Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two beach towns on Mexico’s Pacific coast, a little over four 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 a bucolic, traditional Mexican fishing town.

Ixtapa is generally characterized by contemporary, high-rise, resort villages whereas Zihuatanejo offers the atmosphere, character, and feel of traditional Mexico—and is also host to some very fine hotels offering exceptional accommodations.

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.

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.
See Also: Water Sports in Mexico.

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. See Also: Sports Fishing in 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.

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.

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.

Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo Essentials

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 can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

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.

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.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico