General Facts
Before we get started here are some general travel information you should know about visiting:
Where to Fly: Zihuatanejo (ZIH). From the airport, Zihuatanejo is about 15 minutes and Ixtapa is about 25.
Best Time to Visit: November – May. There will be less rainfall, way less humidity, and less heat. The average temperature will be 75-80 F.
Currency: Pesos – We utilized our debit and credit cards without issue. Call your bank ahead of time and inform them you are traveling.
Language: Spanish
Tipping:10-20% is standard
Power: Same as the USA with 110 Volts, 60 hertz. You usually do not need a transformer or converter, but every now and then you can find older places have 3 prong outlets requiring an adapter.
Water: Do NOT drink the tap water
Drinking Age:18 years old
Entry Requirement: U.S. citizens may enter Mexico without a Visa
The Towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo
First off, this area of Mexico is a little gem! Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are a popular destination for Mexicans in Mexico City or Guadalajara to escape city life, but still very undiscovered by tourists. The area is laid back, not crowded (except for Easter and New Years), and has a charm to it that quickly makes you fall in love! Unlike popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Acapulco this area isn’t know for its nightclubs and parties. It has more small dive bars and beach restaurants with live music and chill hangs. With that being said, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo differ greatly despite their proximity, allowing you to have 2 different experiences only 20 minutes away!
The only negative to visiting is that flights can be hard to find at certain times of the year and it can be pricey, but so worth it!
Ixtapa
Ixtapa is a beachfront all-inclusive resort town where families can relax and enjoy some rest and relaxation. The city also offers a wide range of activities, from golfing to snorkeling to horseback riding, so there’s something for everyone in the family! This area is small and quaint compared to Cancun or Playa, which makes it easy to walk from your beachfront hotel to the town. There is a beautiful walking path and tons of crosswalks, making navigating Ixtapa a breeze. In town you will find a small grocery store, restaurants, clothing stores, pharmacies, ice cream shops, Señor Frogs, and a market with vendors. While there is definitely a selection of places to have a drink, I would not consider Ixtapa a party destination. It is more like a perfect place to relax or visit with family.
Zihuatanejo
Known as Zihua, “zee-hwa,” by everyone who is local, this colorful fishing village is beautiful and full of authentic Mexican culture. The main central area is located on a gorgeous bay where you can experience traditional markets, boutiques, and restaurants and a lot of life. The beachfront basketball court is used as a plaza and meeting point on the weekends. Zihuatanejo is a beautiful part of Mexico, because while it’s frequently visited by tourists, it has its local charm! The plaza on Sundays is packed with locals and all of the bars have a fun mix of locals and tourists a like. It has incredible and high end boutique hotels for those looking for a romantic stay.
Where to Stay
Casa Above the Sea
Casa Above the Sea – it truly is a slice of heaven! I am not just biased because it is our Airbnb. It has 100% 5-star reviews. With breathtaking views from the floor to ceiling windows to greet you, this 3 bedroom 3 bathroom apartment is truly one of my favorite places to stay in the world! There is 24-hour security and a front desk to help you get a taxi at anytime. You can hear the waves crashing from the infinity pool and sip on fresh coconuts or Coronas around the covered pool bar! There is a gym, massage room, tennis court, covered kid’s pool and sand box, playground, and fishing spot. There is a full-time staff to help with all of your needs as well as our dearest friend Ramona who makes breakfast and lunch daily right in the apartment (you must pay for her groceries). There is also a path to a beautiful beach. Please note the path is absolutely breathtaking, but has a lot of stairs with zero railing so is at your own risk. We have done it with our kids who were 3 and 6 many times, but it’s a natural path so be aware. The only negative would be that it is not in the main hotel zone so it’s not walking distance to Ixtapa. It is only a 5 minute taxi though.
Thompson Zihuatanejo
If you want a beachfront hotel that is truly luxurious, check out the Thompson hotel. It is gorgeous! I do think this hotel is better for adults only or those traveling with teens as opposed to small children. This resort is high end and has beautiful architecture, incredible food, and wonderful service. If you choose to stay here you will not be disappointed. It is also a great place to get a day pass even if you choose not to stay! It is typically $75 per person, of which $50 goes towards your food and drink consumption. They aren’t always available, but you can call in the morning and ask.
Hotel Barcelo
If you have kids and want to be within walking distance to Ixtapa, I recommend Hotel Barcelo. This all-inclusive resort offers stunning ocean views, access to a variety of activities, and a kids club. You can choose from two swimming pools or have fun with the kids at their own children’s pool. Get active on 3 tennis courts as well as soccer and multi-sports court options – or make use of our fitness center for adults.
Club Med
Club Med is another all-inclusive resort that is amazing for kids! They have an incredible kids club, circus school, and are located on one of my favorite beaches for little ones called Playa Quieta, “calm beach.” They keep your kids busy with activities on the beach, sailing instruction, and even trapeze. This location is truly beautiful with incredible staff ready to make your stay amazing. My only complaint with this location is that the food we experienced was not great.
