Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo

Travel Guide

El Palmar Beach featuring a sunset, tropical scenes and a luxury hotel or resort
Marina Ixtapa featuring a sunset and a marina
Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo
Marina Ixtapa which includes tropical scenes, a city and street scenes
El Palmar Beach showing a beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Enjoy a relaxing break with the family at Ixtapa’s beach resort where you can see exotic birds, colourful reef coral and sly crocodiles.

Ixtapa (pronounced eesh-tapa) is a coastal town full of oceanfront hotels and golf resorts in the southwest Mexican state of Guerrero. Its countless beaches and islands are surrounded by warm water year-round. The area is known for its crocodiles, rare birds and coral reef.

Follow the bicycle path to Playa Linda (Beautiful Beach) in the north of Ixtapa. Investigate the crocodile sanctuary in a forest next to the beach. The reptiles have been known to wander onto the beach on rare occasions. Look for exotic birds, fish and iguanas as well.

Take a horseback ride along the shore. The sandy beach is 0.6 miles (1 kilometre) long with quite rough waves. Surfing tournaments are often held in the bay. Walk the 5-mile (8-kilometre) nature trail at nearby Parque Aztlan where you can spy extraordinary birds and picturesque scenery.

Hire a panga (a small motor boat) driver to take you to Ixtapa Island or use the collective water taxi from Playa Blanca. Try scuba diving or snorkeling around the coral reef just off shore. From your panga or larger charter, catch a dorado or sailfish and have an island restaurant grill it for your dinner. Visit other beaches on the islet for a bit of variety.

Drive south 15 miles (25 kilometres) to reach Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach), a bay with seafood restaurants built into the cliffs. Take a surfboard out onto the rolling waves or try parasailing or Jetskiing. Mingle with residents at one of the local bars. Paddle a kayak to Playa Las Gatas (Cats Beach) for a tranquil refuge away from crowds.

Nearby get a massage at a hut along Playa El Palmar (Palm Grove Beach). Once a coconut and mango plantation, the beach is now a picturesque vacationer’s dream. Play beach volleyball with friends. Round out the day with a perfect Ixtapa sunset over the water on the west-facing beach.

You can fly to Ixtapa from many U.S. airports or arrive by boat.

Where to stay in Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo

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Playa La Ropa

While visiting Playa La Ropa, you might make a stop by sights like La Ropa Beach and Zihuatanejo Bay.

Playa La Ropa
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Playa la Madera

4.5/5(48 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Playa la Madera. A stop by La Madera Beach or Zihuatanejo Bay might round out your trip.

Playa la Madera
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Playa Las Gatas

While visiting Playa Las Gatas, you might make a stop by sights like Las Gatas Beach and Zihuatanejo Bay.

Playa Las Gatas
Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo featuring street scenes and a city

Zihuatanejo Centro

4/5(13 area reviews)

Unique features of Zihuatanejo Centro include the beaches and shopping. Make a stop by La Madera Beach or Zihuatanejo Bay while you're exploring the area.

Zihuatanejo Centro
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Cerro del Vigia

Though Cerro del Vigia might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Las Gatas Beach and Zihuatanejo Bay.

Cerro del Vigia
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Almacen

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Almacen. You might want to make time for a stop at Zihuatanejo Bay or Playa Contramar.

Almacen
Las Brisas Ixtapa

Las Brisas Ixtapa

4 out of 5
Playa Vista Hermosa, Po Box 97, Ixtapa, GRO
The price is CA $157 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
CA $157
CA $189 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,527 reviews)
"Pools between trees, buildings between hills in tropical landscape, quite and respectful ambience"

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Las Brisas Ixtapa
Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Boulevard Ixtapa, Lote 2, Playa El Palmar Ixtapa, Ixtapa, GRO
The price is CA $202 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
CA $202
CA $243 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Varios de los empleados tienen grandes áreas de oportunidad, mal capacitados y poco amables, en especial el Sr. Ramiro, capitán de botones, muy descortés y prepotente. Tanto así que al comentarlo con gerencia, comentaron que el Sr es todo un caso. Mejorar capacitación en empleados. Otra persona en ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2025

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG
Barceló Ixtapa All Inclusive

Barceló Ixtapa All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
1 Blvd Ixtapa S/n, Ixtapa, GRO
The price is CA $243 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
CA $243
CA $292 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Everyone there was friendly, professional and courteous all of the time."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Barceló Ixtapa All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marea Beachfront Villas

Marea Beachfront Villas

4 out of 5
Carretera a Playa Blanca Lote 28, Colonia Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, GRO
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Marea Beachfront Villas
Solez Zihuatanejo

Solez Zihuatanejo

3 out of 5
Carretera Escénica a las Gatas., Lote 1. Manzana 2. Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, GRO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Solez Zihuatanejo
Villas del Vigia

Villas del Vigia

4 out of 5
Cerro del Vigia Playa la Ropa, Zihuatanejo, GRO
Stay at this 4-star villa in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions La Ropa Beach and Virgin of the Tree are located ...
Villas del Vigia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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