Guest Hook Travel Guides Mexico's Zihuatanejo | Page 5

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1 La Ropa Beach... 2 Water Sports... 3 Las Gatas Beach... 4 Discover Local Arts & Crafts... 5 Pozole Thursday... La Ropa beach is the most beautiful beach on Zihuatanejo bay and in the Costa Grande. It has beautiful white sand and small waves making it ideal for kids. The water is always at a great temperature for swimming too. Sunsets are amazing at La Ropa beach, so it's worth spending the whole day here. Plus there are many restaurants where you can eat and relax in. Don't miss the fish tiritas (traditional local seafood). I recommend eating at La Perla restaurant - the best fish tiritas in town! There are a many options for water sports at La Ropa beach. You can rent a wave runner (jet ski) and ride along the bay, or if you prefer natural power then you can go windsurfing, paddle boarding or kayaking. Another great option is to rent a banana boat to ride with all the family or sit and watch the parasailers gliding across the bay. You can even go skimboarding on the little waves or my personal favorite: the flyboard where you feel you are flying like Iron Man!! The name "Las Gatas" is a reference to the harmless nurse sharks that used to swim here. Las Gatas is only accessible by boat with the short rides running continuously until 6pm. You can admire the underwater wall King Calzontzin built when he chose the area as a retreat for the royal family. Don't miss the snorkeling, with many beautiful fish, and a submerged bronze sculpture of Christ made from keys collected in the town. The waters at Las Gatas are exceptionally clear and very safe. Mexico is famous for its arts and handicrafts and Zihuatanejo is no exception. The Mercado de Artesanías is a traditional handicraft market located by the church, on Calle Cinco de Mayo. It boasts more than 200 stalls where you will find silver, huaraches (handmade leather sandals), shell jewelry & decorative pieces plus scarves, ties & handbags all inspired by Mexico's rich culture and traditions. Nearby you will find local painters working in their studios where you can buy their art. Take part in a famous Guerrero tradition when every Thursday many local people cook Pozole. The word means "foamy" in Nahuatl and it's a traditional Mexican soup. It once had ritual significance, when maize was a sacred plant for the Aztecs, and it was consumed on special occasions. It comes served with small bowls of herbs, spices, salt and limes. Traditionally you wash it down with shots of mezcal. A famous place where you can try Pozole is Pozolería el Profe.