Things to Do in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two adjacent cities on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Guerrero, about 4 miles apart. Zihuatanejo (locals just say ‘Zihua’) is the older fishing village — small, warm, walkable around its bay. Ixtapa is the planned resort zone built in the 1970s by FONATUR (the same agency that built Cancún) — high-rise resorts on a long stretch of beach. Together they offer two distinct vibes. The famous ‘Zihuatanejo’ from ‘Shawshank Redemption’ is the same place — and in many ways still feels like it.
Quick Facts: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is in Mexico. Best time to visit: November–April for dry and slightly cooler weather. Summer brings rain and 90°F+ heat.
🌴 Save on Your Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
View Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Packages →
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
Top 11 Things to Do in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Playa La Ropa (Zihuatanejo)
Half-mile crescent beach in Zihua bay. Calm, swimmable, lined with palapa restaurants. The Shawshank beach.
Playa Las Gatas
Short boat ride across Zihua bay — protected by a stone breakwater that may date to pre-Hispanic times. Excellent snorkeling, several beach clubs.
Zihuatanejo Centro
The compact downtown around the basketball court (the public square). Markets, taco stands, and the small Costa Grande archaeological museum.
Ixtapa Beach (Playa El Palmar)
1.5-mile beach lined with the resort row. Long, flat, with consistent shore break — body-surfing and boogie-boarding territory.
Isla Ixtapa Day Trip
Small island accessible by boat from Playa Linda — four small beaches with different conditions, snorkeling, and a few palapa restaurants.
Sportfishing Charters
Zihua bay sits over deep water close to shore — sailfish, marlin, dorado within a short run. Pangas and larger boats from the Zihuatanejo pier.
Las Pozas Cliff Pool
Natural rock pool that fills with surf surge — local kids jump from the surrounding cliffs. Modest hike from the highway.
Playa Linda Mangroves
Crocodile-spotting boat trips in the river estuary just north of Ixtapa. Half-hour ride, surprisingly close encounters.
Saturday Tianguis Market
Weekly open-air market in central Zihua — produce, household goods, real local-life shopping.
Troncones Surf Day Trip
About 30 minutes north — a working surf town with consistent beach breaks and yoga retreats.
Sunset at Playa La Madera
Smaller beach in the next bay — quieter than La Ropa, popular sunset spot for residents.
When to Go
November–April for dry and slightly cooler weather. Summer brings rain and 90°F+ heat.
Combine It With a Discounted Resort Stay
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is one of the destinations where qualified visitors can stay at resort-quality properties for a fraction of retail in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. Packages typically include 4 nights / 5 days in suite-style accommodations.
🌴 Save on Your Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
View Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Packages →
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
View Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Timeshare Promotions →