Informtion about Ixtapa

Villa Natura Medical Institute is staffed by caring individuals whose concern it is to help you get better and feel comfortable.

Villa Natura is located in Ixtapa, Mexico, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Spectacular Sierra Madre mountains. It is a wonderful place to stay relaxed as you go through the Wellness Center treatments program. Local Transportation

In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo you can do most things by walking, nearly everything is close by or just a relaxing walk away.

For longer distances, taxis or local buses are your best and most economic options. Taxis are plentiful and reliable, and fares are reasonable. Taxis within Zihuatanejo US$1.75 to US$3.00; within Ixtapa US$2.50 to US$5.00.

Between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo US$4.50 (El Palmar area to Downtown). Other places from US$5.00 and up.

Fares are fixed and taxis have no meters. All taxi fares have a surcharge of 50% at night (from midnight to 6 a.m.).

Fares are subject to change.

Be advised that some drivers may recommend other businesses than the one your are planning to go. The driver may be doing this because he gets a commission, not because you will get a better deal. Please use your own judgment. Also, report to the authorities and cab companies any abuse on fixed rates or discourtesy by the driver (give cab number and time of service; cab number is on the front doors).

Bus service US$0.20 to US$0.35 per person (services from 6 a.m. 'till 11 p.m.). There is bus service between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and to other nearby places. It's by far the cheapest way to move around. The buses to and from run about every 20 min.

In Ixtapa the bus stops for Zihuatanejo are located all along the Boulevard, almost in front of every hotel's entrance on the strip. From Zihuatanejo to Ixtapa they are along Ave. Morelos; look for bus signs that say IXTAPA and IXTAPA BULEVAR or you might go in another direction. The drivers are usually friendly and they will be glad to help you with their very limited English.

Currency

The official currency of Mexico is the MEXICAN PESO which is also referred as "M.N." which stands for "Moneda Nacional" (National Currency).

Bills: 20.00, 50.00, 100.00, 200.00 and 500.00 There are almost no 10.00 pesos bill in circulation, but they are still legal tender. Prices in Mexican Pesos are usually posted with only the peso sign ($50.00) or as MN$50.00 or MX$50.00; for prices in U.S.Dollars as US$10.00 or $10.00US or $10.00USD
Coin values: 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 5.00, 10.00 and 20.00

The Peso floats freely so the supply and demand sets its equivalency with others currencies.

The current peso rate is:
MX$10.50 = US$1.00
Rates may change daily due to fluctuation.

Money Exchange

Most currencies can be exchanged at the Ixtapa Palace Resort, at local banks or Casas de Cambio (Money Exchange Houses). Most banks have Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) open 24 hours, where you can use your credit card to draw cash.

Beaches

In Zihuatanejo's bay are the world famous La Madera, La Ropa, Principal and Las Gatas beaches. Ixtapa has El Palmar beach, with over 2 miles of white sands. Nearby is Playa Don Juan, Playa Don Rodrigo, Playa Quieta, Playa Las Cuatas and Playa Linda beaches, each one charming and clean. To the south of Zihuatanejo, Playa Manzanillo, Playa El iscalillo, Playa Larga and Playa Blanca beaches, among many others.

Nightlife in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo can be active, relaxing or very romantic. The Ixtapa Palace Resort offers a large variety of tours and entertainment in and nearby Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

Most tours provide round trip transportation from your hotel, experienced bilingual guides, and a super fantastic time!

International Precense

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is used as background for many international big screen movies and national television programs; it's not unusual to see a major movie star working or vacationing in our area.

One of the luxurious hotels located in Zihuatanejo's bay can be seen in the motion picture "When a Man Loves a Woman" (Touchstone Pictures, 1994) starring Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia.

Another movie that talks about Zihuatanejo is "The Shawshank Redemption" (Columbia Pictures, 1994) starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. This movie motivated many tourist to come and visit Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for the very first time. "Red's" (Morgan Freeman) famous phrase "Zih... What?" is still very fresh in the mind of the people that had fallen in love with our place.

"I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." -- Red.

 

"Our mission and passion is to plant seeds of wisdom, knowledge and understanding for the healing of our patients"

Villa Natura
Medical Institute