Playa Troncones
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NileGuide Expert tip:
If you take a cab out, make arrangements with the driver for a return trip, especially if you are wanting to return late at night. Troncones has a small taxi fleet but can sometimes be hard to track down.Description:
Playa Troncones is a 3 1/2 mile long beach a 40-minute drive north of Zihuatanejo. Even without access to a car, it isn't that difficult to get there by either hiring a taxi driver for the day (will cost between $30 and $50), taking a bus or hitching a ride with a group of surfers heading out to catch waves on Troncones or one of the other nearby surf spots. The small village of Troncones lines the road with a few small shops and restaurants before ending in a T at the beach.The beach itself is a stunning stretch of white sand that bakes to white hot in the sun -- wear shoes! in winter months, whales can be spotted beyond the break and there is a wide variety of birds and wildlife to see year round. The waves are rough and at times overwhelming which makes it great for body surfing and boogie-boarding but dangerous if precautions and care aren't taken. There are several spots along the beach where you can rent surfboards, boogie boards, snorkling gear and more. Just ask around and you'll be pointed in the right direction.
Along the beach, there are several beachfront restaurants including the Tropic of Cancer Beach Club that has a pool for those days when the waves are too great. To get to Tropic of Cancer, turn left at the end of the access road when you get to the beach. There are several bed & breakfasts, bungalows and guest inns. Present Moment Retreat Center is a yoga resort located towards the north end of Troncones that offers daily yoga classes, spa services as well as an onsite restaurant that blends gourmet spa cuisine and local Mexican ingredients into colorful, intensely flavored dishes. Present Moment often has live music or performance art in the evening so its worth lingering through happy hour and a stunning sunset for the show. Just make sure to have lodging or return trip arrangements made as the public bus doesn't run late.
At the north end of Troncones there are two popular guesthouses that also have restaurants -- the Inn at Manzanillo Bay and Hacienda Eden. The breakpoint in front of the inns is popular for surfers. Traveling a few more minutes north along the beach access road is Mahajua Beach that is even more isolated than Troncones, with surf-worthy waves and a quiet escape for anyone taking up stay at one of the few small hotels there.
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