of the local ecologist who denounced them, Alex Serna. They've shown no interest in finding the guilty party or seeking justice. They should be leading the charge, unless of course they're the guilty party.

We're expecting another mar de fondo event beginning this Thursday afternoon with waves that could reach 3 meters in height. Expect some beach erosion and strong currents.

There still appear to be some visitors around with more purchasing power than what we've been seeing for the past several months. Waterfront restaurants that usually sit mostly empty, except for La Porteña which is almost always busy, continue having a decent dinner crowd.

Tucked away on a quiet street in La Madera neighborhood is the lovely vacation inn, Villa Cruz del Mar. A colonial-style home converted into a small family-run vacation inn featuring 12 comfortable air-conditioned rooms, some with kitchenettes, all with cable TV, surrounding an enclosed garden courtyard with a pool. Free wireless internet access and secure parking. Located less than 100 yards from the beach.
Zihuatanejo Hotels, Inns & B&Bs

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Una tormenta pasa frente a nuestra costa mientras una mujer rema en su tabla en las aguas tranquilas de la bahía de Zihuatanejo durante el amanecer.

Downtown Zihuatanejo appeared devoid of visitors this Monday morning. Apparently yesterday's batch returned home on their buses, and another batch arrived later in the morning. We're certainly grateful for their preference, and we wish them a wonderful visit, but this class of tourism is unsustainable for our community of over 100 thousand residents. One more reason I continue calling for diversifying our economy instead of our tourist offerings. Overconstruction is killing our main attraction: our natural beauty and tranquility. This type of economic and social cannabilism is what I've seen the tourist industry do every place I've lived. Diversifying the economy and targeting potential visitors with high purchasing power could save Zihuatanejo from continuing to kill the goose with the golden egg. Unfortunately, the people in our current municipal government put their own personal interests above those of the community. Hopefully we can correct our course soon.

The large screen for viewing the Mundial has been removed, and the Cancha Municipal is slowly returning to its former state. A shame I can't say the same for the pier which is a worsening ecological disaster each day. It appears the changes they've made by narrowing the entrance to the canal may also be affecting Playa Principal. We'll be keeping a close eye on any affects and reporting them to PROFEPA.

Several of the waterfront restaurants were doing a good business this evening. This is very good to see. Hopefully it's an indicator of an increase in more affluent visitors, something Zihuatanejo urgently needs. Let's see if it continues. Keeping fingers crossed.

Rain is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. More likely in the evening hours. Keeping fingers crossed it's a nice long light rain.

If you're looking for an affordable vacation rental with a great location, take a look at Casa Contenta at La Ceiba complex. A comfortable vacation lodging located a block from the beach in Colonia La Madera and near many excellent restaurants. Enjoy your vacation in this 2-bedroom condo with a spacious living/dining area and a balcony overlooking a garden and pool.
Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals

¡Cuidemos nuestro patrimonio!
#JusticiaParaAlexSerna
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#NoBlueFlag
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Unos trabajadores del mar platican y otros preparan sus pangas mientras en el fondo un árbol flamboyán florece en Cerro El Almacén durante el amanecer en la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

Each time we return from Mexico City to here we do a bit of a survey to see how many people catch a taxi inside the airport grounds. There are always quite a few, more than we expect.

We just pay the price to leave our car at the airport. Easy, not horribly expensive and faster to pick up our dogs.

We have taken several flights to Mexico City in the last year. Yes, airport taxis are expensive there, but nothing like here!!! A typical hour ride during traffic time to the Reforma district costs 327 pesos. Our airport to la Ropa is 735 pesos for a private taxi, and it takes almost 20 minutes.

It may be supply and demand. And remember: cabbies here have only a few months of good work, hey have to stretch their earnings. Plus, cabs that you take at the airport, they have to pay to the government to be there - they need to meet certain criteria. If you want a cheaper ride, walk outside of the airport with your bags and take one at the stand on your left.

Someone else here might know the cost of the 'medallion' for each cab (like they were in NYC before shared rides disrupted the industry), but I know they have to wait +20 years to get one.

