Guide To Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

About Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two towns on the Pacific coast, a little over four miles away from each other.

Despite their proximity, these are two towns with very distinct characteristics; Ixtapa offers you the experience of a modern resort, whereas Zihuatanejo offers you the experience of a rustic, traditional Mexican fishing town.

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 Cancun-like resort on the Pacific Coast in the 1970s, chose this village 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. Ixtapa lies about 125 miles northwest of Acapulco.

Zihuatanejo is one of the most attractive coastal areas on Mexico's Pacific Ocean, frequented by Mexicans and foreigners alike, with great connections by road and air. It offers you the opportunity to experience local provincial life in 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 trail between the two towns and pedal-bikes may be rented locally if you're able and inclined to move around using 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.

Consider Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo when you're considering a vacation by the ocean with your partner, with your friends, or a place to take your family. The area offers a panoply of attractions and amenities which provide relaxation and enjoyment surrounded by a beautiful natural environment next to the majestic 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— perfect for snorkeling.

Water Sports in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

A wide variety of water activities, including sailing and windsurfing are available for you to experience in Ixtapa and 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 in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo is considered by many to be one of Mexico's finest destinations for sports fishing. Read the Mexperience 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. Horseback riding along the beach and through the coconut plantations is another option for you to experience.

Eco and Adventure Tours

In addition to local tours and horseback riding, you may also participate in a number of eco and adventure tours from Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. For the latest eco and adventure activities, inquire at your hotel.

See Also: Nature and Adventure Experiences in Mexico

Golf in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

The climate here is ideal for golf and there are several excellent golf courses in the area. Most of the course are affiliated with, or owned by, key hotels in Ixtapa.

Local Tours

Mexperience offers access to local tours and activities at and around Mexico's beach locations. Tours and activities are organized and run by well-established, professional and fully-insured operators. You can search for tours by location or category and make reservations online or by telephone. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guaranteed. Connect to the Mexperience Travel center to browse and reserve Local Tours in Mexico

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Getting There & Around

By Air - You can fly to Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo from the United States, Mexico City and Guadalajara, among others. The airport is quite close and just to the south of Zihuatanejo. Ground transportation options, including taxis and shuttles, are available from the airport. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

Airport Shuttles: If you're arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Shuttle services are available from all of Mexico's key airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable suburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belongings directly to/from your local hotel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details and to reserve your Airport Shuttle in Mexico.

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. Estrella de Oro run an executive bus service, called "Diamante"; a bus with just twenty-four seats on board offering the highest comfort and service in bus travel. The bus station is at a shopping center in Ixtapa; you will need to take a cab from there to your hotel in Ixtapa; the road trip to Zihuatanejo is about 10 miles. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car - Driving to Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo from Mexico City will take you about 8 hours. It's recommended that you take the toll roads when possible, as the journey will be faster and safer. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental - To explore Mexico's provincial towns and cities — including its beach locations and the scenery and attractions near them — consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis - Taxis in most of Mexico's beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

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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 detailed 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. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance 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.

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Hotels in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

Find Hotels and Resorts in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, browse detailed reviews and make secure reservations online or by telephone.

• Find Hotels in Ixtapa
• Find Hotels in Zihuatanejo

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, at the 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 - Nightclubs are a big part of the holiday scene in most Mexican Coastal resorts and Ixtapa is no exception. The nightclub 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.

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What to Buy in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo

Shopping in Ixtapa is generally limited to kitsch tourist items; although there are some shopping areas that offer good clothes, arts and crafts.

Shopping in Zihuatanejo offers more choice in terms of interesting purchases, including the choice of a couple of traditional 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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