Location: Ixtapa
Top Things to do in Ixtapa
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Ixtapa, Mexico
Double your Mexican Riviera pleasure in the resort playground of Ixtapa and its quaint neighbor Zihuatanejo. The region offers a profusion of fishing charters, watersports and scuba diving sites. Ixtapa boasts high-end golf courses and lighted tennis courts. Horses are available for beach rides in Playa La Ropa and Playa Linda. Sun worshippers will find beaches that are packed with activity as well as isolated tropical oases. To really get away from it all, visit the fishing settlement of Barra de Patosi.
Restaurants in Ixtapa
1. Ciclopista de Ixtapa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By seetheworld2014 - Calgary, Canada
Just follow the reddish paved pathway to bike, run, walk and explore the area around Ixtapa, down to the marina or out to Playa Linda.
If going to Playa Linda it's about 9km one way so plan in advance, leave earlier because it was very hot even when were coming back at 10:30am! It took us about an hour and a half with some stops to bike there and back from Playa Linda. There are a couple of small 'hills' but the rest is flat. It goes through a nature conservation area where if lucky you might see a crocodile crossing the pathway, or some other wildlife along the way. We only saw and heard a lot of different birds.
In the other direction to the marina it's about 4km. There are a couple of bike rental shops that open around 8am with reasonable rates. We were using the complimentary bikes through our hotel. Make sure to take water because it's needed in that heat! The pathway is very clean and well maintained. Motorists were very respectful and stopped to let us cross the road to stay on the ciclopista.
It seems that most hotel bike tour groups are on this pathway daily between 9am and 11am so if you are on your own, you'll be in good company because there are a lot of cyclists on it at this time. If you want to avoid this busy time either go earlier or later. There were also quite a few runners in the morning.
2. Playa el Palmar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
This former coconut and mango plantation is now the best beach in Ixtapa.
Reviewed By NorthTravel - Anchorage, AK
We took a local bus from Zihua to Ixtapa to see the Zihua’s “sister” city. Realistically, there is nothing related about these two places other than they are proximal and share the same ocean. Ixtapa is a Fontura resort location planned and facilities by the Mexican government. It is a well manicured resort with all the imagination and style one would expect from a cookie cutter resort area. Nevertheless, it fits an important niche and there were no shortage of visitors enjoying the all-inclusive resorts and clean-raked Beaches. Playa el Palmar is a nice beach but the waves were quite large when we visited, so we retreated back to Playa la Ropa for the remainder of our trip. Though I find the respite from the random piles of trash dotting Zihua refreshing, this is not my personal style of vacation.
3. Ixtapa Island (Isla Ixtapa)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Since its development in 1970, this island has become a man-made paradise and wildlife reserve.
Reviewed By CowichanConnoisseur - Duncan, Canada
If you are looking for something a little different, at a very reasonable price, this is definitely worth a visit. You don't need to take the water taxi over since it is not really a true island but it is short, fun and inexpensive.. Even the Trip Advisor map is misleading. The snorkeling is a bit difficult, as one has to get across ledges & reefs to get to the water for the best areas. Not a particular exciting snorkel on the day we went, rather disappointing. The best part of beach for swimming/wading is closer to the boat dock. The farther 3/4 of beach has small, sharp rocks even though it is beautiful. Lots of venders selling typical wares.
4. Xihuacan Museum and Archeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By StormsEnd - BC
There were only four of us on this tour, so it was a very personal experience. Our guide, Carlos, was very nice, friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about showing us the history of the area. It helped that we had visited the archeological in Zihua the day before. Carlos was thrilled with that! We were picked up precisely on time and made our way quickly to the museum, where Carlos led us through the exhibits. We then went across the road where we were entertained by a father and son who do traditional dancing. The fire dance was impressive! We then went to the ball court, a local church which has one of the significant antiquities outside and a reconstructed pyramid. Lunch was not at a lagoon site, but a chicken grill in the highway. The food and service was excellent! I am sure they do the standard lunch as described, for larger groups. Overall, we enjoyed the outing very much and would definitely recommend it. It was great to get out of the town and see the nearby countryside and to learn some local culture, which we try to do on all vacations.
5. Delfiniti
Overall Ratings
4 based on 447 reviews
Reviewed By Fancyj L
To be honest I prefer to spend my money out on a boat seeing dolphins in the ocean rather than seeing them in captivity. The place is small for that many dolphins, also they charge a bit to high for the time you get. Not a great idea.
6. Playa Quieta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Located six miles from Ixtapa, this is touted as the best swimming area in the region featuring snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing.
Reviewed By rubycrites - Timmins, Canada
If you want good service and good food, I recommend you go to a different resort! ! Same food served 2 days in a row . Should bring your own lounge chair if you want to lounge by pool, not enough there. Learn Spanish because there is only a few workers that speak a little English. Pool bar is closed everyday at 6 p.m. Make Reservations for meals because a lot of people go out to eat and the restaurant's book fast. Bogart restaurant is right beside the Tersero and has amazing food as well the service is first class.
7. Playa Linda
Overall Ratings
4 based on 599 reviews
Beach with a family atmosphere featuring a cycling/inline skating path along the marina.
Reviewed By lavaSask - sask
Small shops just like being in town better deals willing to barter and you will find everything your looking for just a 15 minute bus ride out from Ixtapa for 12 peso see the crocodiles and turtle's and wild life, then watch A real Mexican show where the 5 Mexican men climb a pole 120 feet high swing up side down by ropes to the ground a part of the culture,then take water taxi for 50 peso return over to Ixtapa Island for day on one of the three Beaches to swim or snorkel which you can rent all the gear if you do not own your own gear.
On the Island there are restaurants with lots of different food at very good prices.
8. Ixtapa Island Escape
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By tunein1 - Beaumont, California
This island is nice if you like to eat at an outside restaurant. its nice to explore the island, and you can swim there also.
9. Playa Vista Hermosa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
One of several calm Beaches perfect for children.
Reviewed By SEGMN - San Diego, California
The #1 beach in Ixtapa, hands down!! It is private at Las Brisas Hotel. The sand was light in color and so soft and sugary. The water was reminiscent of the turquoise Caribbean waters. The waves were perfectly crashing and flowing up the beach. It was lovely for walking, swimming, sunbathing, photography....everything! A lifeguard was on duty and that was reassuring. We were so sad to leave :(
10. Playa Coral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Ivan P - Dearborn, Michigan
We went to playa Coral and had lots of fun. We took the boat for MX$50 per person and paid one of the restaurants for food and drinks so we could use their palapa or big umbrella. Prices were very reasonable. Playa coral was amazing for snorkeling. We paid one of the guides MX$90 for 3 people tour on the coral reef. Great service and enjoyed the time. You can rent the snorkel equipment or bring yours. Pay the guide since they know the safest places for snorkeling. Great time looking diferente fish and coral. Worth the money and the time.
We also spent time on the other beach were the dock is. Great for swimming with kids.
Good at the restaurants was delicious and affordable.
We spent 5 hours, but next time we will spend the whole day.
Definitely a must.
