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| Ixtapa Travel Guide |

Version Español |
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| Hotels, restaurants, travel services, tourist attractions, videos, maps, climate, etc. |
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| IXTAPA TOURIST INFORMATION / TOURISM IN IXTAPA |
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Embraced by evergreen mountains covered with dense tropical vegetation, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two charming and hospitable places, both generously favored by the warm sun and the golden beaches of the Pacific coastline. Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo have different personalities that when combined have created a destination that's satisfied tourists of all tastes, for decades. They are located on the western coast of Mexico, less than a 10 minute ride from each other, in an area full of beautiful bays, cliffs and spectacular beaches.
Because of their westerly location, the most charming of sunsets happens here every evening, covering the bays of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa in a myriad of oranges, pinks and golden tones. The explosion of color is all crowned by the shining reflection of the sun creating a brilliant and endless line over the sea.
A whole range of wonderful sensations are felt that equally affect visitors enjoying this fascinating natural spectacle for the first time, and the local people who, although they've seen it a thousand times before, are still in awe.
The name ''Ixtapa'', also of Nahuatl origin, means ''white place''. It is a modern tourist complex with hotels of all categories and an important marina for more than 600 boats. Here, modernity and colonial architecture blend together perfectly to give this charming place an elegant and distinctive touch. This destination has a large bay where you can enjoy a wide variety of water activities. Moreover, you can visit modern malls where you can find coffee shops, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, boutiques and even jewelry stores.
The name Zihuatanejo comes from the word ''Cihuatlan'' which means ''place of women'' in Nahuatl. It is a quaint and cozy fishing town with cobblestone streets.
Downtown has many restaurants and shops all along the ''Paseo del Pescador'' (Fisherman's Pass), which will take you along some beautiful beaches. The bay is a safe place and the beaches are fantastic. Despite progress and modernity, this wonderful place has been able to rescue and preserve its provincial atmosphere, traditions, and all its charms.
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- HOTELS
- ATTRACTIONS
- RESTAURANTS
- NIGHTLIFE
- SHOPPING
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Hotel Dorado PacÃfico Beach Resort Ixtapa 
Address: Paseo de Ixtapa s/n Lote 3-A, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Emporio Ixtapa Zihuatanejo 
Address: Boulevard Ixtapa S.n. Ixtapa, GRO 40880 México
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Tesoro Ixtapa Zihuatanejo 
Address: Boulevard Ixtapa S/N Lote 05, Zona Hotelera Ixtapa Guerrero
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Hotel Barceló Ixtapa Beach 
Address: Boulevard Ixtapa s/n, ZH. Ixtapa, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Brisas del Mar Ixtapa 
Address: Eva Samano de Lopez Mateos S/N, Playa la Madera.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa 
Address: Blvd. Paseo Playa Linda S/N, Zona Hotelera II. Ixtapa, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Catalina Beach Resort Ixtapa 
Address: Playa la Ropa sin numero Z.H. Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Coral Ixtapa 
Address: Paseo de las Golondrinas Cluster no.17, Fracc.Club de Golf Palma Real.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Coral Vista del Mar Ixtapa 
Address: Paseo de las Golondrinas numero 238, Fracc. Club de Golf Palma Real.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Fontan Ixtapa Beach Resort 
Address: Blvd. Ixtapa s/n, Zona Hotelera. Ixtapa, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Holiday Inn Ixtapa 
Address: Paseo del Palmar Mz 1 L 1. Ixtapa, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Irma Ixtapa 
Address: Playa la Madera, La Madera. Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Villa Mexicana Ixtapa 
Address: Playa la Ropa S/N, La Ropa. Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
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Hotel y Villas Ixzi Ixtapa 
Address: Golondrinas Closter No. 37, Club de Golf Palma Real. Ixtapa, Guerrero.
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Hotel Krystal Ixtapa 
Address: Blvd, Ixtapa s/n, Zona Hotelera
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Hotel La Casa que Canta Ixtapa 
Address: Camino Escenico a Playa la Ropa.
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Hotel Las Brisas Ixtapa 
Address: Playa Vista Hermosa S/N Apto Postal 97 CP 40880.
