Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Beaches, Nature and Culture

In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, a variety of beach and nature experiences come together with insights into the region’s history. You can swim in Bahía de Zihuatanejo and enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore, observe marine life, or explore archaeological collections at the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande. There are also various activities on the water and trails for active days. Which of these sides appeals to you most can help determine the focus of your trip.

Coastal towns, a museum and fresh catch

The Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande is in central Zihuatanejo, on Paseo del Pescador and Plaza Olof Palme. Its six exhibition rooms contain objects from various archaeological zones in the region. They document the development of the populations that lived there. The museum offers a cultural perspective on the area that differs from the experiences at the beach.

Every morning at daybreak, many fishermen return to Playa Principal. You can buy fresh seafood there, including huachinango, jurel, chula, parrotfish, marlin, sailfish, tuna and gilt-head bream, as well as spiny lobsters, barnacles and various crustaceans. The early-morning catch is one of the distinctive sights at Playa Principal. Cruise ships also dock there, alongside the pier from which boat tours around the bays and fishing trips depart. A path leads from the pier to Playa Madera.

Beaches and a variety of activities

The beaches offer more than one way to spend time by the water. Playa La Ropa has calm waters that are suitable for swimming; you can also walk from one end of the beach to the other or try stand-up paddleboarding there. The waves at Playa La Madera are especially suitable for bodysurfing. Kayaking is possible at Playa Quieta. These specific differences can help you choose the focus you want, whether swimming, paddling or wave activities.

Catcha L’ola offers surf lessons at Playa Linda. Catcha L’ola also rents stand-up paddleboarding equipment and offers lessons there. If you’re planning a snorkeling trip, consider Coral Beach on La Isla: its rocky reef is home to a diverse, colorful underwater fauna. You can reach La Isla by boat from the Playa Linda pier; the trip takes no more than ten minutes.

Whale watching and sea turtles

Whale-watching tours are offered from December 15 to March 20. In addition to humpback whales, you may spot sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays. During the season, the beaches of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo are officially designated whale-watching sites. Three sea turtle species also nest on the beaches: leatherback, olive ridley and black turtle.

The “Liberar Tortugas” activity includes beach patrols, relocating nests and releasing newly hatched turtles. Opportunities to take part in a baby turtle release are offered at sunset from August through March. At the entrance to Playa Linda, there is also a fenced and protected natural estuary where crocodiles live. A viewing platform allows visitors to observe the animals.

Boat tours, a cycling route and getting there

You can book private sunset boat tours at Playa Principal in Zihuatanejo or at the Ixtapa Marina. Fishing trips can be booked at Playa Principal through the Sociedad Cooperativa de Lanchas de Recreo y Pesca Deportiva “Teniente José Azueta, S.C.L.” For exercise on land, the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Ciclopista is almost 25 kilometers long. Parque Aztlán ecological reserve also has a 6-kilometer mountain trail that leads to the summit and is used for training and a physical challenge.

If you’re traveling by car, you can take Autopista Siglo XXI or Carretera Federal 200. Autopista Siglo XXI connects the area with Morelia and the Bajío; Carretera Federal 200 leads to Acapulco and the south of the state. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport is served by daily domestic flights, including from Mexico City, Monterrey and Tijuana. These connections and the variety of destinations provide specific points of reference to help you plan the focus of your trip and your search for a suitable vacation rental.

Discover more places

Other places you can discover: Papanoa, Iguala, Técpan De Galeana, Troncones, San Marcos, El Coacoyul, San Cristóbal and Barra De Potosí.

For the broader travel overview: Guerrero.