Activities
Some activities you may be interested in during your stay are:
- yoga, qi gong, meditation (at Present Moment Retreat Center located next door with several offerings to the public daily; a yoga deck is expected to be put in at The Villas winter of 2013-14)
- surfing (surf lessons are available)
- boogie boarding
- paddle boarding (in Manzanilla Bay)
- horseback riding
- kayaking, hiking, eco-tours (through Costa Nativa - inquire across the street in the Pura Corazon shop)
- watching baby turtles released to the ocean (at Roberto's Bistro where there also is a turtle protection and conservation program. Turtles are generally released every Wed/Sat at 6pm)
- bike riding (bike rentals are available in the village)
- birding
- whale watching (in winter months as they migrate)
- beach combing
There are several local restaurants to choose from, all having their own specialties and ranging in budget. There are places that are very inexpensive (even for locals), some mid-range and some that are geared more towards the American tourist with tourist prices. We'd like to share favorite spots (of locals and vacationers alike) within each of these categories. All of the restaurants we mention come highly recommended.
- Cafe Pacifico. A sweet delicatessen and cafe located directly across the street from us with delicious and healthy menu options. Their coffee has the reputation as the best in town.
- Chencho's. Located across street on main road paralleling beach, right after the "T" in town.
- Rufi's. Located one block up a side road after Chencho's in the heart of town - a local's favorite. Good place to try the region's specialty (pizole) on Thursday nights.
- Orbe's. Located just up from the mini-markets on the north side of the road (on the main road that leads in and out of Troncones). This is the place for mixed plate ceviche.
- La Mexicana. The closest restaurant from The Villas heading into the village heart. Great weekly menu specials, good prices. The owner speaks English well and is very friendly.
- Lourdes. On the main road in/out of the village. Specializing in quesadillas. Very inexpensive.
- Roberto's. The only "steakhouse" in town. They are on the more pricey side of the spectrum. This is also where the turtle protection and release program is located. Baby turtles are released weekly (they have a sanctuary protecting the eggs until they hatch).
- The Inn at Manzanillo Bay. Located "just down the road" in Manzanillo Bay, about 3 miles away. Some say they have some of the best fish tacos around. Here you will pay steep U.S. prices for your meal. This is also where many Americans go to watch NFL/NBA/MBL games, so spending more for your meal may be worth it for those wanting to watch the game.
- Present Moment Retreat Center. Located just 2 doors down from us. Fantastic upscale ambiance. Great healthy food options, especially for those with food allergies or specific diets. 2-for-1 happy hour daily for juices and drinks. Organic food, vegetarian options and very comfortable for the foreign traveler. Upscale U.S. prices.
Where to Buy Groceries
There are two mini-markets to choose from to buy fresh produce and other basic staples and supplies: Gaby's and Yezmin's and are located across from one another. There is the "red fish truck" (Ruben) that comes by most days with the fresh catch of the day coming from Majahua (a fishing village just down the road) and stops at our gate. In addition you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables from Pato ("the produce man") directly from his pick up truck loaded with crates of produce. He also passes by The Villas and stops in front of our gate. Fresh food couldn't get any more convenient than that!
There are large commercial grocery stores located in Zihuatanejo (Comercial and Bodegas) for more selection on grocery and other goods that you may need. This is where a lot of people go to "stock up" and where you can find most of the items you are used to "back home." There is a Sam's Club there as well. If you don't have a car you could take the "combi" (the local shuttle bus) to get there.
There also is a local liquor store/wine shop in Troncones to keep you stocked on beverages.
