About Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo is nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful stretch of Mexican coastline called “La Costa Grande” — “The Great Coast” — which runs from Acapulco up to the Michoacan state border. The surrounding mountains and the gorgeous protected Zihuatanejo Bay foster a sense of idyllic seclusion and have also helped prevent this lovely little fishing village from growing to an uncomfortably crowded tourist trap. Still, Zihuatanejo has grown organically in the past 4 decades, achieving a quirky blend of modern convenience and traditional Mexican lifestyles. There are two major grocery stores, coffee shops & international cuisine restaurants and broadband internet services but many people still do most of their shopping at the central open-air market as well as making purchases from door-to-door vendors who sell freshly baked breads, fruit, tamales and refreshing agua frescas. Recent years has brought the Food and Wine Food Festival as well as many talented international musicians to the annual Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival but our most popular cultural event is still the Sunday gatherings at la cancha (the town square located at the basketball courts in downtown Zihua). These Domingos culturales are a true “family night” with local children’s dance recitals, political speeches, live music, artisan markets and street food stands.

Just 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) away, Ixtapa is a counter-balance to Zihuatanejo’s quaint fishing village roots with luxury hotels, golf courses and late night clubs. Between the two twin cities, vacationers get the best of both worlds in terms of luxury, beaches, shopping, recreational activities and more. Beyond Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, there are several small beachside communities including Troncones & Saladita to the north and Barra de Potosi to the south. Troncones is a recommended day trip for guests with several beach restaurants, hotels and a yoga retreat center lining the beach. 15 minutes further, Saladita is a popular surf spot. Barra de Potosi is home to a wildlife refuge, a lagoon and many hammocks perfect for lounging and rocking away the day.

As Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo attracts more and more international visitors, the demand for high quality service, unique art and fashion and gourmet cuisine increases. Still, this town will always first and foremost be a tropical paradise with its tranquil beaches, excellent deep sea fishing, abundant coconut mangroves and proud Mexican heritage.