I don't want to minimize how expensive it is, I just want to give a bit of context and offer options.

Wasn't Michael Cohen, (once one of Trump's later iterations of the despised Roy Cohn), involved in the corruption surrounding those NYC taxi medallions?

By the way, whatever happened to Michael Cohen? First a Trump mouthpiece and co-conspirator, next a born-again vehement Trump-hater....and now reportedly a contrite born-again maggat? The man is a human yo-yo.

We have taken several flights to Mexico City in the last year. Yes, airport taxis are expensive there, but nothing like here!!! A typical hour ride during traffic time to the Reforma district costs 327 pesos. Our airport to la Ropa is 735 pesos for a private taxi, and it takes almost 20 minutes.

It may be supply and demand. And remember: cabbies here have only a few months of good work, hey have to stretch their earnings. Plus, cabs that you take at the airport, they have to pay to the government to be there - they need to meet certain criteria. If you want a cheaper ride, walk outside of the airport with your bags and take one at the stand on your left.

Someone else here might know the cost of the 'medallion' for each cab (like they were in NYC before shared rides disrupted the industry), but I know they have to wait +20 years to get one.

I don't want to minimize how expensive it is, I just want to give a bit of context and offer options.

I should add that I paid the $25 upfront. A know-it-all gringo at the restaurant in Troncones, hearing our story, said "Man, are you naive! You paid upfront and really expect that cabbie to show up here from Zihua later today?"

He did.

FINALLY we got a nice rain during the middle of the night. It came down pretty hard with strong gusts of wind for a couple of hours, and it brought the temperatures down, leaving Zihuatanejo refreshing and clean for this Sunday morning. Of course, it also washed a lot of garbage into the bay, and as usual no signs were posted by any local authorities at any beaches warning of the health risks of swimming in the dirty water. Apparently, image is more important to our municipal government than the health of our visitors, and that's a damn shame.

Mexico's Isaac Del Toro did well in today's Tour de France stage coming in third for the stage and second in the overall classification.

And Presidenta Sheinbaum made us proud with her presence at the World Cup final. Congratulations to Spain for their win. They certainly dominated the match and earned the trophy. Downtown was fairly quiet until the match was over, then all of a sudden there were people everywhere.

Local beaches were full today. Shops and restaurants in downtown Zihuatanejo enjoyed some sales, but unfortunately the same can't be said for Ixtapa's shopping centers.

The downtown waterfront was fairly crowded with people wandering along it this evening. La Porteña was full, as usual, in contrast to the rest of the beachfront restaurants that only had a couple of tables after the day trippers left. But the beach was still full this evening with people enjoying what they can't do on the Blue Flag beaches: enjoying picnics and drinks with family and friends with a little music and their own chairs, tables and shade awnings. A shame the rest of our beaches can no longer be enjoyed in such a normal manner.

We might get more rain this Tuesday and Wednesday. And another swirly thing is likely to pass by our coast during the coming week. They're always worth keeping an eye on.

Enjoy spectacular views from almost every part of this comfortable and spacious 1-bedroom multilevel condominium, Villa Vista. Located at the Punta Peñasco complex on a small hill overlooking La Ropa Beach and Zihuatanejo's bay. The condo features 2 full bathrooms, a modern fully equipped kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, a Smart TV, laundry service, a reserved covered parking space, and a pool.
Zihuatanejo Vacation Rentals

¡Cuidemos nuestro patrimonio!
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Yates de charter esperan en el muelle para sus clientes durante el amanecer en Zihuatanejo.

Thank you!

Yeah, a cab today wanted to charge something exorbitant and we decided not to get in. I know gas prices are high, but come on!

He wanted 250 from the cocodrilario to Ixtapa!

I would've taken down his taxi number and reported him. He wasn't just overcharging you, he was committing THIEVERY.

I did. He was number 202 from Apaz

You da MAN!

Thank you!

Yeah, a cab today wanted to charge something exorbitant and we decided not to get in. I know gas prices are high, but come on!

