Zihuatanejo travel guide
Zihuatanejo Tourism | Zihuatanejo Guide
You're Going to Love Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo is one of the most popular destinations in the Guerrero state along with Ixtapa. While Ixtapa is a busier and more modern resort, Zihuatanejo has preserved its typical small Mexican town atmosphere.
The Bahía Zihuatanejo is the perfect place to enjoy the ocean. The white sand beaches are lined with bars, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops, but you can find quieter spots as you get further from the Centro area.
Zihuatanejo is an ideal destination if you are looking for that authentic Mexican fishing village vibe and want to discover the Guerrero state. You are going to love the busy fish market by the pier, the beaches, and the narrow streets of the Centro area!
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Zihuatanejo
1. Enjoy the Bahía Zihuatanejo
There are several beaches in the area, including the Playa la Ropa and the Playa Contramar. You can get to the more secluded Playa las Gatas by taking an open boat to cross the bay.
2. Take a Walk on the Pier
The pier is the perfect spot for an evening stroll along the sea. The pier is always a great place for people watching, and you will get to see folkloric dances and live music on Sundays during the summertime.
3. Discover the Guerrero Coast
You can learn more about the history and the archaeology of the area by visiting the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande. The area has a rich history connected to the Aztec Empire and to other groups including the Cuitlatecs and the Purépecha Empire.
4. Go Snorkeling
There is an artificial reef in the bay that dates back to pre-Columbian days. The beaches south of Zihuatanejo and Isla Ixtapa are perfect spots for snorkeling.
5. Take a Day Trip to Ixtapa
Zihuatanejo is five miles away from Ixtapa. You can stay in Zihuatanejo for a less crowded experience and still enjoy everything Ixtapa has to offer, including an amazing water park and busy nightlife, by driving there or taking a taxi.
What to do in Zihuatanejo
1. Playa la Ropa: Hit the Beach
A vacation to the popular oceanside destination of Zihua is incomplete without a day of beach related fun. This popular stretch of sand is the number one choice for visitors, and whether you are looking for chilled out vibes or thrills on the water, there is something for everyone here. While relaxing in the sun and going for a swim never gets old, the Playa also offers water sports galore and boat rentals for adventurers.
2. Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande: Today meets Yesterday
Mexico teems with indigenous cultures, making it one of the richest countries for archaeological exploration. This museum highlights the influences of different cultures on the Costa Grande, from Acapulco to Zihuatanejo. Discover craftwork and tools from the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Tarascan, and Mexican communities - it is sure to enrich your experience in Zihua and Mexico in general. Paseo del Pescador runs along the water and past the museum, full of the sights and smells of the coast.
3. Isla Ixtapa: Worlds Away
This delightful island, right off the shore of Zihuatanejo, is the ultimate destination along Guerrero's coast. A short and sunny boat ride carries you straight to paradise, where endless activities await. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions will have you right at home in the water, surrounded by the most colorful sea life imaginable. On land, kick back in the sand on Playa Coral, take a walk, and hit the restaurants for good eats and drinks. You'll wish the day would never end!
4. Playa Las Gatas: Enjoy some Variety
Beyond the frequented and jam-packed Playa la Ropa, this isolated stretch of sand beckons you from across the water. Either wander your way through the trees along the cliffside coastline or get a lift to the pristine inlet by boat. There, you can explore the shore until your heart's content, snorkel the shallow waters or make yourself at home on a pristine patch of sand. Cute little seafood restaurants line the outskirts too, meaning that once you arrive, you won't have a care in the world!
5. Delfiniti de México: Swim with Dolphins
Your Mexican coastal vacation would be incomplete without fulfilling this ultimate tourist dream - to swim with the happiest creatures on earth! Dolphins are tender, agile and sweet, not to mention adorable, and this is your chance to come face to face with the frolicking sea creatures. Capture pictures with your new best friends as you splash through the water together. There are experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities, so there is no reason to miss out.
1. Playa la Ropa: Hit the Beach
A vacation to the popular oceanside destination of Zihua is incomplete without a day of beach related fun. This popular stretch of sand is the number one choice for visitors, and whether you are looking for chilled out vibes or thrills on the water, there is something for everyone here. While relaxing in the sun and going for a swim never gets old, the Playa also offers water sports galore and boat rentals for adventurers.
2. Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande: Today meets Yesterday
Mexico teems with indigenous cultures, making it one of the richest countries for archaeological exploration. This museum highlights the influences of different cultures on the Costa Grande, from Acapulco to Zihuatanejo. Discover craftwork and tools from the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Tarascan, and Mexican communities - it is sure to enrich your experience in Zihua and Mexico in general. Paseo del Pescador runs along the water and past the museum, full of the sights and smells of the coast.
3. Isla Ixtapa: Worlds Away
This delightful island, right off the shore of Zihuatanejo, is the ultimate destination along Guerrero's coast. A short and sunny boat ride carries you straight to paradise, where endless activities await. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions will have you right at home in the water, surrounded by the most colorful sea life imaginable. On land, kick back in the sand on Playa Coral, take a walk, and hit the restaurants for good eats and drinks. You'll wish the day would never end!
