Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo

Travel Guide
Marina Ixtapa which includes a sunset and a marina
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

Emporio Ixtapa
Emporio Ixtapa
3.5 out of 5
Boulevard Ixtapa S.n., Ixtapa, GRO
The price is $84 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$84
per night
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the WiFi and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"It probably was really nice they just need more restaurants I had just one problem with the night security I put my things on the Cabana bed and he taking the things off and let someone else use it I was going for breakfast I went to the front desk to explain all they did is give me the ..."

Reviewed on May 12, 2023

Emporio Ixtapa
Las Brisas Ixtapa
Las Brisas Ixtapa
4 out of 5
Playa Vista Hermosa, Po Box 97, Ixtapa, GRO
The price is $106 per night from Jun 28 to Jun 29
$106
per night
Jun 28 - Jun 29
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Good food, excellent customer service , private beach"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

Las Brisas Ixtapa
Barceló Ixtapa All Inclusive
Barceló Ixtapa All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
1 Blvd Ixtapa S/n, Ixtapa, GRO
Fully refundable
The price is $179 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$179
per night
Jul 2 - Jul 3
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 and the bathrooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (684 reviews)
"Easy check-in, very friendly helpful staff. The food choices at the buffets were good and although the property is not new, it is clean and well maintained. The only thing I would change is the music played during the day. After a while the techno, house music grates on the nerves and cannot relax. ..."

Reviewed on May 2, 2023

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.
Arena Suites
Arena Suites
3 out of 5
Eva Samano de López Mateos s/n, Playa La Madera, Zihuatanejo, GRO, 4880
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (60 reviews)
Great location on Madera Beach
"We enjoyed our eight night stay at Arena Suites. The location is perfect - directly above Madera Beach. Our room was comfortable and the outdoor kitchen/living area was great fun. The kitchen was well equipped and all appliances worked. Water was hot and plentiful - always nice to have. Each day ..."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2023

Arena Suites
Marea Beachfront Villas
Marea Beachfront Villas
4 out of 5
Carretera a Playa Blanca Lote 28, Colonia Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, GRO, 40880
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (127 reviews)
"I loved the Villa. I didn’t like that there was no hot water for showers. And the restaurants food was just OK. My husband got sick with Diarrhea after eating chicken nuggets and french fries. Thankfully, a manager lady and the beverage guy at the restaurant helped with suggestions and gave me white ..."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2023

Marea Beachfront Villas
Condominio 02 recamaras Enna Inn Ixtapa
Condominio 02 recamaras Enna Inn Ixtapa
Blvd. Paseo Ixtapa, Ixtapa, Gro., 40880
Stay at this beach apartment in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions El Palmar Beach and Delfiniti are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Excelente servicio y hospitalidad"

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2023

Condominio 02 recamaras Enna Inn 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.

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