Things To Do In Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo
Whale Watching
Between January – March, Humpback whales head to the region to give birth and it is truly beautiful to witness! I highly recommend you book a boat trip if you are there during this time to try and see the beauty up close. We have been lucky many years to see them breaching the water! We also have seen so many babies throughout the years. Check out the boat tours below for some recommendations on who to see them with.
Turtle Releases
The nesting season for sea turtles in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is mostly year round, but the best time to see the little ones crawl out is between September – April.
Beaches
- Playa La Ropa: this is an absolute favorite for visitors. This mile long stretch of beach is normally calm and beautifully lined with coconut trees. You will find paddle boards and at times parasailers.
- Playa Larga: If you want miles and miles of beach without a crowd this is a great spot. Playa Larga literally means “Long Beach” and it lives up to its name. It is also a popular destination to ride horses on the beach.
- Playa Manzanillo: it is small and usually accessed by boat, but an amazing snorkeling spot!
- Playa Quieta: while most of the beach is for Club Med you can still visit this beach and enjoy how calm it is. With very little waves, it is perfect for kids!
- Isla Ixtapa: accessible by water taxi from Playa Linda or by private boat, this cute tiny island has restaurants, a beach on one side, and snorkeling on the other. If you go, make sure to get a pineapple filled with juice or vodka, a fresh coconut, or some lobster!
Rent a boat
Catamaran : El Picante is a fun catamaran option that leaves from Zihuatanejo. You can choose to rent the whole boat or go on a group tour. They offer snorkel tours in the morning and sunset sails full of dancing and drinks at night. We had the best time with the crew and highly recommend it!
Private boat: There are several options for private boats. More affordable options leave from Zihuatanejo while yachts leave from Marina Ixtapa. Prices vary greatly depending on what you want. We recently enjoyed a day on Gran Jefe II and would recommend it. Tell them The Jetsetting Family sent you!
Horseback Riding
If horseback riding on the beach sounds like a dream, Playa Larga, near Zihuatanejo is the perfect place to do it!
Jet Ski/Parasail
From the main beach in Ixtapa you can rent jet skis or parasails. You can also rent jet skis from Isla Ixtapa which is tons of fun and a great way to look for dolphins!
Deep Sea Fishing
Zihuatanejo is a fishing town so it is an incredible place to go deep sea fishing!
Diving
There are so many amazing diving spots in the area so if you have enough days I recommend planning a dive while there. I also got certified in the area at the Hotel Barcelo.
Sunday Noche Cultural
For a local experience head to “la cancha,” the basketball court in the heart of Zihuatanejo bay on Sunday night. You will see tons of locals enjoying the evening with their family. There is usually live music, bouncy castles, face painting, and more, making it a fun time for the kids.
Visit Zihuatanejo Bay at Sunrise
In the early morning it is truly beautiful to witness the fishermen return to the town with their catches to sell in the morning to locals and restaurants. These fishermen fish all night and you can often spot tiny boats with small lanterns along the coastline. The market is simple, with tarps laid on the ground showcasing their catch, all fresh and ready to be eaten that day! To see a tradition that has been going on for generations head to Paseo del Pescador (“Fisherman’s Passage”) right before sunrise.
Take a Cooking Class
The food in this region is some of the best, so why not learn to make a new delicious meal while here!
Rent a Bike
There are beautiful biking trails throughout Ixtapa so rent a bike and go on an adventure.
Restaurants
Bandidos
This is a personal favorite, an open air delicious restaurant, in the heart of Zihuatanejo. It is directly across the street from the vendor market and a few blocks from the town square. They have live music on Fridays and Saturdays, normally salsa, merengue, and cumbia as well as a dance floor. My favorite dish there is a molcajete, where your meal will be prepared with an extremely hot mortar and pestle.
Tentaciones
This is an absolute favorite although its is best for adults only (photo above). The views from this restaurant are spectacular and the attention to detail is above and beyond. They always serve a preset menu with a few options for each course. It is a very tiny restaurant that is popular so if you want to go make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Thompson Hotel
A great option if you want to fine dine with your toes in the sand. Whether its for brunch or dinner they have excellent food and an incredible environment. I highly recommend dining here especially if you choose to do a day pass.
La Casa Que Canta
This restaurant similar to Tentaciones. It sits high on the hillside with incredible views and an incredible dining experience. With candlelit tables and a lot of local cuisine, it is a great restaurant for a romantic couple’s dinner.
Reubens
If you want a delicious hamburgers that are made on a charcoal grill this is a great spot in Ixtapa. It is a perfect restaurant for families. They also have a delicious grilled plantain dessert that if you want to try you need to order when you order your meal!
La Papa Loca
A local spot and great to eat tacos as well as huge stuffed baked potatoes! Definitely a great spot for incredible and affordable food.
Emilios
While pizza may not be your first thought in Mexico, Emilio’s has amazing pizzas and salads that our kids always love!
Conclusion
Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa are hidden gems that I hope remain quiet and calm through the years. If you go, slow down and appreciate their charm, especially in the more culturally rich area of Zihua!
