3 Days in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo: an itinerary for first-time visitors
Posted: August 29, 2023 by Roger
Explore the charming town of Zihuatanejo on a weekend getaway. Immerse yourself in its beautiful beaches, enjoy delicious local dishes, and have experiences you'll never forget. I've prepared this itinerary for those who are visiting this tourist destination for a few days and are wondering what to do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo in three days
Planning a weekend beach getaway to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo? This 3-day itinerary could be your starting point.
A weekend at the beach is the best.
After all, who doesn’t need a break from time to time?
However, in a short trip it is important to organize beforehand. This way you will enjoy from the first minute. So, I’ll give you a little help right now. In this quick guide to 3 days or a weekend in Zihutanejo, I’ll show you lots and lots of ideas so you can modify them to your liking!
Day 1 - Explore the magical town of Zihuatanejo
From strolling through the cobblestone streets to tasting the local food, swimming in its beaches, and admiring local art, the magical town of Zihuatanejo has much to offer. Therefore, I recommend rising early and exploring as much as you can.
1. Zihuatanejo Bay
Start your day with a stroll along the beach. Let the soft sand massage your feet as you watch the sun rise over Zihuatanejo Bay. If you’re feeling energetic, go for a run or swim.
Afterwards, enjoy a good cup of coffee to brighten your morning. There are great local cafes that you’re sure to love.
2. Visit Las Gatas Beach
Many people describe Las Gatas Beach as a natural swimming pool with crystal clear waters. This is due to a rock breakwater that covers much of the beach. This makes it a perfect place for children and those who do not know how to swim. (But even though the water is calm, it is always important to be careful).
This beach is located on the edge of the bay, offering stunning views of Zihuatanejo. To get there, you can take a boat from the main pier. The trip is only 15 minutes long.
You can spend the whole day doing various activities or just relaxing and sunbathing. The return is in the afternoon, and you must do it before long lines form.
Complete Guide: Las Gatas Beach. How to Get There and What to Do
3. Enjoy a dinner with sea view
Zihuatanejo has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Would you like to have dinner with a view of the sea? Or in the center of Zihuatanejo? There you can enjoy traditional dishes, Mexican street food, gourmet Mexican and international cuisine.
Do you want to have dinner by the sea or in the center of Zihuatanejo? Zihuatanejo has many places to eat. You can enjoy typical dishes, Mexican snacks, gourmet Mexican and international food.
Whether you decide to have dinner at a restaurant in La Ropa, La Madera, or the center of Zihuatanejo, the experience will be magical if you are with the people you love or indulging in a journey with yourself.
4. Paseo del Pescador (Fishermen’s Walkway)
The Paseo del Pescador is a great place to experience the best of Zihuatanejo. You can you can go to dinner, shop for souvenirs, take a leisurely stroll, or simply relax and enjoy the views.
Every Sunday, a program called “Domingos Culturales” is held at the La Cancha Municipal (Municipal Basketball Court), which promotes local culture. People gather to enjoy the show and try the typical food. From tacos, mexican street food, desserts, and more. It is a must-see when you come to Zihuatanejo.
5. Buy local art, silver and souvenirs
Near the Paseo del Pescador you will find art shops, silversmiths, boutiques and handicrafts, where you can take many souvenirs back home.
At the Artisan Market on Calle 5 de Mayo (street), you can find a wide variety of items, many of them made by local artisans.
Day 2. Visit Ixtapa, its beaches and squares
In Ixtapa, just 10 minutes from Zihuatanejo, you’ll find many things to do. If you’re staying in the hotel zone, take the opportunity to escape from the hotel and explore beyond Playa El Palmar. You’ll be glad you did.
1. Visit the Ixtapa Island (La Isla de Ixtapa)
Ixtapa Island is a beautiful place. It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax while enjoying the ocean’s beauty.
On the island, you can go kayaking, snorkeling, and other water activities. You can also enjoy delicious food and see spectacular views from any of the beaches. It will be an unforgettable experience.
I’ve put together the ultimate guide about Ixtapa Island.
Complete Guide: Ixtapa Island: The Perfect Day Trip to Isla Ixtapa.
2. Visit the Crocodile Reserve
The crocodile sanctuary at Playa Linda is a great place to see these amazing creatures up close. Follow the instructions to stay safe and respectful of the animals and their environment.
Did you know that crocodiles can’t stick their tongues out? Unlike many animals, their tongue is attached to the roof of their mouth, so they can’t wag it like a dog or a cat. It’s just one of the quirks that make these ancient reptiles even more fascinating!
3. Explore the plazas in Ixtapa
Ixtapa has a variety of shopping centers, all interconnected by plazas and gardens. It’s a tourist resort where you’ll find everything you need to enjoy your vacation.
Along Paseo Ixtapa, in the hotel zone, you’ll find restaurants, boutiques, pizzerias, Mexican restaurants, bars, clubs, and cafes. There are also carriage rides available.
Don’t forget to take a picture of yourself in front of the giant letters in Ixtapa.
4. Visit the Marina Ixtapa
The Marina Ixtapa is another place you can’t miss during your visit. It is located in the Palmar Bay. Walking around the place will allow you to admire the beauty of the yachts and boats moored.
In the Marina area, you will also find restaurants, shops, and bars. Take a walk or enjoy a delicious dinner
Día 3. Live a tour experience
1. Enjoy a Breakfast on Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo has excellent breakfasts. What do you think about having breakfast on Playa La Madera by the sea? There are also excellent restaurants in La Ropa that serve delicious breakfasts.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your beach vacation, you’ll find affordable options in downtown Zihuatanejo. You can find delicious breakfasts for under $10 at the Municipal Market.
2. Take a tour during the day
Choose an experience that catches your eye. It could be horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, skydiving, a trip to a nearby archaeological site, a tour of downtown Zihuatanejo, the coffee route, dancing on a catamaran, or surfing at La Saladita Beach. There are so many options.
Most tours include transportation from your hotel to the tour location and back. To learn more about the best tours and experiences in Zihuatanejo, check out my guide.
Complete Guide: Tours in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
3. Watching the sunset on the beach
If you are in Ixtapa, go to El Palmar Beach to watch the sunset. If you are staying in Zihuatanejo, head to La Ropa Beach to watch the sunset. The latter is one of my favorite places. It is charming.
La Ropa is a romantic place when the sun goes down. There are restaurants by the seaside that offer enjoyable culinary experiences.
In Playa La Madera, you can also find luxury restaurants that offer an unforgettable dining experience. Be sure to book your reservation in advance, as these restaurants are often fully booked.
Finals Recommendations
I hope this itinerary is a good starting point for you to customize it. There are many beaches to visit in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, so here are the best beaches in Ixtapa Zihutanejo to help you decide which beaches to go to.
Complete Guide: 25 Things to Do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
I hope this post has been helpful for you. If you have more questions, send me a message and I might write an article about it.
Did you know?
Here are some resources to help you to organize your next trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
