Day trips from Zihuatanejo – Troncones

By K. L. Moore

Just because you live here or have picked Zihuatanejo as your vacation spot, does not mean you have to spend all your time here. No trip to this area would be complete without a little exploring. There are some day trips you can take in order to get away, see more of the beautiful Mexican coast line and maybe, catch a wave or two. This wanderer loves Troncones. Just 45 minutes north of Zihua, this stretch of open ocean offers a wonderful getaway. There are several beach restaurants with hammocks swaying in the wind and yummy food.

Mostly occupied by ex-patriots who have built their dream homes, Troncones offers up a peaceful retreat. Several of the local characters have opened their homes as bed and breakfasts. A day could include a long solitary walk on the beach, watching fishermen bring in their days catch, swimming in the very blue waters, or just relaxing with a cold one in the hammock. Not much in the way of night life, Troncones is just what it is, a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude and a little rest and relaxation.

Getting there from here: Take Highway 200 North: the road to Ixtapa.

Troncones is about 40 kilometers up the highway. There is a small sign on the right marking the dirt road to the beach. It is the first left after the large church on the left. The church is a light green stucco with a red cross. Take the next left at the Troncones sign (sometimes obscured by vegetation, so be watching for it), the beach is roughly 3 kilometers down the winding dirt road.

Cabs from Zihuatanejo run about $30.00 US dollars. There is a bus you can catch from either of the bus stands on the streets behind the Mercardo. Or just flag down any one of the larger buses you see on those streets and ask the bus driver if he is going to Troncones. They are usually going to either Petatlan, to the south, ("Peta, peta" is what they yell out of the buses) or La Union to the north. Take the La Union and tell the driver you are going to Troncones. The cost is 6 to 8 pesos. If you take the bus, get off at the Troncones stop and catch a ride in one of the many trucks going towards the beach...or, walk, if you must. And do not worry, it is safe to jump in the back of a truck.

If no trucks are offering free rides, there is a taxi service or other private citizens, who will charge you 5 pesos per person to drive you to the beach.

Its worth the trip!

October 1999

Contents | Previous | Next