Ixtapa

Ixtapa is a resort town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Guerrero . Rolling mountains and sparkling beaches. Ixtapa was planned and built in the early 1970s on a former coconut plantation and mangrove estuary near the city of Zihuatanejo , which is 5 km away.

Ixtapa is served by Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport ( ZIH IATA ), with direct domestic flights from Mexico City (Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus) and international flights from Toronto (Air Canada) and Los Angeles (Alaska).

Taxis are the easiest way to get around Ixtapa and Zihuatenejo and a couple taxi trips per day will end up being far cheaper than the cost of a rental car (plus no headaches with parking, traffic fines, getting lost, etc.) Even for relatively long day trips (like maybe to Troncones ), it's usually easier and cheaper to negotiate with a taxi driver. Lanchas are the best way to get between beaches. You can hire a water taxi at the Embarcadero on Playa Linda.

🌍 Museo Arqueologico de la Costa Grande ( Archaeology Museum ), Paseo del Pescador , ☏ +52 755-554-7552 . Tu-Su 10:00 - 18:00, closed M . A collection of treasures, history, and culture. The museum has a large variety of pottery and intriguing stone relics. ( updated Jun 2026 ) Beaches 🌍 Playa Linda . North end of Ixtapa, the beach lives up to its name and is quite beautiful, but also a bit rougher, attracting surfers to its steady waves. Playa Linda is also where you'll find boats taking visitors to Isla Ixtapa (where there are three more beaches). ( updated Jun 2026 ) 🌍 Playa Quieta . Known for its calm waters and mellow atmosphere. ( updated Jun 2026 ) 🌍 Playa Los Escalleros . Rock-strewn beach that is best for walking and admiring the ocean views and the arc of golden sands along Ixtapa. ( updated Jun 2026 ) There are three more beaches on Isla Ixtapa and several more in neighboring Zihuatenejo, including: Playa Las Gatas The waters here are known for being calm, cool, and easy to swim. There are nice, secluded areas for snorkeling and scuba diving, and a small beach shop with fabulous bikini tops. Local vendors sell delicious ice cream, snacks, crafts and other refreshments on the beach. There are small boats that take you from the town pier to the beach, with a short commute of only 10-15 minutes. Playa La Ropa One of the largest and most breathtaking beaches is known as Playa La Ropa. This beach is filled with restaurants, palm trees, and gentle waves. A taxi from town is US$3.

🌍 Cocodrilario Tamakun , Playa Linda . Daily 07:00 - 20:00 . Locally operated wildlife refuge with lots of crocodiles along with iguanas and a bevy of beautiful brids (mostly colorful tropical species like parrots and toucans). Free . ( updated Jun 2026 ) 🌍 Delfiniti ( Swim with Dolphins ), Paseo Ixtapa , ☏ +52 755 553 2707 . Daily 09:00 - 18:00 . Lively local water park where visitors can swim with dolphins. Clean and inviting space with friendly trainers who make kids feel comfortable. ( updated Jun 2026 ) Isla de Ixtapa - home to a great diversity of wildlife: raccoons, armadillos, deer, iguanas, deer, and innumerable species of native birds. Boats depart from the Embarcadero on Playa Linda and dock at Playa Varadero on Isla Ixtapa. The boats operate from 09:00 - 17:00 daily and cost M$80 per person, roundtrip. There are hiking trails on the island but most people sit on once of the beaches, where there are palapa restaurants, all serving cold drinks and light casual food, like seafood, burgers, and tacos. The three beaches on the island are: Playa Varadero - the main beach, many restaurants and bars, on the leeward side of the island so it is quieter with fewer waves and is a good beach for swimming Playa Cuachalalate - smaller beach, a bit quieter and less visited than Playa Varadero, also on the leeward side of the island Playa Coral - faces out toward the Pacific Ocean, it is rockier and can be rougher than the other two beaches, but is popular with snorkelers Vicente Guerrero National Park is one of the newest Mexico national parks , having been created in 2023. The park preserves an area of 724 hectares between the Pacific resort destinations of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo . The park includes the rocky hills of Cerro La Hedionda as well as 35% dense dry jungle and 26% mangrove swamp, along with coastal plains and savannah. The park provides natural habitat for thousands of plant species as well as 293 birds native to the state of Guerrero, 33 reptile species (mostly snakes and iguanas, but also crocodiles in the swamps) and several amphibian species (including several kinds of frogs). The park lies between Ixtapa to the northeast, Zihuatenejo to the southeast, and the Pacific ocean to the west (although the park does not include any beach area as it is developed. The park lands are east and north of Blvd Playa Linda, where you will find park entrance areas. There is no cost to enter the park. Scuba diving Ixtapa Divers PADI certified divers and instructors. Email: [email protected] Golf Ixtapa offers two top-tier courses, one on either end of the beach. The vibe is slower and more mellow than in huge resort towns and because it is not known as a "golf destination", tee times are easier to arrange and costs are more affordable. 🌍 Palma Real Golf Course , ☏ +52 755 688 2268 . Daily 06:30 - 18:30 . 18-hole, par 72 course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Beautiful setting amid natural lagoons and coconut palms with colorful flowering plants and various types of tropical fruit trees. Be careful because alligators live in the lagoons and can occasionally be seen strolling across a fairway. ( updated Jun 2026 ) 🌍 Marina Ixtapa Golf Course , Blvd. Paseo Ixtapa , ☏ +52 755 553 1410 . Daily 10:00 - 17:00 . 18-hole, par 72 course designed by Robert von Hagge. Beautiful and challenging course with coconut palm groves and rolling hills with sand dunes and small water ponds with 12 scenic bridges. The club house includes an on-site restaurant and bar, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a golf shop. Golf Digest calls it "one of the best courses in Mexico". ( updated Jun 2026 ) Horseback riding Horse riding is a very popular activity in Ixtapa. Rides are generally 1-2 hours in length and stables provide gentle tempered horses appropriate for novide riders. Many stables offer sunset rides along the beach. These are popular and often require reservations. Many stables will pick you up at your hotel then drop you off after your ride. Many hotel concierges can arrange a riding excursion, [... truncated ...]

Dining in Ixtapa features traditional Mexican cuisine alongside regional specialties of Guerrero. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — corn tortillas, salsas, and seasonal produce are staples. Local fondas and comedores serve hearty, affordable meals. Regional dishes may include local variations of moles, tamales, barbacoa, or seafood depending on the area's culinary traditions.

Local cantinas and bars in Ixtapa serve Mexican beer, mezcal, tequila, and aguas frescas. Mexico has a vibrant craft beer scene that is growing in many regions. Pulque, a traditional fermented agave drink, may be available in central Mexico. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Mexican coffee, fresh fruit juices (jugos naturales), and horchata.

Accommodation in and around Ixtapa ranges from budget hostales and family-run posadas to mid-range hotels and boutique properties. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season (December–January, Semana Santa, and local festival periods). For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

Local shops in Ixtapa offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Guerrero. Markets (mercados) are excellent places to find fresh produce, regional specialties, and handmade goods.

From Ixtapa, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Guerrero by road. The region offers scenic drives, archaeological sites, and charming towns worth a detour. Long-distance buses connect with major cities throughout Mexico. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes.