MEXICO’S STATE OF GUERRERO may be home to the country’s original party town – Acapulco – but the state’s allure and charm penetrate so much deeper than that. The spiny Sierra Madres raise the back of the land, creating lofty peaks and plunging valleys that are steeped in history and peppered with cultural towns. Down along the rugged Pacific shore, the coast of Guerrero is carved with hidden coves and quiet bays, as well as lengthy exposed stretches that thunder with epic surf breaks. To say Guerrero has it all would be an understatement.
Historical Centre with view of Santa Prisca Cathedral, Taxco, Mexico. Photo by Armands Brants
Still, what most people know Guerrero for is the booming tourist hotspot of Acapulco, which continues to be one of the top tourist destinations for Mexican travellers. While Acapulco is impressive with its Grande Dame resorts, beachfront restaurants, and renowned Zona Dorada, it is the other destinations in Guerrero that give this state so much soul. Discover the mountain mining towns like Taxco, with its gorgeous cathedral and web of cobblestone streets that zip up and down the mountainsides. Or venture outside of glitzy Ixtapa to dig your toes in the sand down by the sea in the fishing village of Zihuatanejo. The beauty of Guerrero is that it is a state that doesn’t ask you to choose an adventure. It has everything you could possibly want from a visit to Mexico.
HIGHER GROUND IN TAXCO
Surrounded on all sides by jungle-covered peaks, the hillside town of Taxco is a visual feast. White-washed buildings capped with red terra-cotta roofs creep up the mountains from the valley floor, creating a contrast of colours that is simply gorgeous. At the centre of it all is the ornate Santa Prisca cathedral, headed by two rust-coloured towers and topped with a brilliant dome. Taxco’s history lies in silver. The now-empty mines here date back to the 16th century, but the reputation of Taxco silver remains. Visitors come from around the world to buy meaningful pieces, wander the cobblestone streets and dip in and out of the many art galleries. At just 100 miles from Mexico City, it makes for an easy day-trip or a quick weekend getaway.
SUN AND SAND IN ZIHUATANEJO
Thompson Zihuatanejo pool
Zihuatanejo is the relaxed beach destination that is the low-key answer to its flashier neighbour, Ixtapa. The sleepy fishing village is known for its secluded cove beaches, gorgeously turquoise Pacific water, and thundering surf just down the coast. Relaxed restaurants line the beachfront, where guests can sit with their toes in the sand and watch the boats zip in and out of the bay. Just over the hill, the trendy, resort- packed Ixtapa has all the creature comforts, like high-end restaurants and shopping, but Zihuatanejo allows you to slip off into what feels like worlds away. Check into Thompson Zihuatanejo for a palm-fringed beach and gorgeously designed minimalist rooms, or venture a bit outside of town along Playa Blanca for a secluded stay at Marea Beachfront Villas. visit-mexico.mx/guerrero