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Hotel Loma del Mar Ixtapa 
Address: Fragatas Lote F-17, Contramar Las Brisas.
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Hotel Meliá Azul Ixtapa 
Address: Boulevar Paseo Punta Ixtapa, s/n Lote 2, Zona Hotelera
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Hotel Posada Real Ixtapa 
Address: Blvd. Ixtapa ,Lote 6-B, Zona Hotelera.
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Hotel Presidente InterContinental 
Address: BOULEVARD IXTAPA S/N.
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Hotel Puerta del Mar Ixtapa 
Address: Paseo de las Gaviotas esquina agua de correa, Ixtapa.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Qualton Club Ixtapa 
Address: Carr. Escénica s/n, Playa Linda. Ixtapa, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel The Tides Zihuatanejo 
Address: Playa La Ropa, P.O.Box 84, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Villa Vera Puerto MÃo Zihuatanejo 
Address: Paseo del Morro # 5, El Almacen. Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Villas Miramar 
Address: Adelita Lote 78, La Madera. Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
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Hotel Villas ParaÃso Ixtapa 
Address: Paseo Del Rincon Lote 1 Manzana 3 SM 3, Zona Hotelera.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel ZihuaCaracol Ixtapa 
Address: Adelita SN y Valentina, La Madera.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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Hotel Zihuatanejo Centro 
Address: Agustin RamÃrez #2, Centro. Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
Location: Ixtapa | Map View |
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| TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN IXTAPA / PLACES TO VISIT IN IXTAPA |

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Bike Path
It is not only biking but admiring all the magical natural surroundings in this charming place. When you cover the 4.35 mi. of the bike path in Ixtapa, you will have the opportunity to spot the most representative plants and animals of the region. This fantastic bike lane starts in Ixtapa, goes around the golf course and goes as far as Zihuatanejo.
Costa Grande's Archaeological Museum
It is located on El Pescador Avenue, in front of Zihuatanejo's main beach. This museum concentrates on the most relevant information of all 54 archaeological sites discovered in the surroundings of Zihuatanejo and Costa Grande, where it is possible to admire the traces of Olmeca, Teotihuaca, Tarasca and Mexica cultures. The exhibition is arranged in six rooms and it showcases the development of Costa Grande, from the first settlements until the colonial era.
Diving
The coastal zone and Zihuatanejo Bay are ideal for diving lovers. You can find from sea horses, sea urchins, crabs, octopuses, moray fish, eels, to stone fish, sole fish, grouper fish, and angel fish. If you are lucky, you may see an eagle ray or a giant ray. Also found here are ''Los Morros de Potosi'', which is a system of caves of stunning beauty.
Ecotourism
Thanks to its natural richness, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a great place for ecotourism. It is truly extraordinary to ride a mountain bike, go ocean rafting, row towards Ixtapa Island, and once there, to snorkel to your heart's content. You can also do low-difficulty trekking, rappeling and hiking. Horseback riding is an excellent option for getting to know the beaches and other areas.
Fishing
The coast of the Mexican Pacific has been catalogued as an excellent place for sport fishing. The adage ''secret place for fishermen'' applies perfectly to this destination, where you can fish species such as swordfish, blue and black marlin, golden and yellowfin tuna, amongst others.
The captains of the fishing boats excel in the traditional techniques as well as in the modern ones but they also practice the ''catch and release'' technique, particularly for big game fish. It is at the discretion of the customer to use this technique.
Golf
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is proud to have two fabulous world-class golf courses, suitable for golfers of any level. The Palma Real Golf Course, with 18 championship holes, harmonizes with its setting: an ancient coconut plantation, natural lakes and tropical vegetation. The Marina Ixtapa Golf Course is known for its original course layout, with canals traversing the entire course.
Handcrafts Market
At this market, you can find a wide assortment of handcrafts made with semi-precious stones, granite painted in bright colors, seashells and coral. Likewise, but in a smaller quantity, you can find silver jewelry from Taxco, lacquer work from Olinala, ceramics and painted amate tree bark from the Central Valley region.
