Zihuatanejo - Guerrero's Other Traditional Port

Located about 150 miles (240 km) north and west of Acapulco, the two areas offer a blend of traditional charm and modern resort amenities in a smaller, more laid-back version.

Getting to Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa from Acapulco

Most Mexican visitors arrive by car or bus, traveling along Federal Highway 200, which connects Zihuatanejo to Acapulco in the south and heads north toward Michoacán and Jalisco.

The driving distance from Acapulco to Zihuatanejo is approximately 144 miles (232 kilometers), and the journey typically takes around 4 hours.

It's advisable to undertake this drive during daylight hours only, as certain areas may have unmarked speed bumps and other hazards.

Getting to Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa from Mexico City

Zihuatanejo’s airport is well-served by both national and international flights, with most connections through Mexico City, as well as direct flights from the U.S., Canada, and other locations like Acapulco and Guadalajara. Additionally, charter flights from vacation agencies like Apple Vacations and Funjet Vacations frequent this route.

There is also a direct road from Mexico City, though some segments can be narrow and winding. Major bus companies, including Costa Line, Turistar/Futura (Estrella Blanca), and Estrella de Oro, offer frequent services to the region.

Zihuatanejo

Until the mid-1970s, Zihuatanejo was a small fishing village that occasionally welcomed tourists seeking a remote getaway. Today, while fishing remains an important aspect of local life, sport fishing has become a significant driver of the economy, with visitors coming from all over the world to catch marlin, sailfish, and other prized species. Another unique group of visitors are “cruisers,” who live aboard their boats and spend the winter in Zihuatanejo's calm bay, basking in the tropical sun.

The old town of Zihuatanejo may appear more traditional compared to the modern beachfront areas, but it offers a unique glimpse into local life. Here, visitors can explore quaint shops, local markets, and traditional crafts that reflect the area's rich culture.

Zihuatanejo Beaches

Zihuatanejo Bay is a large, elliptical natural harbor, about 5.5 miles (9 km) wide. The main beach, “Playa Principal,” lies at the northern edge of the bay. This bustling beach is where local fishermen dock their boats and sell their catch in the local markets. The nearby “Paseo de Pescador” (Fisherman’s Path) connects the town docks to the Museum of Archeology, passing by shops, bars, and open-air stands selling food, folk art, and souvenirs. The Zócalo, or town plaza, overlooks this walkway, offering a pleasant place to relax and people-watch.

“Playa la Madera” is located just to the east and south of Playa Principal. This smaller beach, named for the lumber that was historically shipped from the area, offers calm waves ideal for families. Restaurants and hotels line the beach or sit just above it on the hill.

“Playa la Ropa,” on the eastern side of the bay, is widely considered the most beautiful beach in the area. With its sandy bottom and gentle currents, it's perfect for swimming. Like Playa la Madera, Playa la Ropa is home to numerous seafood restaurants and hotels. It is also a great base for water sports such as banana boat rides or jet skiing. The beach got its name after clothes from a wrecked galleon washed ashore here.

“Playa las Gatas” is a small, sheltered beach on the southern side of the bay, once a haven for nurse sharks. It offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities in calm, clear waters. The beach is lined with palapas providing food, drinks, and shade. A water taxi service connects Playa las Gatas to the town pier.

“Playa Larga” (Long Beach) is a 7.5-mile (12 km) stretch of sandy shoreline outside the bay, offering plenty of space for swimming, jogging, and horseback riding. At the far end of this beach lies the fishing village of Barra de Potosí, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood in laid-back, palm-thatched restaurants. Beyond Barra de Potosí is Playa Blanca, known for its large mangrove lagoon.

Activities

For visitors seeking excitement, Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa offer a wide variety of activities beyond just lounging on the beach. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, and jet skiing are all easily accessible. The surrounding area also offers hiking, horseback riding, and sightseeing tours. Golf, tennis, and recreational shopping are also popular, and the two towns come alive after dark with lively nightlife options.

For a unique experience, visitors can take a self-guided tour to El Faro, the lighthouse on Playa las Gatas. The short 15-minute walk from the beach club offers panoramic views of the coast and surrounding islands, including Los Morros de Potosí, La Piedra Solitaria, and the islands in front of Ixtapa.

Another great excursion is to Petatlán, a traditional agricultural town on the road to Acapulco. A 40-minute drive from Zihuatanejo, Petatlán is home to an impressive church, open-air gold market, and colonial-era landmarks. Visitors can explore nearby archeological sites and experience the famous Semana Santa market, held during the week before Easter.

For a tranquil escape, head south to La Barra de Potosí, a small town near Playa Blanca. The area offers calm beaches, fantastic seafood restaurants, and boat tours of the lagoon, where you can spot rare wildlife, including crocodiles and exotic birds.

Shopping

Both Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa offer a variety of shopping experiences, from open-air markets to upscale boutiques. In Zihuatanejo, the market on Calle Cinco de Mayo is the best place to find local handicrafts, folk art, and souvenirs. Ixtapa has its own market in the southeastern end of the hotel zone, offering similar goods.

For a more extensive shopping experience, Zihuatanejo’s Mercado Central is a bustling hub where visitors can purchase fresh produce, seafood, spices, and local specialties. In both towns, you can find malls with tropical fashion, home decor, and fine silver jewelry, often crafted by the renowned silversmiths of Taxco.

Nightlife

Although Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa are more relaxed destinations than typical party towns, there’s no shortage of nightlife. Zihuatanejo offers cozy, intimate bars, lively lounges with DJs and dancing, and romantic spots where live music fills the air. For a more vibrant scene, head to Ixtapa, where the “after-hours” bars and discos stay open until dawn, offering dance floors and energetic beats.

History

Zihuatanejo, the fourth-largest city in the state of Guerrero, has around 65,000 permanent residents. Both locations boast miles of sandy beaches within neighboring bays.

Some refer to Zihuatanejo as a “little Acapulco,” due to its historical significance and tourist-friendly atmosphere, while Ixtapa is often called a “little Cancún,” as it is a newer, planned resort.

The name Zihuatanejo is derived from the modern Spanish version of the Nahuatl name “Cihuatlán,” which means “the place of women.” This name likely refers to the matriarchal society that once thrived here.

According to legend, a great leader named Caltzontzin built a rock breakwater at one of Zihuatanejo’s beaches to create calm waters, safe for women and children to bathe. While this natural harbor may have formed over centuries, the area became known as “Playa las Gatas,” named for the harmless nurse sharks (locally known as “gatas”) that once populated the waters.

Spanish conquistadors mistook Cihautlán for a land of beautiful women and treasures, perhaps even imagining it as one of the Seven Lost Cities of Cibola. However, it wasn't until the modern tourism boom in the late 20th century that the treasures of Zihuatanejo became known.

Zihuatanejo gained international fame as the escape destination in the Stephen King novel and movie The Shawshank Redemption, where Morgan Freeman’s character famously reacts to the name with “See-what?” This phrase has since become a fun reference for English-speaking visitors.

Ixtapa

Traveling from the center of Zihuatanejo to Ixtapa covers about 10 miles (16 kilometers) and takes approximately 20 minutes by car or taxi. For for information about Zihuatanejo's other half, click here for Ixtapa.