Foundation of Ixtapa

Ixtapa, located in the state of Guerrero on the Mexican Pacific Coast, about 240 km. or 144 miles northwest of Acapulco, is a tourist destination planned by the government of Mexico. Its natural beauty has been used to convert it into a pole of tourist development of first importance in the country.

The modern tourist resort of Ixtapa is only 5 km. or 3 miles away from Zihuatanejo, which is the original settlement and the actual town. Ixtapa is a government-planned tourist resort that was begun in the early 1970´s. It was constructed on what once was a coconut plantation. Some travelers share the opinion that Ixtapa is more akin to a transplanted miniature of modern Acapulco. Nonetheless, this impressive tourist development features high rise hotels lining the beach, modern condos, expensive shops and boutiques, discos, and flambouyant restaurants.

The building and the development of Ixtapa as a tourist pole represented an ambitious plan. Besides, it was part of a greater project promoted by a trust of the Bank of Mexico and by the Secretary of Revenue. Brother architects Agustin and Enrique Landa Verdugo were in charge of the new urban design. This project included a hotel zone, commercial areas, and residential spaces. Since then, this region has become one of the most important tourist destination of the country, which is reflected in its population increase as well as in its economic activity.

Undoubtedly, the natural beauty of Ixtapa was used in order to develop this mega - project named Ixtapa. A vast infrastructure was put into operatio to install hotels, services, goulf courts and commercial areas and to allowing thiis amazing destination to florish. Along its coast, spectacular Bay Del Palmar feature many wonderful beaches that attract touris from all over the country and the world.

Therefore, Ixtapa experiences an increasing tourist life and it has become one of the poles of greater attraction and importance in the country.