Island of Ixtapa
The Island of Ixtapa (Isla de Ixtapa) is a beautiful geographic formation that can be seen from the beaches of Playa Quieta and Playa Linda, located at the northern end of Ixtapa's coast. It's a very impressive sight to see, because of its large size and that fact that it is covered in the most amazing emerald-colored tropical vegetation. This island paradise can easily be visited via the many entertaining tours that frequently depart from the mainland. The excursions generally start with a boat ride along the coast, over the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean, after which you'll be taken to one of three secluded beaches on the island: Playa Coral, Playa Varadero or Playa Cuachalalate, all of which are great places to enjoy water activities or simply relax and sunbathe.
The Island of Ixtapa is also popular for its delicious and rather inexpensive seafood that's freshly caught and prepared in the traditional and zesty Ixtapa Zihuatanejo way. For a whole day of fun, sun and good food, this attraction in Ixtapa comes highly recommended.
Las Gatas Beach
If you want to spend a day in a secluded beach, where you can find a wide variety of restaurants and bars as well as aquatic activities for your enjoyment, don't miss out on the opportunity to take a ''panga'' (a small boat) in the morning to take you to ''Las Gatas'' Beach (Spanish for ''cats''). This name has its origin because of the great number of cat sharks that inhabit the area, as well as a variety of multicolor fish.
It is surrounded by rock formations and a submarine reef built by the indigenous people. It is always frequented because of its tranquility, its interesting coral and rocking formations and for the opportunities that it offers diving lovers. |
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| RESTAURANTS IN IXTAPA / PLACES TO EAT IN IXTAPA |

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Bogart's
This restaurant has been the backdrop of many photos, taken as a souvenir to remember the best gastronomic experiences that travelers have had on their trips to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo and in particular, to this restaurant. Bogart's is a classic example of elegance and excellent cuisine, making its presence known in the major beach destinations of Mexico such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and now located right in the heart of Ixtapa. With arabesque columns and ornaments, the distinctive Moroccan style decor of Bogart's brings to mind scenes from the classic film, Casablanca. It also provides a singular setting that complements magnificently the delicious international dishes offered on the menu of this traditional establishment.
La Casa de Adobe Grill
While visiting Mexico you simply must try a really good taco. On the grill at La Casa de Adobe meats such as beef, pork and chicken are charbroiled alongside green onions, spicy sausages, grated cheese and sliced cactus. These are the basic ingredients needed for a real ''taco feast'' that always ends with everyone licking their fingers and asking for more! A variety of salsas and an ice-cold beer perfectly complement this typically Mexican fast-food that's always cooked to perfection at La Casa de Adobe Grill, located in the hotel zone of Ixtapa.
Fisher's
Located in the spectacular Marina Ixtapa, this cozy place welcomes its clients with modern and fresh decor, amiable service and with an especially phenomenal view of the calm movement of the elegant yachts in the Marina, gliding over the water. At Fisher's, tasty seafood can be enjoyed, always served in spectacular mouthwatering presentations. Lobster and shrimp are prepared in multiple ways, with the specialty of the house being the typical fish strips of Zihuatanejo (cooked with lime juice). Fresh tropical cocktails are normally accompanied by a bottle of wine from the cellar and can make any lunch or dinner an unforgettable event.
El Galeon
This is a one of a kind restaurant in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo known for its excellent service and what makes it especially attractive is the fact that this restaurant is located in an elegant wooden ship, stranded in Marina Ixtapa. For its decor, El Galeon has a real rudder and many other sea-faring articles that give the restaurant a touch of authenticity to what a real old galleon is like. Succulent plates are served "on board," in generous portions that bring to life cravings with just a glance, such as juicy steaks, pasta, and seafood specialties. Try the succulent lobster tails, prawns, mussels and tasty fillets of tuna fish that, along with the particular ambience of this restaurant/ship and the beautiful view of the Marina, will make for an excellent evening.
Garrobos
Dining in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is perfectly enjoyable at this popular, roomy restaurant that offers ample meat and seafood dishes attractively presented. It also serves paella and the local specialty, "tiritas de pescado" (little strips of marinated fish). In the evenings, trios often serenade diners.
