Places to Visit
Best Beaches in Zihuatanejo
- Playa La Ropa: It is the most famous and largest. Its surf is moderate, perfect for swimming, doing water sports, or eating fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurants.
- Playa Las Gatas: A spot of crystal-clear waters and very calm surf, protected by an ancient natural breakwater. It is excellent for snorkeling. It is easily reached by boat from the main pier.
- Playa Principal: Located in the center of town, it is the departure point for the water taxis and an excellent place to watch the local fishermen arrive with the catch of the day.
- Isla Ixtapa: Four calm-surf beaches: Cuachalalate, Varadero, Coral, and Sacrificio. Ideal for spending a quiet beach day; you can swim and enjoy food and drinks at the island's palapas. It can only be reached by boat departing from two points, the main pier in Zihuatanejo or the Ixtapa pier. It is best to arrive early, since the last boat returns at 6 p.m.
- Playa Larga: About 8 km from Zihuatanejo and 10 km from the airport, roughly 15 minutes from either point, it is an open-sea, semi-pristine beach, a good place for walks; horses are also rented, and there are good palapas to eat and spend the day. Be careful with the surf because it is strong. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can see dolphins surfing the waves near the shore. Location:
- Barra de Potosí: About 20 minutes south of the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport, it is a quiet fishing village and natural sanctuary. With a beautiful beach and a lagoon with mangroves that, in the rainy season, joins the sea forming a small connecting river. There are palapas to enjoy food and drinks, and boats can be rented to tour the mangrove. Location:
Places
- Paseo del Pescador y el Muelle: A cobblestone boardwalk that runs along the bay from Playa Principal to Playa Madera. Ideal for an afternoon walk, buying handicrafts, and dining on excellent local food by the sea. Location
- Ciclopista Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: A beautiful bike ride of about 25 km,
it starts next to CEUSJIC University at Del Mango 26, Col. Tulipanes, Zona Industrial, 40894 Zihuatanejo, Gro. Located at:
And it ends at the Fonatur Ixtapa Campground. Location: - Cocodrilario Tamakún: Almost at the end of Ixtapa, near the boat dock, there is a crocodile park where you can see a small reserve of alligators. Once done, you can head to the dock and cross over to Isla Ixtapa. Location:
Archaeology and Museums
- El Partenón: The famous former mansion of "El Negro" Durazo. Fully restored, it now operates as a cultural center open to the public with exhibitions.
- Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande: Located very close to Playa Principal, it displays pre-Hispanic pieces, objects from local cultures, and the history of the region.
- Zona Arqueológica Soledad de Maciel-Xihuacan (La Chole): About 35 km to the southeast (approx. 35 minutes by car). This important ceremonial center lets you discover the ancient splendor of the Costa Grande of Guerrero. It has a museum, a ball court, a ceremonial plaza, and several mounds.