Ixtapa Zihuatanejo: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Posted: March 3, 2025 by Roger
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, a magical paradise on Mexico's Pacific Coast, is located on the Costa Grande of the State of Guerrero. In this complete travel guide to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, you will find tips on what to do, how to get around, costs, hotels, experiences, and more. Make this trip an experience you will never forget.
Looking to plan your trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo? You’ve come to the right place!
I live in Zihuatanejo, so I can help you explore this magical place. In this blog, you’ll find things to know before traveling to Zihuatanejo.
To start, here are 6 tips for planning your trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo from scratch. I hope this travel guide to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is helpful.
1. When to visit Ixtapa Zihuatanejo and how many days?
The best time
What is the best time to visit Zihuatanejo? This is a common question for first-time visitors to Zihuatanejo.
If you can choose your dates, I recommend visiting between November and April. However, if your vacation falls during another season, don’t worry. You can still enjoy this tropical paradise.
The top reason to visit Zihuatanejo between November and April is the weather. During those months, it’s warm and sunny, but not as scorching as it gets in the summer. From November to February, the average daily high stays below 25 degrees Celsius. It’s ideal for anyone fed up with chilly winters back home and craving a sun-soaked getaway.
From May to August, the weather in Zihuatanejo turns up the heat, but don’t worry—it’s all part of the charm! A quick dip in the sea will cool you off in no time. That’s why summer holidays, weekends, and festive breaks bring crowds of tourists flocking to this coastal gem.
September and October are the offseason in Zihuatanejo. Traveling to in the offseason is the best! Why? Because you can experience all the major sights without having to elbow other tourists and save loads of money as well. Also hotels and airlines offer discounts during this time of year. After all, who doesn’t love a beach getaway?
Complete Guide: The Best Time to Visit Zihuatanejo
How many days?
The sweet spot for a trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is about a week. Some international travelers linger for a month or more, soaking it all in, while others love popping in for several short visits throughout the year—even if it’s just for a few days.
Flying in Maximize your time to enjoy this paradise. If you’re driving or taking a bus, factor in the travel hours to reach Zihuatanejo—a short stay might not give you the full experience this destination has in store.
But if you only have a few days, don’t worry! I have also written a 3-day itinerary for Ixtapa Zihuatanejo that works for a weekend getaway too. I think it will help you.
No matter how long you’re staying, make the most of every moment from the moment you arrive and fully enjoy your vacation.
2. Where to stay in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo?
Booking your accommodation might just be the most crucial step when planning a trip to Zihuatanejo. Like most of us, you’re probably hunting for the best bang for your buck—and that means doing a little homework.
My top tip? Lock in your stay as soon as you’ve got your dates nailed down.
Dive into those reviews and think about what matters most to you. Are you just looking for a comfy spot to crash? Does it need to be steps from the beach? Craving an ocean view? Keeping it budget-friendly? Want to be right in the heart of things, or maybe in a quiet, exclusive nook?
Kick off your search early to get a sense of prices. With a bit of time on your side, you’ll snag the perfect place to kick back and relax.
La Casa que canta, a small luxury hotel
Thompson Zihuatanejo: 5-star resort. Private beach, infinity pool, gourmet restaurant. Stylish rooms with balcony and WiFi. Renovated with mid-century style. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations or events.
Hotel Casa Sun and Moon
The Hotel Casa Sun and Moon, just 5 minutes from Las Gatas and La Ropa beaches, offers comfort and ocean views. Modern rooms feature air conditioning, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy Mexican cuisine at the beachfront restaurant or use the shared kitchen. An ideal choice for a simple and pleasant stay near the coast.
Zihuatanejo Hotel Irma
Hotel Irma is a 4-star hotel perched on a cliff in La Madera, just steps away from the beach, restaurants, shops, and downtown Zihuatanejo. It features rooms with Mediterranean decor, a restaurant serving Mexican cuisine, and additional amenities to enhance your stay.
Pie de Playa la Ropa
Pie de Playa la Ropa, located just steps from La Ropa Beach in Zihuatanejo, offers air-conditioned rooms for a comfortable stay. Situated within a 15-minute walk from La Madera Beach and 1.3 miles from Principal Beach, the hotel features family rooms.
Thompson Zihuatanejo, a Beach Restort
Thompson Zihuatanejo: 5-star resort. Private beach, infinity pool, gourmet restaurant. Stylish rooms with balcony and WiFi. Renovated with mid-century style. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations or events.
Hotel Villas Emma
Hotel Villas Ema in Zihuatanejo, just 2 minutes from La Ropa Beach, offers accommodation with a pool, free parking, and wifi. Rooms feature private bathrooms, TV, and air conditioning, some with ocean views and balconies. Close to Playa La Madera and Playa Principal.
Villa Miramar
The Hotel Casa Sun and Moon, just 5 minutes from Las Gatas and La Ropa beaches, offers comfort and ocean views. Modern rooms feature air conditioning, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy Mexican cuisine at the beachfront restaurant or use the shared kitchen. An ideal choice for a simple and pleasant stay near the coast.
Complete Guide: Hotels in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
What’s the best area?
One of the most beautiful and exclusive areas in Zihuatanejo is Playa La Ropa (La Ropa Beach). Here, you can soak up a peaceful, natural vibe. Whether you’re into hotels, resorts, bungalows, or luxury apartments, there’s something for every taste.
La Madera and Zihuatanejo Downtown are lively, central spots that are super easy to get around. You’ll find accommodations with stunning ocean views there. Plus, just steps from the center, there are budget-friendly hotels that are clean, stylish, and won’t break the bank.
