Guide To Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

About Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two towns on the Pacific coast, a little over 4 miles away from each other. Despite their proximity; these are two towns with very distinct characters: Ixtapa offers you the experience of a modern resort, and Zihuatanejo offers you the experience of a rustic, traditional Mexican fishing village.

This combination offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the two contrasting choices on a Mexican coastal holiday: mix the comfort and luxury of the new with the atmosphere, character and feel of the old.

Ixtapa was a coconut plantation, until the Mexican Tourist Board, looking for a geographical location to build a Cancún-like resort on the Pacific Coast in the 1970s chose this village, which lies about 125 miles northwest of Acapulco, as the next 'big place' for Mexican tourism. Today it is host to one of Mexico's most modern resorts, offering good services and infrastructure, first class luxury hotels and amenities that meet the holidaymaker's every need.

Zihuatanejo offers you the opportunity to experience local provincial life and a quiet, relaxed and very natural atmosphere. Accommodations here range from the simple to the elegant, depending on your tastes and budget.

Both locations are set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Madre mountains, have excellent beaches and stunning natural scenery. There is a bicycle track between the two towns - and bikes can be rented locally, if you're able and inclined to move around with pedal power.

Regardless of which kind of coastal holiday you'd like to go on, this area offers you the opportunity to experience a wonderful climate, stunning natural beauty and great facilities. It is certainly one of the most attractive coastal areas on Mexico's Pacific Ocean.

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Key Attractions

Stunning Beaches

Both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo have stunning beaches for you to experience and enjoy. There are some great beaches for swimmers and surfers, and in some places the water is crystal clear - which is perfect for snorkeling.

All of the Mainstream Guidebooks give detailed information about the beaches, their locations and main attractions in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.   Find a guidebook on the Mexperience Bookshelf.

Water Sports

A wide variety of water activities, including sailing and windsurfing are available for you to experience in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo. SCUBA diving trips can also be arranged, and surfing is particularly good in this area as well.

Local Cruises

Local Boat Tours are a great way to see remote places otherwise not accessible or difficult to get to. Your tour can include stops at good places for swimming, snorkeling and diving, give you access to remote and secluded beaches, or if you just want to relax - take a sunset cruise and watch the sun melt into the Pacific Ocean in style.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Zihuatanejo is considered by many to be one of Mexico's finest destinations for Sports Fishing.  Read our Guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico!

Away from the Water

There is plenty to do away from the water, and activities include local tours that will take you into the nearby countryside to see local villages and towns, lagoons and other places of interest.  Horse riding along the beach and through the coconut plantations is another option for you to experience.

Golf in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

The climate here ideal for Golf. If you like golf, be sure to bring to bring your clubs to Ixtapa!

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can fly to Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo from the United States, Mexico City and Guadalajara, among others.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines.

By Bus - You can travel to Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo on a luxury bus from Mexico City - the trip will takes around 9 hours. A bus journey from Mexico City could be a good alternative to flying from there, especially if you have time, are on a budget and want to see the sights.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses.

By Car - Driving to Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo from Mexico City will take you about 7 hours. It's recommended that you take the toll roads when possible, as the journey will be faster and safer. Connect to more information about Toll Roads with Mexperience.

See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is quite close and just to the south of Zihuatanejo.

Taxis - Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo Taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car - If you're planning to explore the coastal region around Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, then you can rent a car from the airport. If your plans involve staying in and around the Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo areas, then there is little point in renting a car as modestly priced, local transport options are available to take you where you want to go. Organized tours arrange all transportation for you. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo.

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Local Events Calendar

No local events currently recorded.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown areas of Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo. uring business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find Hotels in Ixtapa
• Find Hotels in Zihuatanejo

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Restaurants

La Perla. Seafood. Playa la Ropa. Tel: (755) 0542700

100%. Mexican Food. Paseo de la Boquita , No. 18, Centro. Tel: (755) 5548596

Porto di Mare. European-Mediterranean. Paseo del Pescador, No. 56, Centro. Tel: (755) 5545902

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When Night Falls

In Zihuatanejo, the night scene ends around midnight, latest.

For Mexican-style all night partying and dancing, you'll need to stay in, or go over to, Ixtapa.  Here you'll find the usual nocturnal offerings that will keep anyone looking for lively night life happy until the sun comes up.

Locally Hosted Parties - Many of the major Hotels host their own parties which include dinner, dancing, a show and all drinks for a fixed fee.   Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - Night Clubs are a big part of the holiday scene in most Mexican Coastal resorts and Ixtapa is no exception. The night club scene starts at around midnight and ends when the sun rises! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - Ixtapa has an excellent selection of local, national and international names and brands for night bars and restaurant life.

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What to Buy in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

Shopping in Ixtapa is generally limited to tourist fare and wear; although there are some shopping areas that offer good clothes, arts and crafts. Zihuatanejo offers more choice in terms of interesting purchases, including the choice of a couple of markets and specialist Mexican craft shops.

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Local Climate

Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo are hot and humid year-round. The rainy season is May to October, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off.   September brings the highest levels of humidity and sees the heaviest of the rains.

Live Weather Report:

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