Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo

Travel Guide

El Palmar Beach which includes tropical scenes, a sunset and a beach
Marina Ixtapa which includes a sunset and a marina
Quieta Beach featuring a sandy beach, landscape views and tropical scenes
Marina Ixtapa featuring street scenes, tropical scenes and a city
El Palmar Beach which includes 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, colorful 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 kilometer) long with quite rough waves. Surfing tournaments are often held in the bay. Walk the 5-mile (8-kilometer) 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 kilometers) 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

 #LifeAtExpedia

Beautiful place to have dinner and stay for sunset. There is a small restaurant that serves amazing fresh fish and very good drinks. Family friendly.

Travel tip: bring a small sketch book to capture ideas or inspiration from your travel. Write down food you like, ingredients or even a recipe. Names of people you meet. Ideas that come up. When you get back home, this will help bring back the feeling of connection to other places and cultures.

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
Serene Sunset
The golden glow of the setting sun highlights the many sail boats in Zihuatanejo Bay.  Thus week is Zihua Sailfest, where the boats come once a year and offer sail and music cruises for donations to local schools.  Last night was the Sail Parade to Ixtapa and back, this week Music and Sunset cruises.
All proceeds go to the schools and they hope to beat last years $7,000 donation.

Playa la Madera

4.5/5(85 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(14 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

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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

4/5(8 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 ¥19,270 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
¥19,270
¥23,124 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! (1,503 reviews)
"Incredible view"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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
Fully refundable
The price is ¥25,224 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥25,224
¥30,269 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,004 reviews)
"This place is great for families. Everyone is super friendly and hard working. We had a great time."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG
Emporio Ixtapa

Emporio Ixtapa

3.5 out of 5
Boulevard Ixtapa S.n., Ixtapa, GRO
The price is ¥13,514 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥13,514
¥16,217 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Ixtapa. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very friendly staff. The pool areas are very clean and the pool bar was my favorite thing about the hotel. The beach area could have some more lounges or a variety of lounges and hammocks."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Emporio Ixtapa
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (193 reviews)
"Beautiful resort"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Marea Beachfront Villas
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"March 2025 We had a wonderful stay at Villas del Vigia. Liceth was so pleasant and very helpful making dinner and cab reservations, as well as quickly attending to questions about the condo and surrounding area. The view from the condo and pool is breathtaking. Million $$$ view. Very spacious and ..."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Villas del Vigia
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (115 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Solez Zihuatanejo
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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