Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo

Get ready for the ultimate Mexican beach adventure! Two incredible destinations await you along the Pacific Coast, just a few miles apart. But don’t be fooled, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo couldn’t be more different.

First up is Ixtapa, a stunning resort community dating back to the 1970s. With a sedate and luxurious feel, this purpose-built paradise is centered on a pristine white-sand beach, flanked by two golf courses. Here, you’ll find a plethora of 4 and 5-star all-inclusive hotels, offering the ultimate in beachfront luxury. But if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you’ll want to head to Zihuatanejo.

Made famous by the movie, Shawshank Redemption, Zihuatanejo is a former fishing village turned bustling little town, with a local feel and a picturesque setting on the Bahía de Zihuatanejo. Unlike Ixtapa, Zihua has its own appealing beaches that stretch around the bay, and numerous good restaurants and bars to boot. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of upscale boutique hotels dotting the hillsides above Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas.

To fully explore both destinations, you’ll want your own wheels, as some of the outlying beaches and attractions are fairly spread-out. In Ixtapa, you’ll find several natural attractions further west, while in Zihuatanejo, you’ll want to check out Centro, the busy heart of town, where you’ll find the municipal beach, food and craft markets, and the most authentic local restaurants.

For those on a budget, central Zihuatanejo, Lazaro Cardenas, and Playa La Madera are your best bets. Lazaro Cardenas is a quiet and mostly residential neighborhood just north of Centro, while Playa La Madera is a mostly residential neighborhood that looks out onto a shallow, swimmable beach. But no matter where you stay, you’ll be just a short walk or bus ride away from all the incredible sights and sounds that make Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo such unforgettable destinations.