Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (Guerrero, Mexico Riviera)

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a Mexican Riviera cruise port and the 4th-largest city in mexico's Guerrero State. The city covers a total area of approx 10 km2 (4 mi2) and has population around 65,000.

Politically, the city belongs to Zihuatanejo de Azueta municipality (in Guerrero's western part). It is located on the Pacific Ocean coast, approx 240 km (150 mi) northwest of Acapulco. The city belongs to a section of the Mexican Riviera commonly known as Costa Grande. Zihuatanejo has been developed as a tourist attraction along with the resort town Ixtapa, located just 5 km (3 mi) away.

Costa Grande's Archeological Museum is at the southern end of the municipal beach and has 6 rooms that document the culture, archeology and history of this part of Guerrero's coast. 

The main attraction of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is its bay - well-protected from the open sea and a favorite place to moor luxury yachts and other boats during winter months. The bay is surrounded by beautiful beaches and the hills of Sierra Madre mountains.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo region's development has caused some environmental problems. The 5 water treatment plants no longer keep up with sewage demand. Some sediment and untreated wastewater flow into the bay. There is a concern about damaging the coral reef. Some development projects (for building villas, hotels, swimming pools, boat marina, a cruise ship pier) have been delayed because of the need for environmental impact studies.

On land, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo can be reached by highway, bus and air (served by the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport). Regularly scheduled domestic flights are offered from Mexico City and a number of provincial cities. International flights are operated from Canada and the USA.

The number of cruises to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo steadily increases. The port has become a major cruise travel destination mainly due to its perfect beaches. It is also famous for the catamaran tours themed as sunset cruises. Snorkeling and spinnaker flying (sailing) are also offered.

The Port is used mainly by fishermen who arrive every morning to the docks with their catch, "pangas", and other vessels which ferry passengers to fishing charters and places like Las Gatas beach. There is also cruise ship greeting area for passengers who want to see the town. A major draw is sport fishing. Yearly, on May's first weekend, Zihuatanejo hosts the International Sailfish Tournament.