He wanted 250 from the cocodrilario to Ixtapa!

I would've taken down his taxi number and reported him. He wasn't just overcharging you, he was committing THIEVERY.

I did. He was number 202 from Apaz

Thank you!

Yeah, a cab today wanted to charge something exorbitant and we decided not to get in. I know gas prices are high, but come on!

He wanted 250 from the cocodrilario to Ixtapa!

I would've taken down his taxi number and reported him. He wasn't just overcharging you, he was committing THIEVERY.

Yeah, a cab today wanted to charge something exorbitant and we decided not to get in. I know gas prices are high, but come on!

He wanted 250 from the cocodrilario to Ixtapa!

Hi Rob,
Thanks for keeping this board. I know it’s not only me who appreciates it.

Do you have the new rates? The link I found says valid from 2023.

Thank you!
Bl

Sorry, I forgot to update the date. Thanks for reminding me. There may still be some minor discrepencies. The rates I post are from what was authorized, but local taxis tend to still exceed the authorized rates. Locals are using their services less and less precisely because their rates are among the most expensive in the nation.
https://www.zihuatanejo.net/localtransport.html#taxi

Do you have the new rates? The link I found says valid from 2023.

Thank you!
Bl

Once again, the rain that was forecast last night was barely a drizzle. You could've been forgiven for not even noticing it. ¡Estamos sala'o! This Saturday morning there was nothing but clear, sunny skies.

Visitors showed up en masse today. Downtown businesses enjoyed some sales as did beachfront restaurants everywhere along the coast. We're seeing more visitors with the purchasing power we need.

Whoever your favorite team was in this Saturday's playoff match between England and France, it was another exciting match. This Sunday's final match between Argentina and Spain also promises to be dramatic, and lots of people in Mexico and around the world will be tuned in and cheering for one or the other. And then we can all get back to our lives. Except we're also keeping an eye on Isaac del Toro in the Tour de France and Pato O'Ward in the IndyCar Grand Prix of Nashville this Sunday. Checo Pérez is having an off year while he helps get Cadillac off the ground in this year's F1 season, so we're not expecting anything exciting from him yet.

A couple of areas of tropical low pressure systems are expected to develop as they pass by off our coast. The Bahía de Tehuántepec looks like it'll be churning them out for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, they'll all head westerly and none of these storms will turn our way. But they'll surely bring some rainstorms in our direction.

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 mujer y un perro disfrutan del amanecer en Playa Principal frente a la bahía de Zihuatanejo.

A 7.3 earthquake this Friday morning off the coast of Chiapas came with a tsunami warning for our coast that was later cancelled. I'm unaware of any damage in Chiapas, though it's likely there was some. They've had several replicas, but all off the áncoast. Later we had another warning from a temblor in Coalcoman, Michoacán. I could detect movement in the clear mug of water I use that doubles as my eathquake detector. It confirms tremors that I wouldn't otherwise notice.

Besides there still being no lights at the pier, an insult to the captains, locals and visitors who use it daily, the brand new entrance to the pier built less than 6 years ago has been totally dug up down to the water. When they began the unnecessary project to "remodel" it, they uncovered an empty area under the cement where the rocks had washed away. So apparently they're redoing that part, too. So now all users have to walk a very unsteady short rickety bridge to the SIDE of the pier to access it. River rocks, possibly illegally excavated from Río Salitrera as documented by Alex Serna, have been used as fill. Both the rocky beach side and canal side of the pier are being modified, allegedly without the required Manifesto de Impacto Ambiental, same as they did at Capricho del Rey, where now there are rocks instead of sand in front of Rossy's Restaurante.

This Saturday at 3PM local time many of us will be watching the World Cup Match for 3rd place between France and England. Should be a terrific match.

Last night's predicted rain never happened. This Friday morning it was cloudy, but the sun eventually came out before clouds rolled in around sunset. Once again, rain is forecast, but it's barely sprinkled so far. We're beginning to see a pattern here.

