About Ixtapa
Visitors in search of an easygoing Mexican vacation amid the sparkling waters of Pacific Ocean will find Ixtapa readily meets all of their desires.
Crescent-shaped El Palmar Beach, with its modern hotels, friendly bars, and cozy restaurants, offers an ideal base to enjoy the splendors of the region.
Explore Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo
Overview
Once a coconut plantation, Ixtapa was transformed into an intriguing vacation destination in the early 1970s. Located in Zihuatanejo de Azueta, in the Mexican state of Guerrero, Ixtapa lies about 152 miles from sunny Acapulco. Los Morros de Potosi and the Ixtapa Lagoon are popular dive sites.
There are also many opportunities for sportfishing for yellowtail, black tuna, cooker, Spanish mackerel, and more.
For those seeking to explore further afield, neighboring Zihuatanejo offers a diverting excursion. Barra de Potosi Beach, at the end of Playa Blanca, offers a stunning array of waterfowl on the shores of a large lagoon.
What To Do
Snorkel the calm waters at Playa Gata and see hundreds of species of fish or swim with friendly dolphins at the kid-friendly Delfiniti Dolphinarium.
Go horseback riding on the soft sands of Playa Larga beach through coconut plantations and mangrove trees in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area.
Sail, kayak, and bird-watch along lovely Barra de Potosi beach in the south. Watch dolphins and whales play in the waves, and turtles lay their eggs along the shore, between October and March.
What To See
Isla Ixtapa
Isla Ixtapa is a beautiful oasis from the concrete jungle of Ixtapa. The turquoise waters are crystal-clear, calm and great for snorkeling. Isla Ixtapa has four beaches; Playa Corales on the back side of the island is the nicest and quietest, with soft white sand, an offshore coral reef and little tide pools harboring starfish and sea urchins. Frequent boats to Isla Ixtapa depart from Playa Linda’s pier.
Cocodrilario
Playa Linda has a small cocodrilario (crocodile reserve) that is also home to fat iguanas and several bird species. You can watch the crocs from the safety of the well-fenced wooden viewing platform located near the bus stop.
When to Go
Ixtapa stays warm all year, with average temperatures frequently reaching a balmy 90 degrees F. Expect mild rainfall between May and early November. It gets a bit cooler and drier from late November through April.
Fast Facts
The Ixtapa Zihuatanejo region is a mecca for biodiversity and a haven for bird watching with more than 320 bird species.
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo lie merely four miles from each other but offer vacation experiences that are poles apart. Ixtapa offers modern resorts, restaurants, golf courses, watersports and a 600-slip marina, plus twenty miles of splendid beaches. By contrast, those looking for a simpler experience will love the former fishing village of Zihuatanejo, with its cozy seaside restaurants, romantic hotels, and captivating scenery.
Travel Tips & Tools
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