4. Playa Las Gatas: Enjoy some Variety
Beyond the frequented and jam-packed Playa la Ropa, this isolated stretch of sand beckons you from across the water. Either wander your way through the trees along the cliffside coastline or get a lift to the pristine inlet by boat. There, you can explore the shore until your heart's content, snorkel the shallow waters or make yourself at home on a pristine patch of sand. Cute little seafood restaurants line the outskirts too, meaning that once you arrive, you won't have a care in the world!
5. Delfiniti de México: Swim with Dolphins
Your Mexican coastal vacation would be incomplete without fulfilling this ultimate tourist dream - to swim with the happiest creatures on earth! Dolphins are tender, agile and sweet, not to mention adorable, and this is your chance to come face to face with the frolicking sea creatures. Capture pictures with your new best friends as you splash through the water together. There are experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities, so there is no reason to miss out.
1. Playa la Ropa: Hit the Beach
A vacation to the popular oceanside destination of Zihua is incomplete without a day of beach related fun. This popular stretch of sand is the number one choice for visitors, and whether you are looking for chilled out vibes or thrills on the water, there is something for everyone here. While relaxing in the sun and going for a swim never gets old, the Playa also offers water sports galore and boat rentals for adventurers.
Where to Eat in Zihuatanejo
Your trip to Zihuatanejo is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh seafood and some foods that are typical of the Guerrero state. Porto di Mare is one of the best spots for fresh fish and fine dining. If you want a more affordable seafood spot, try the Café América. Make sure you try the pozole and the tripe served at Fonda Doña Licha and go to Casa Elvira near the fish market for traditional Mexican fare. Book at table at Rossy's for an unforgettable upscale experience and an amazing view over the water. Expect to spend Mex$50 on a meal at an affordable restaurant and Mex$150 or more for an upscale seafood place.
When to visit Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo can get crowded during the summer months since it is a popular destination among international and Mexican tourists. The weather can also get warm and humid in the summer. It is best to travel to the Guerrero coast between November and May to avoid crowds.
How to Get to Zihuatanejo
Plane
The Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) is eight miles away from Zihuatanejo. Most hotels offer free shuttles from the airport, but you can take a taxi to Zihuatanejo for Mex$35, book private transport for Mex$130, or take a colectivo for Mex$10.
Car
Taking a taxi from Ixtapa to Zihuatanejo will only cost Mex$70. You can easily drive to Zihuatanejo yourself by following Autopista del Sol or Autopista Siglo 21 if you are coming from Mexico City.
Bus
You can take a colectivo from Ixtapa for Mex$8.50. Grupo Estrella Blanca, Estrella de Oro, and other companies offer buses between major cities such as Acapulco, Morella, and Mexico City to Zihuatanejo. Bus fare between Mexico City and Zihuatanejo should cost Mex$370 while the trip from Acapulco to Zihuatanejo should cost Mex$300. The bus terminal is a few miles away from the city, and you will have to spend Mex$30 on a taxi.
Airlines serving Zihuatanejo
Where to stay in Zihuatanejo
Centro - this is an area typical of a small Mexican town and is great for shopping and people watching. The pier and its fish market are major attractions, but you will find many stores and restaurants as you get further away from the waterfront.
Popular Neighborhoods in Zihuatanejo
Playa la Madera - this beach is not far from the Centro area and is where locals go to swim. It's a great spot for seaside dining since there are many excellent seafood restaurants to choose from.
Playa la Ropa and Playa las Gatas - these beaches are located south of the city. They are less crowded and are ideal if you enjoy snorkeling or want to relax at a beach bar.
Where to stay in popular areas of Zihuatanejo
Most booked hotels in Zihuatanejo
How to Get Around Zihuatanejo
Public Transportation
Buses and colectivo vans are a convenient way to get around town. Head to Avenida Benito Juárez to find colectivos that will take you to the Playa Larga for Mex$10 or to the Playa la Ropa for Mex$7.
Taxi
Finding taxis in Zihuatanejo is very easy if you are near the pier. There is a minimum fare of Mex$30 within the city and you can go to Playa la Ropa for Mex$30 to Mex$50 or to Playa Larga for Mex$160.
Car
You can rent a car for Mex$600 a day, including insurance. There are several car rental agencies at the airport, including Alamo, Budget, and Hertz.
The Cost of Living in Zihuatanejo
Shopping Streets
There are several strip malls along the Paseo del Palmar where you can shop for clothes, jewelry, and accessories. If you want a more authentic shopping experience, explore the streets of the Centro area to find small shops that sell clothes, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. The pier and Playa Municipal are also great places to shop for souvenirs and unique crafts.
Groceries and Other
The fish market near the pier and the Mercado Municipal are the best places to shop for fresh food. You will also find a Sam's Club and a Comercial Mexicana northeast of the Centro. A loaf of bread should cost Mex$27, a dozen of eggs should cost Mex$24, and you will pay Mex$45 for a pound of ground beef.