The Gorgeous Beaches in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, A Dangerous ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ Zone in Mexico

The Gorgeous Beaches of Zihuatanejo, in Guerrero, A Dangerous 'DO NOT TRAVEL' Zone in Beautiful Mexico
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UPDATED on 3/8/18 – Zihuatanejo is in Guerrero, Mexico. It is the lesser-known counterpart to Ixtapa, a famous Mexico travel destination. The cities are only a few minutes apart by car or bus. The state of Guerrero is considered one of the most dangerous states in Mexico by the US Department of State. We live in Michoacan, a neighboring state of Guerrero, and also a ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ zone for American tourists. We have lived here for 4.5 years and we are content. It’s definitely not perfect, but it is home. We only have to travel 3 to 4 hours to the nearest beach and the beaches in Zihuatanejo are truly gorgeous.

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo - Beautiful Mexico

Media shows us the “ugly” truth but media can also twist and exaggerate for its own benefit. After all, it is a money-making business. Media usually focuses on the negative side of things because that is what sells. I would much prefer happiness and love and beauty. But to be on the safe side, if you are going to come visit us in Southern Mexico, read this article from Mexico News Daily and follow the simple warnings listed at the end of their post.

Without further ado, here are 53 Photos of The Gorgeous Beaches in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero in Beautiful Mexico from our December girls-only getaway ;-)

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
Make sure you squint and get a good look at the girl’s faces in these photos on this float ride, ( I don’t know what else to call it…) Some of their expressions are hilarious :-)
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
Our girls had friends from Kentucky visiting this month so we took them all to the ocean. My mom went with us and we made it a girl’s weekend. It was the first time our Kentucky friends swam in the ocean!
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
There were lots of fishermen around dusk catching different types of fish using various methods. This man simply used a net. The girls had a short homeschool lesson on ocean fishing ;-)
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

We took a taxi to Ixtapa one morning and browsed the artisan market. We all bought a few pretty things and enjoyed seeing some of the artisans at work.

Credit goes to my oldest daughter, Alexis, for taking this photo :-)
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The next several shots are by Jorge Antonio Barranco Castro. You can find him on Facebook at M1CRO art. Just click HERE. I think his work is fantastic. I bet he could create some beautiful murals in your home as well if you happen to live in Southern Mexico :-)

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
We spent most of our time at Playa La Ropa. We had rooms at La Pirata,(the pirate), a motel, and a restaurant on the beach. Rooms were clean, food was good, and the waiters at the restaurant even helped Mom find her mother’s gold wedding band that she dropped in the sand. We thought it was a goner and were so thankful for their help!!
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
This was another La Ropa restaurant with good food and a kind host. They also have a hotel about two blocks from the beach. Both are named Rossy’s and they make pretty good margaritas ;-)

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
Playa Las Gatas is a 15-minute walk from Playa La Ropa. We have been to Las Gatas before for snorkeling and I wanted to take our Kentucky friends so they could have the experience.
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how rocky the path was. Mom fell right after I took this picture. No major harm, just bruised knees. I think she would have been fine if she had on sneakers instead of sandals. Just keep this in mind if you intend to stay at La Ropa and walk to Las Gatas.
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
I wonder how old the oyster markings are on this beach rock? It had been on the shore for some time.
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
The water at Las Gatas was clear when we arrived but because we went on a Saturday, within an hour of taking this shot the water was cloudy, (near the reef it was still clear for snorkeling). There were lots of families enjoying the sun and sand so if you want privacy visit during the week. You can get a water taxi here from Zihuatanejo or walk along the shore as we did.
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

Mom and I enjoyed one of the prettiest margaritas we have ever seen at Las Gatas.
53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico

53 Photos of Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero - Beautiful Mexico
This is our group after spending the day at Las Gatas. Beach time always makes us happy :-)

Alexis also took this photo of her sister, Taylor.
And last but not least, we saw some good size crocodiles in a lagoon which leads out to Playa La Ropa… but don’t worry, there’s a fence ;-) Signing off, Tina

Originally published December 19, 2017

6 thoughts on “The Gorgeous Beaches in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, A Dangerous ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ Zone in Mexico

  1. Shar-ann says:

    Great article and it is true about the media but I know from living in Louisville which has high crime in some areas we had to proceed with caution in those areas. I know some who live in dangerous areas the ones they always talk about on the news and they say it is worse than reported living there though they have learned how to survive. So take care and be cautious but continue to enjoy the beauty. Looks like you have another photographer in the family. I love your articles and your pictures.

    • Tina Marie Ernspiker says:

      Thanks Shar-ann :-) And you are right. We should play it cautious especially because we are foreigners and we stand out like sore thumbs! For this reason, we stay out of trouble and we let everyone know that we are here as Bible ministers. That seems to help. Most times we get a positive response plus the locals really appreciate it when we attempt to speak their language :-)

    • Alma says:

      I live in Ixtapa & never had any trouble, it’s who you are with. Believe me the USA, it’s much more dangerous.

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