Kau-Kan
Located above Playa La Madera, this hidden jewel of a restaurant combines the romantic surroundings of Zihuatanejo's Bay with the outstanding talents of one of Mexico's finest chefs. Dine upstairs under the open sky for the romantic sunsets and starry nights. During the day, enjoy the shaded downstairs terrace with its spectacular bay and town view.
La Malinche
Located in the pedestrian shopping area of Ixtapa, in front of the town's hotel strip, you'll find this charming restaurant that seems as if it was taken from a typical Mexican town. Beautifully decorated and with vibrant colors, La Malinche invites clients to try traditional homemade recipes that taste "like they just came out of grandma's kitchen". Carefully prepared specialties, such as Chiles en Nogada or Cochinita Pibil, created using only the freshest, most authentic ingredients from Mexico, delight everyone's palate at La Malinche.
Mulege Bistro Lounge
Mulege Bistro Lounge is a restaurant that invites all those passerbys on the Ixtapa commercial walkways to come in for the friendliness of its staff, the coziness of this bistro lounge with contemporary decor and for its varied menu that caters to all tastes. Both innovative and classic dishes are offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The best time to visit is at night because, aside of being a good restaurant, this has become the favorite meeting place to hang out and drink Margaritas, Daiquiris or beer. If you're looking to party till the break of dawn, try the house specialty, "Mulege shots" so that you can party all night long.
Villa de La Selva
Restaurants in Ixtapa ZihuatanejoClinging to the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, this elegant restaurant offers the most spectacular sea and sunset views in Ixtapa. The cuisine is delicious and classically rich. We recommend the Filet Villa de la Selva, which is red snapper topped with shrimp and hollandaise sauce.
Zihua Pancake House
In the walkways of downtown Zihuatanejo, this cozy place with comfortable chairs and colorful decor serves delicious breakfasts that can cheer anyone up and start the day right. Zihua Pancake House is a small restaurant with an absolutely worry-free atmosphere, frequented by locals and tourists. Enjoy the best combinations for breakfast: aromatic coffee, omelets, sandwiches, fruit juices or shakes. For those who like to wake up with something a bit stronger than usual, try a mimosa. Don't leave without trying the waffles and pancakes, definitely the main attraction at the Zihua Pancake House.
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| NIGHTLIFE IN IXTAPA / BARS & CLUBS |

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Bandido's
This is an excellent option in downtown Zihuatanejo where you can enjoy a tasty dinner. Bandido's is a traditional restaurant that serves delicious seafood, juicy steaks and typical Mexican fare. The best part comes after dessert, when live music starts to play, getting you out of your chair and your body moving to the beat. Bandido's is an excellent option for an evening out, where there is a breezy patio for a bit of fresh air. The warm climate of Zihuatanejo that makes anyone sweat, especially while drinking beer and dancing to live pop and Latin American music, and all this, you can find at Bandido's.
Christine
Christine is an icon of the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo nightlife, since in the last few years it has been the traditional place to socialize and dance. From its opening, it has always been visited and recommended, both by the locals as well as by generations of tourists who have chosen Ixtapa Zihuatanejo as their favorite vacation destination. Wearing your best clubbing outfit is a good idea because at Christine, the ambience and clientele are completely avant-garde. It is located in the Ixtapa hotel zone and always features the latest in music, light and sound effects, making you feel as if you were in a high class club in any major city around the world.
Le Rouge
In a contemporary building located in the Ixtapa hotel zone, Le Rouge is a large and innovative nightclub with enough room to provide comfortable areas for chatting and socializing, strategically separated from the loud music, which is mainly focused on the center of the club, where the dance floor is. Le Rouge has specifically designated areas to satisfy all kinds of clientele, with very well distributed space, for those who prefer conversations to dancing as well as for those who enjoy dancing to the electrifying vibes of music. Delicious cocktails and liquor are mixed and served at the bar or take advantage of the excellent service of the waiters, who skillfully attend the large crowd of partygoers that frequent Le Rouge.
