Visit the Underwater Christ (Las Gatas Beach) for the Easter Holidays in Ixtapa

The Easter Holidays is one of the best times of the year to take a minivacation with your family. But where can you go during this time? Well, let me recommend one of the most amazing destinations I have ever been. Last year, when I went to Mexico City to visit a relative, she told she would take me to a beautiful city that she had discovered a few months ago: Ixtapa (state of Guerrero, Mexico). I liked it so much that I decided to spend the rest of my vacations there.

Ixtapa

In the early 70s, the Mexican government decided to create new beach resorts around the country in order to attract foreign and local tourists. It was during this time that Ixtapa was born when it had been only a coconut plantation. The government saw its potential and believed that it was going to be an ideal vacation spot. And they were right! When I first arrived I knew that I was going to find adventure anywhere I went. First of all, the hotels in Ixtapa were some of the most luxurious I have ever been and they were just a few steps away from the shoreline so I had the ocean at hand. Secondly, there were masseuses offering two-hour massages in an open air hut. Lastly, I found great places to fish, surf, snorkel and scuba dive. One of this places is called Playa Las Gatas (Las Gatas Beach).

Las Gatas Beach

Las Gatas Beach has become into the most favorite beach for everyone who stays in Ixtapa. It is one of the safest beaches since the bay protects it from the rough water of the ocean. My cousin had already been there and, since I am a fan of water sports, she told me that it was a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Even if I do not like crowded beaches very much, I decided to go anyway. Little did I know that I was going to enjoy this experience. When we got to the beach the first thing that called my attention is that there was seafood shack sharing a space together with a stand that rented scuba diving and snorkeling equipment. I wanted to explore the water first, so we were going to eat later.

Underwater Jesus Christ

The water in Ixtapa is incredibly beautiful and clear. Besides, it owns a rich marine life. As I was scuba diving, I made out some really fascinating coral reefs (something that is not very common in the Pacific Ocean) and the famous catfish which is the reason for the name of this beach (cat = gato/a). We kept scuba diving and we saw a magnificent work of art: the Underwater Christ. The Underwater Christ is bronze statue of 13 feet tall and weighs 1.5 tons. The most interest thing of the statue of Jesus is that his heart has a key. Before being underwater, the Underwater Christ was taken to the main cities of Mexico as a way to promote Ixtapa as a great vacation destination.

As you can see, Ixtapa is a beautiful place to explore for these Easter Holidays. Once you leave that beautiful city of Mexico, you will want to come back to keep exploring it for the next vacations you have. So come and visit the Underwater Christ (Las Gatas Beach) for the Easter Holidays in Ixtapa.

Romina Nieto

Image: Flickr
Author: Russ Bowling