Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo

Travel Guide

El Palmar Beach which includes a sunset, a sandy beach and a luxury hotel or resort
Marina Ixtapa showing a sunset and a marina
Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo
Marina Ixtapa featuring tropical scenes, street scenes and a city
El Palmar Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

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

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Playa La Ropa

While visiting Playa La Ropa, you might make a stop by sights like La Ropa Beach and Zihuatanejo Bay.

Playa La Ropa
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Playa la Madera

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Playa la Madera. A stop by La Madera Beach or Zihuatanejo Bay might round out your trip.

Playa la Madera
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Playa Las Gatas

While visiting Playa Las Gatas, you might make a stop by sights like Las Gatas Beach and Zihuatanejo Bay.

Playa Las Gatas
Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo showing street scenes and a city

Zihuatanejo Centro

Unique features of Zihuatanejo Centro include the beaches and shopping. Make a stop by La Madera Beach or Zihuatanejo Bay while you're exploring the area.

Zihuatanejo Centro
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Cerro del Vigia

Though Cerro del Vigia might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Las Gatas Beach and Zihuatanejo Bay.

Cerro del Vigia
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Almacen

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Almacen. You might want to make time for a stop at Zihuatanejo Bay or Playa Contramar.

Almacen
Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Boulevard Ixtapa, Lote 2, Playa El Palmar Ixtapa, Ixtapa, GRO
Fully refundable
The price is P9,252 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P9,252
P11,103 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Esta bien el hotel pero hay zonas en donde huele mucho a humedad, en las habitaciones y en algunos restaurantes, deberían arreglar eso"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG
Las Brisas Ixtapa

Las Brisas Ixtapa

4 out of 5
Playa Vista Hermosa, Po Box 97, Ixtapa, GRO
The price is P7,433 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,433
P8,920 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Ixtapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,486 reviews)
"People were extra friendly and very professional."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Las Brisas Ixtapa
Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive

Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive

3 out of 5
Boulevard Ixtapa S/N, Lote 4 y 4 A, Ixta Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, GRO
The price is P9,044 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P9,044
P10,852 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Ixtapa. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions La Ropa Beach and Magic World Aquapark ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was good except the elevator they have 3 but only working 1 and those doesn't have AC"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Krystal 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.
Marea Beachfront Villas

Marea Beachfront Villas

4 out of 5
Carretera a Playa Blanca Lote 28, Colonia Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, GRO
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
"Beautiful resort"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Marea Beachfront Villas
Solez Zihuatanejo

Solez Zihuatanejo

3 out of 5
Carretera Escénica a las Gatas., Lote 1. Manzana 2. Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, GRO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
"Las instalaciones muy limpias"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Solez Zihuatanejo
Arena Suites

Arena Suites

3 out of 5
Eva Samano de López Mateos s/n, Playa La Madera, Zihuatanejo, GRO
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Zihuatanejo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions La Ropa Beach and La Madera ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (103 reviews)
"Love the location. Unfortunately, we had a couple of noisy neighbors a couple of nights. They do need to replace the mattress."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Arena Suites
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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