Revolucion 1910
What is now known as "Zihua's Corner of Rock" is found on the pedestrian walkways in downtown Zihuatanejo. Every night from Wednesday to Saturday, listen to the sound of loud speakers and an energetic choir of voices coming from the excited clientele of Bar Revolucion 1910. Patrons of the bar normally sing along with the live music and make it clear that a couple of drinks and a live band are all that you need to get a musical note from anyone. In this entertaining place, long hours can be spent singing and dancing, one unforgettable hit after another, from today's billboard charts to yesteryear classics. Expect fun people, cold beers and, of course, a few compulsory shots of tequila.
Senor Frog's
Senor Frog's is a very entertaining mix of nightclub, bar and restaurant, where shared tables, drinks and good music make for a fantastic ambience, in a completely laid back mood. This is a place to come early, grab the best seat and have a good time chatting, dancing and people watching because there always something happening anywhere you look. Witness the hottest dance contests, MCs spinning their turntables and happy clients dancing on the tables, while yards of beer are served by the waiters until the wee hours of the morning.
Varuna
Located close to the entrance of the Ixtapa hotel zone, this after hours bar satisfies the needs of all those happy clubbers who want to extend their nights as long as possible, providing the best in nightlife in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. Varuna, and its visible fluorescent bar, start to welcome most of their clients late at night, when the partygoers begin to migrate and look for a change in ambience, after a couple of hours in the same club.
The crowd here is a mix of fun people, consisting of young adults, 30 somethings, tourists and locals. The clientele from bars and nightclubs of all sorts end up meeting here, passing on the ultimate clubber's tip that the party in Varuna ends very late.
Zorro's Sports Bar
Zorro's Sports Bar, a very casual bar located in downtown Zihuatanejo, is the favorite meeting point to "warm up" for a long night of clubbing. It has a worry-free ambiance with good music, big screens showing important sporting events and comfortable seats, set up to allow the conversation between tables. As the night grows older and the beer keeps flowing, Zorro's ambiance continues to be entertaining. The unbeatable prices on drinks and the camaraderie and the mood of the bar always keep the place full. |
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| SHOPPING IN IXTAPA / WHERE TO BUY IN IXTAPA |

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Ixtapa's Shopping Area (Handcraft Markets)
For those who love shopping, bargaining and spending long hours browsing and trying on clothes or imagining how those lovely folk art pieces might look in your living room or office, there is a fantastic shopping area that attracts shoppers, just a few meters from the Hotel Zone in Ixtapa. It is located on Paseo Ixtapa (Ixtapa Ocean Drive), right across from the hotels.
Ixtapa's main shopping district covers two large blocks with lots of stores and handcraft markets called Plaza Las Fuentes, Plaza La Puerta or Plaza Los Patios. The area, best known as "Zona Comercial de Ixtapa" (Ixtapa's Shopping Area) or as "Mercados de Artesanias" (Handcraft Markets), sells an array of souvenirs to bring back from your trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. There is such variety that there is bound to be something that will catch your eye.
Downtown Zihuatanejo
There are many nice streets and walkways, where there is little or no traffic at all in the downtown area and make for a great shopping experience. There are all kinds of shops that are brightly adorned and carry all sorts of items. You can find clothes, shoes for warm weather, as well as hats and beachwear for all budgets. For those big spenders, there are some art galleries in Zihuatanejo's most traditional area, where you can see and buy artwork by local artists, sculptors and master silversmiths.
There is a lot of silver from Taxco on sale in the shops in downtown Zihuatanejo, as well as items from different states of Mexico. You can find handicrafts such as incredibly ornate trees of life, colorful pottery from the State of Mexico, as well as elegant leather bags, belts and shoes from Leon, Guanajuato.
There are some shops that lure you in with delicious aromas of the products they sell, like the excellent coffee produced in the highlands of Guerrero.
They also offer creams and natural oils like suntan oil made from coconut or the popular "Crema de Tortuga," made from a blend of herbal ingredients, used to relieve the pain of excessive exposure to the sun.
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