Over in Ixtapa, you’ve got all-inclusive hotels, apartments, and vacation homes perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Troncones is a hidden gem in Mexico, boasting luxury villas and summer homes that are ideal for long escapes from the city hustle. It’s a secluded paradise with jaw-dropping ocean views.
3. Things To Do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
As you plan your trip, you might be wondering what to see in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time. When traveling, we all want to squeeze every drop of adventure out of our days and see as much as possible.
As you plan your trip, you may be wondering what to see in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. It can be overwhelming, especially if you only have a few days. When traveling, one always wants to make the most of their time and see as much as possible.
Save These Guidelines for Organizing a Trip to Zihuatanejo
Bookmark these guides—they’ll steer you in the right direction and make planning a breeze.
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3 Days in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo: an itinerary for first-time visitors. This travel itinerary maps out must-do activities in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo for a short trip, like a weekend getaway.
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25 Things to Do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. From strolling the fisherman’s walkway to exploring the Craft Market, Archaeological Museum, and diving into water activities—there’s so much to enjoy!
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Discounts and Promotions. Check out exclusive deals and special discounts just for ZihuaMágico readers.
The Beaches
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is home to a stunning variety of beaches, each with its own special vibe. Whether you’re drawn to turquoise waters and soft white sand, crashing waves perfect for surfing, or calm shores ideal for kids, this destination has it all.
Many travelers rave about Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, calling it a true tropical paradise. If you’re planning your next getaway, make sure to include Zihuatanejo Bay on your must-visit list.
For a laid-back day soaking up the sun, head to La Ropa Beach or Las Gatas Beach—they’re perfect for unwinding. If surfing’s more your style, grab your board and check out Playa Linda or La Saladita Beach for some awesome waves!
Whatever you choose, I’d suggest doing a little research on the beach you’re eyeing to make the most of your trip.
Here’s a handy guide to the beaches:
- La Ropa Beach
- Las Gatas Beach
- El Palmar Beach
- Ixtapa Island (Isla Ixtapa)
- Troncones Beach
Complete Guide: The Best Beaches in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
Tours & Excursions
Explore Ixtapa Zihuatanejo with tours and experiences to make your vacation epic.
There are several tours offered by different companies, such as beach tours that include round-trip transportation from your hotel, food, and some water activities.
In addition to beach tours, there are many other activities available, such as kayaking, horseback riding, snorkeling, visiting archaeological sites and hiking.
To help you choose which tour to take, how long it lasts, and what it includes, I have prepared the following guide.
Complete Guide: The 10 Best Tours & Excursions in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
What to Do for Free in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo may not be the cheapest vacation destination, but it’s packed with free and affordable activities that will make your wallet happy.
If you’re looking for a free and easy way to experience, take a walk along the Paseo del Pescador (Fisherman’s Walkway). In the heart of Zihuatanejo, you’ll enjoy the best view of Bay.
The boardwalk leading to La Madera Beach is a must-see for any visitor to Zihuatanejo. Bring your camera and snap some beautiful photos to share with your friends.
Every Sunday, the Cancha Municipal (municipal basketball court) hosts a program called “Domingos Culturales”. This event features folk dancing, local artists, and performances to entertain the public. You can also enjoy delicious local food.
Exploring Other Places from Zihuatanejo
Are you planning to visit other places during your upcoming trip to Zihuatanejo? Consider touring the Triángulo del Sol (Triangle of the Sun) in the state of Guerrero, comprised of three top tourist destinations: Acapulco, Taxco, and Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
Other places of interest in the state of Michoacán include Playa Azul, Pátzcuaro, Quiroga, and Morelia. When you come to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, you can take the opportunity to explore these places as well.
4. Airport and how to get around
How to get around in Zihuatanejo? It all begins when you step off the plane, go through security, and collect your baggage.
The international airport of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is located about 7 miles from Zihuatanejo, which takes roughly 15 minutes from Zihuatanejo and 20 minutes from Ixtapa.
If your lodging does not include airport transportation, you can request a taxi within the airport.
Another option is to rent a car to comfortably move around the area.
Taxis. If you arrive by bus, you’ll find taxis waiting for passengers outside the central station. Remember that fares are usually higher at night and public transportation stops running at 9pm.
Is there Uber in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo? No, there is no Uber in Zihuatanejo. There are no Uber transfers from the airport to Ixtapa. There’s also no Didi in Zihuatanejo, nor any other taxi app. If you Google ‘uber ixtapa zihuatanejo’ you might come across false information. I live in Zihuatanejo, and I can tell you there’s definitely no Uber there in Zihuatanejo, no Uber in Ixtapa, and there’s no Uber in Guerrero State. No Uber Eats in Zihuatanejo either.
Public Transportation. The most economical way to travel is by using public transportation. It can easily take you to most nearby beaches. For example, to go to Playa La Ropa, you can take the van at Kyoto Plaza or in front of the municipal market.There are frequent departures.
To get to Ixtapa, simply look for a van with the sign “Ixtapa.” Ask the driver if it goes to your destination.
If you are traveling by car, great! You do not have to worry about anything except finding parking, especially during peak season.
5. Traveling to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo with children.
Are you considering traveling to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo with your children? Great!
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little stressed when planning a trip to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo with kids. But rest assured that there are plenty of family-friendly options available in this popular destination.
6. Events calendar in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
At ZihuaMágico, we’ve created an events calendar to help you make the most of your visit, no matter what time of year you come.
It’s simple. Just pick the season or month you’re traveling, and we’ll show you what’s happening.
Complete Guide: Events 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.
