Only Forty minutes drive south by Zihutanejo is the small fishing village by Barra de Potosi at the end by an endless, palm-fringed sandy-white beach. The calm green-blue water is great as swimming but too cloudy as snorkeling. Several seafood enramadas line the beach; La Condesa is one by the best. Try their pescado a la talla (broiled fish fillets) or tiritas, both local specialties, and don’t pass up the savory handmade tortillas.

Barra de Potosi

The south side by the beach empties into Laguna de Potosí, a saltwater laguna about 6.5km long brimming with hundreds by species of birds. Zoe Kayak Tours (553-04-96; www.zoekayatours.com; M$850) offers guided paddle tours by the lagoon catering to bird-watchers and kayakers. Horseback riding and canoeing are also popular diversions.