The resorts of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo both offer the whole range of beach activities, it just depends on how you want to experience them. There’s the designed perfection of Ixtapa or the organic, higgledy-piggledy authenticity of Zihuatanejo: what’s your preferred style? Both resorts have stacks of watersports on offer and all the amenities that make a beach holiday great. With restaurants, bars, golf courses and swimming pools all over, there’s no shortage of things to do and enjoy. You’ll even find a bit of culture with a museum dedicated to some of the region’s archaeological finds.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa — The fantastic resort of Ixtapa was conceived in the 1970s, when the Mexican government decided to transform a coconut plantation into a tourist mecca. The purpose-built resort has everything a high-end visitor could want, with restaurants on the shoreline, golf courses, tennis courts and horse riding along the beach.
Zihuatanejo — Once just a humble fishing village, Zihuatanejo has become a lively and fascinating seaside towns. After Ixtapa was created, backpackers began to head here to take part in some of the beach side action and since then it has grown into a top destination. The boho town is full of artists, with galleries, crafts and artisans galore.
Barra de Potosi — A little way south of the airport, the fishing village of Barra de Potosi offers a glimpse of what life was like before the resorts came. It’s perfect for a day trip away from the beach vendors and is the place to come for a lagoon tour or a low-key fishing expedition.
Things to See in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
The mangroves and foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains give Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo a lovely, natural feel and there’s no shortage of natural wonders to see. Both districts have a delightful beach bay and offer stunning views over the Pacific ocean. Day trips to the Playa Las Gatas are common, to see the reef that was, according to legend, built by a king to let his children play in the water safely. The island of Ixtapa is also good to see on a boat trip, with a bit of snorkelling thrown into the mixl. The museum of archaeology in Zihuatanejo also has some excellent exhibitions about pre-Hispanic culture in the mesas and mountains surrounding the area.
Things to Do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
Marine life of all kinds live in the waters around Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, which means there are opportunities to snorkel with dolphins, spot whales and feed the crocodiles in the river estuary. If that’s not enough then you can try to find some turtles at the Playa Las Gatas or discover the pelicans at Los Morros de Potosi. There are more extreme sports to try too – parasailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and quad bikes can all be found. And with fishing still a significant industry in the area, the restaurants are packed with all kinds of catches – only the freshest will do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
