El Refugio de Potosí


This nature center rehabilitates injured wildlife, breeds butterflies and parrots, and contributes to environmental education in the area. The grounds are home to macaws, iguanas and an impressive 18m sperm-whale skeleton exhibit. Those interested in visiting may make arrangements by contacting the center via email. It's just inland from the beachfront, around 3.5km north of town.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Playa Larga

6.19 MILES

About 12km south of Zihuatanejo, just before the airport, Playa Larga has big surf, beachfront restaurants and horseback riding. This is where Andy…

2. Museo de Sitio Xihuacan

7 MILES

Near the archaeological site of Xihuacan, a museum houses three rooms full of Spanish-language displays, which place the local archaeological finds in a…

3. Playa Manzanillo

7.28 MILES

This secluded white-sand beach near Playa Larga offers the best snorkeling in the area. It's reachable by boat from Zihuatanejo.

4. Playa La Ropa

8.77 MILES

The gorgeous white-sand expanse of Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach) was named after a Spanish galleon that was wrecked and had its cargo of silks washed…

5. Playa Las Gatas

8.9 MILES

Isolated 'Cat Beach' is named – depending on whose story you believe – either after the whiskered nurse sharks that once inhabited its waters, or for the…

6. Playa Madera

9.5 MILES

Shallow-watered Playa Madera is good for swimming. It's a pleasant five-minute walk east from downtown along a concrete walkway (popular with young…

7. Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande

9.7 MILES

This small museum houses six rooms with exhibits on the history, archaeology and culture of the Guerrero coast. It displays feature jewelry, stone tools,…

8. Playa Municipal

9.73 MILES

In front of downtown, this is Zihua's least appealing beach for bathing, since the water could be cleaner. But the water is calm and without strong…