Experience the best of Ixtapa

Ixtapa was built from scratch in the 1970s as a resort by the Mexican government, on the site of a coconut plantation. It lies on the Pacific coast of Guerrero, with the Sierra Madre rising behind it. Hotels line a broad bay, and a marina, golf courses and a promenade of shops stand beside the main beach, Playa Palmar.

Just south, Zihuatanejo is an older fishing town, with a harbour of small boats, a waterfront market and the gentle beach of La Ropa nearby. Boats cross to Ixtapa Island for snorkelling in clear water. Barra de Potosí, a lagoon with birdlife and a long empty beach, lies to the south-east, and Troncones, a surfing village, to the north-west.

Pozole verde, Guerrero's green pozole, is traditionally served on Thursdays, and tiritas de pescado, strips of raw fish cured in lime juice with chilli, are a Zihuatanejo speciality. Fresh fish grilled with chilli and garlic arrives at beachside restaurants. The dry season runs from November to May, and the summer months bring heavy rain.