Location: Zihuatanejo
Top Things to do in Zihuatanejo
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What to do and see in Zihuatanejo, Mexico: The Best Places and Tips
While resorts continue to spring up, "Zihua" remains determined to maintain its small-town flavor. The brick-paved "fisherman's walk," a nod to the region's seafaring roots, stretches along the town center. Because the nightlife is mostly informal, Zihua is particularly appealing to couples and those seeking an escape from coastal party towns.
Restaurants in Zihuatanejo
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 la Ropa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Many hotels and restaurants are located along this beach.
Reviewed By CAckerman228 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
This beach offers it all playing, walking, eating, snorkeling, swimming. This is the best beach in Zihua and we have stayed on others and will only stay on La Ropa (Catalina).
3. Zihuatanejo Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Reviewed By les s - Mill Valley, California
From our hotel we had a beautiful vista of the bay but when you walk around the shore you see that this is very much a working waterfront town. I loved seeing all the little fishing boats and the pangas that take people from the main dock to the good snorkeling beach Las Gatas.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Playa Las Gatas
Overall Ratings
4 based on 945 reviews
"Nurse Shark Beach" is a fun beach to explore and reachable only by boat.
Reviewed By Bearcat4 - Ontario, Canada
Hiked from Playa Ropa to Playa gatas as far as we could. Went in Back of restaurants to hike trail to lighthouse but it was blocked by construction. Lots of activities happen there. The surf is gentle and shallow which makes it quite inviting.
9. 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.
10. Playa Larga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
With almost two miles of sand, this beach is ideal for long walks, jogging or soaking up rays.
Reviewed By MABSTL531 - St Louis Missouri
Absolutely breathtaking HUGE quiet remote beach. Any hotel concierge can put you in touch with a reservation to ride on the beach. Just a casual ride next to the fantastic waves on a breathtakingly beautiful beach. Great memories. Good for family. Not needed to be an expert rider. Good for a first timer.
