Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo: Beaches & Travel Guide
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are twin Pacific destinations in the state of Guerrero — a planned resort zone beside an old fishing town, with calm beaches, diving and sport fishing.
About Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are twin Pacific destinations in the state of Guerrero, about five minutes apart and marketed as one. Ixtapa is the planned resort zone of modern hotels and golf; Zihuatanejo keeps the feel of an old fishing town around a pretty bay. Together they offer calm beaches, diving and sport fishing. US travelers should read the safety section below before planning a trip.
How to get to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) has some seasonal direct flights from the US in winter; the rest of the year most travelers connect through Mexico City. By road it is about 200 km (roughly 3–4 hours) north of Acapulco.
Best time to visit
November to April is the dry, sunny high season. May to October is hotter and humid, within the Pacific hurricane season (June–November).
Best beaches and things to do
In Zihuatanejo: Playa La Ropa, Playa Las Gatas (reach it by panga boat; great for snorkeling) and Playa La Madera. In Ixtapa: Playa El Palmar and Playa Linda, with boat trips to Ixtapa Island. The area has more than 25 dive sites and excellent deep-sea fishing for sailfish and marlin.
Where to stay
Stay in Ixtapa for big resorts and a planned beachfront, or in Zihuatanejo for boutique hotels and a more traditional town around the bay (Playa La Ropa is the prime beach address).
Is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo safe for tourists?
The US Department of State currently advises “Do Not Travel” (Level 4) to the state of Guerrero because of crime and kidnapping — its highest advisory level. The resorts draw mainly domestic and seasonal visitors. If you still choose to visit, weigh this carefully: most visitors fly in rather than drive, stay in the main tourist areas, and avoid traveling between cities, especially at night. Read the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory in full before planning your trip.
Mexico's Pacific Coast: Nearby Destinations
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo can be combined with other Pacific destinations. Acapulco, Mexico's most traditional beach city, is about 3 hours south. To the north, Puerto Escondido and Huatulco offer equally spectacular landscapes in Oaxaca. Check our Mexico vacation packages.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo?
On the Pacific coast of the state of Guerrero, about 200 km north of Acapulco. They are two neighboring towns promoted as a single destination.
How do I get to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo?
Fly into Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), which has seasonal direct US flights in winter; the rest of the year most travelers connect through Mexico City.
What are the best beaches?
In Zihuatanejo: Playa La Ropa, Playa Las Gatas and Playa La Madera. In Ixtapa: Playa El Palmar and Playa Linda, plus Ixtapa Island for snorkeling.
When is the best time to visit?
November to April for dry, sunny weather. The Pacific hurricane season runs June to November.
Is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo safe for tourists?
The US State Department advises Do Not Travel (Level 4) to the state of Guerrero, where Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is located. Read the full, current US advisory and weigh it carefully before planning a trip.