Apparently our local tourism offices and hotels did so little promotion in Morelia that the Volaris flight between Morelia and Zihuatanejo has been indefinitely cancelled. Bummer! Right as tourist season is starting. It seems the only local government workers who actually do their jobs are the trash collectors and the beach and street sweepers.

A group of people watched last evening on the beach in front of our home as a sea turtle made her nest and deposited her eggs. Unfortunately instead of simply covering the nest and hiding her tracks so poachers wouldn't find the nest, a city worker removed them to La Ropa. A practice I find unethical. I believe they should hatch on the same beach where they're laid, since that's where they'll return to lay their eggs. It assures a better distribution.

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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Tres hombres visitantes pescan desde sus sillas del restaurante Casa Arcadia en Playa Principal durante el atardecer en Zihuatanejo.

A cloudy Thursday morning brought us slightly milder temperatures than we've had recently. The milder temperatures made for nice sleeping weather, but the rain that was forecast last night was only a brief slight drizzle. Didn't even leave any puddles.

Today is the official beginning of the summer vacation season. The governor showed up to play her role, but that's all she can do. She's simply her father's puppet with zero training or education for the job she was thrust into when her father was prohibited from running for the office. I don't think she's been very effectual, but this is Guerrero where caciques rule, not politicians. Of course she heard plenty about Alex Serna from locals, and one of her underlings assured everyone that his death is being investigated but that he could not comment on it. No one was convinced or reassured. This is a moment where the Morena party and its officials need to step up and get this done to truly earn the confidence of the people.

"El ecocidio" is how many locals are referring to the construction on the pier. It's being built with municipal funds, but the local government wants federal funds to fix La Boquita canal, something other municipal administrations have used their own municipal resources for. And they totally ignore professionalizing our local police force even though there's been a series of assaults recently on Ixtapa's bike path. This morning a woman reported being chased by someone on Ixtapa Boulevard as she left the Oxxo on her way to work, escaping by running into the local DIF office in Ixtapa. Even with all the Guardia Nacional and state police forces, there's no substitute for LOCAL police, but ours remain mostly useless due to their lack of professionalization. Out of around 160 police, under 40 passed the "test of confidence" to be licensed to carry a firearm. Not reassuring, and it makes me question why we bother having them as a drain on the public payroll if all they do is protect the mayor. People who were assaulted on the bike path said that reporting the incidents to the Ministerio Público was a total waste of time and effort. Sadly, nothing has changed here in decades in this respect. I wish I could report otherwise.

There's been a slight increase in visitors in the past couple of days, but mostly in Ixtapa's all-included hotels, which is of little benefit to the community since they tend not to consume much off the hotel's premises. But local merchants and restaurants in Zihuatanejo are enjoying a slight increase in sales. We've got until the end of August to make enough sales to get through the slowest period of the year from September to mid-November. So we're all hustling, smiling and working our tails off. This weekend we should see a noticeable uptick in visitors if the weather cooperates.

A lovely little hotel in Troncones is Hotel Los Sueños. This enchanting oceanfront inn offers 6 one-bedroom suites, a two-bedroom family suite with kitchen, and a "cozy" surfers' room also with kitchen, queen-size bed and bunk bed. All rooms have A/C, fridge, hammock, wireless internet, and there is a pool on the property. Located on Playa Troncones within easy walking distance of the village, restaurants and convenience stores.
Hotels & Inns in Troncones

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El amanecer en Zihuatanejo este jueves pozolero.

I think you'll find the majority of Spanish speaking nations will be rooting for Spain in the final. Most of my Mexican friends don't care for Argentines, they find them to be rather dismissive of Mexico and Mexicans and believe they speak a superior form of Spanish. I'm English so might be a little biased but my position is anybody but Argentina!

It's a mixed bag. Since England beat Mexico, some folks rooted for them because it gives more prestige to Mexico's team if the team who beat them wins the Mundial. Some Mexicans dislike Argentinos because of some recent propaganda that made the news by a publicity-seeking commentator, and yes, they can be arrogant, acting like colonial Europeans towards the rest of us. And some of us just want the Copa to stay in America.