Petatlán
Petatlán is a municipality located in the Costa Grande region of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It is situated on the Pacific coast, approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Zihuatanejo.
The name "Petatlán" comes from the Nahuatl language, meaning "place of petates" or "place where mats are made". A "petate" is a type of woven mat traditionally used for sleeping and sitting in Mexico.
Economically, Petatlán relies heavily on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Key agricultural products include mangoes, watermelons, and other tropical fruits. Fishing is also a significant source of income, with various types of seafood harvested from the Pacific Ocean. Tourism is growing, attracted by the beaches and relatively undeveloped nature of the area compared to more established resorts.
The town of Petatlán itself is relatively small and quiet, offering a glimpse into traditional Mexican life. It is known for its church, the Santuario del Señor de la Salud (Sanctuary of the Lord of Health), which is a popular pilgrimage site, particularly during the annual feast day.
Petatlán is part of the Costa Grande region which, while beautiful, faces socio-economic challenges, including poverty and infrastructure limitations in some areas.