Discover Ixtapa Zihuatanejo: A Mexican Gem on the Costa Grande
Located less than an hour’s flight from Mexico City, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is a picturesque tourist destination on Mexico’s Costa Grande in Guerrero. This unique pairing offers the perfect blend of adventure, adrenaline, and unforgettable experiences in nature for those seeking a memorable summer getaway.
Ixtapa: Luxury Resorts and Modern Amenities
Ixtapa is known for its upscale resorts, providing modern amenities and luxury accommodations. It caters to travelers looking for comfort and relaxation in a contemporary setting.
Zihuatanejo: Preserving Authentic Charm
In contrast, Zihuatanejo maintains its local charm and authenticity. This quaint town offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican life, with warm hospitality and rich cultural experiences.
Exploring the Destinations
Isla Ixtapa: Four Hidden Gems for Snorkeling and Relaxation
Accessible from Playa Linda, Isla Ixtapa boasts four small, secluded beaches: Cuachalalate, Varadero, Coral, and Sacrificio. These pristine beaches are ideal for snorkeling, unwinding, and engaging in natural adventures.
Zihuatanejo’s Renowned Beaches
Zihuatanejo features famous beaches like La Ropa, La Madera, and Las Gatas. The latter is perfect for surfing and snorkeling, accessible only by boat. This destination is a prime spot for surfing, observing marine turtles (laúd, golfina, and black species), engaging in sport fishing, and spotting dolphins, whales, and diverse marine life.
Enjoy guided tours on all-terrain vehicles, explore a more than 10 km cycling path, and indulge in ecotourism activities at reserves like Parque Aztlán.
Thrilling Activities for the Adventurous
- Surfing and Bodyboarding: Playa Linda, north of Ixtapa, offers consistent waves suitable for experienced surfers. The nearby community of Troncones is a well-kept secret in the Mexican Pacific, with its laid-back atmosphere and perfect waves that have captivated surfers worldwide. Multiple surf schools offer private and group lessons with all necessary equipment.
- Paddleboarding and Kayaking: For a gentler yet unforgettable experience, paddleboarding and kayaking allow you to explore crystal-clear waters at your own pace. Imagine paddling at dawn through Zihuatanejo Bay, surrounded by lush green hills and a mystical ambiance. Alternatively, kayak to Isla Ixtapa or Laguna de Potosí for an adventure.
- Sport Fishing: Experience excitement and fulfillment on open waters with sport fishing. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is internationally recognized as one of the best sport fishing destinations in the Pacific, where you can catch blue marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. Join guided boat trips with experienced professionals for a full-day adventure.
- Jet Ski, Banana Boat, and Sailing: For speed and adrenaline, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offer motorized activities and adventures. Ride a jet ski along the coast, feeling the wind in your face, or sail on a yacht around Zihuatanejo Bay, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the beaches and mountains.
The Partenon: A Controversial Mexican Icon
Built in the early 1980s by Arturo “El Negro” Durazo Moreno, the former police chief of Mexico City and a prominent yet controversial figure in Mexican politics, the Partenon stands atop a hill in Zihuatanejo with a stunning view of the bay.
Inspired by the Partenon in Athens, this mansion features Greek columns, statues, grand staircases, and opulent excess.
The Partenon, Zihuatanejo
For years, the mansion lay abandoned, in ruins and shrouded in mystery. In March 2025, the Guerrero state government and Zihuatanejo municipality announced its restoration as a cultural and tourist space.
Today, the Partenon operates as a cultural center, open to the public with guided tours, art exhibitions, cultural activities, and community events.
