Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Strolling through Zihuatanejo's cobblestone streets reveals a vibrant arts scene with galleries and colorful murals adorning the walls. Here, visitors can shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional Mexican textiles at the local markets.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Zihuatanejo provides ample opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing in the crystal-clear waters. Nearby, the untouched beauty of Playa la Ropa offers a serene escape, perfect for sunbathing or enjoying water sports.
With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and authentic Mexican charm, Zihuatanejo provides an ideal getaway for those seeking an unspoiled paradise on the Pacific Coast.
What to do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Enjoy La Ropa Beach
La Ropa Beach, often rated as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Mexican Pacific coast, offers a wide stretch of golden sand and clear, gentle waters suitable for swimming and water activities. Visitors can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas or indulge in a variety of water sports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The surrounding restaurants and bars add to the allure by providing delicious seafood and refreshing beverages with stunning views of the ocean. Moreover, the vibrant sunsets here are nothing short of remarkable.
Explore Isla Ixtapa
Isla Ixtapa, just a short boat ride away from Zihuatanejo, offers an escape into nature and adventure. This small, picturesque island boasts pristine beaches, coral reefs ideal for snorkeling, and dense vegetation perfect for hiking. Visitors can take a boat tour around the island, visit the charming fishing village, or simply bask in the serenity of the unspoiled surroundings. The island’s laid-back atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a day trip filled with relaxation and exploration.
Visit the Archaeological Site of Xihuacan
Discover the historical and cultural legacy of the region by visiting the archaeological site of Xihuacan. This ancient site showcases the remnants of an ancient pre-Hispanic city, including pyramids, ball courts, and ceremonial structures. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the area while admiring the impressive architectural remnants and gaining insight into the daily life and rituals of the indigenous people who once inhabited this area.
Indulge in Local Cuisine at Zihuatanejo’s Markets
Zihuatanejo’s local markets offer a vibrant and authentic culinary experience. Visitors can sample an array of flavors and aromas at the Mercado Municipal, exploring stalls filled with fresh produce, local seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes. The market allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local food culture, interact with friendly vendors, and savor delicious dishes such as ceviche, fish tacos, and refreshing aguas frescas while taking in the lively ambiance.
Charter a Fishing Excursion
Zihuatanejo is renowned for its exceptional sportfishing opportunities, drawing fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Travelers can charter a fishing boat to venture into the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean in pursuit of marlin, sailfish, dorado, and tuna. Experienced local captains and crews ensure an unforgettable fishing experience, providing insight into the area’s rich marine life while enjoying the scenic coastal views. Whether an avid angler or a first-time fisherman, a fishing excursion offers exhilarating moments and an opportunity to relish Zihuatanejo’s oceanic splendor.
Example Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Start your day with a visit to Playa La Ropa. This beautiful beach offers calm waters, perfect for swimming and various water activities. You can also rent a palapa and spend some relaxing hours soaking up the sun.
Afternoon: Head to the Mercado Municipal de Zihuatanejo for a local shopping experience. This bustling market is filled with colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisan crafts. Take your time to explore and maybe pick up some souvenirs.
Evening: In the evening, stroll along the Paseo del Pescador. This waterfront promenade is lined with palm trees and offers a lovely atmosphere for an evening walk. Stop by the various shops and restaurants, and maybe catch a beautiful sunset.
Day 2
Morning: Visit the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande to learn about the region’s archaeological history. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the area’s ancient cultures.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the town’s vibrant art scene. Head to the streets around Calle Adelita and Calle Juan N. Alvarez where you’ll find numerous art galleries showcasing local and international works.
Evening: For a relaxing evening, head to Playa Las Gatas. Accessible only by boat, this secluded beach offers tranquil waters and great snorkeling opportunities. Spend the evening enjoying the beach and maybe catch some live music at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Local Culture and History
Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, visit historical sites, and enjoy traditional music, dances, and festivals.
Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour
Either from Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa take the most complete Xihuacan archaeological tour, this recently discovered ceremonial center is the only one in this continent made out of bricks and modeling clay during the Pre-Columbian period. Have a guided tour through the Cuitlateca vestiges and learn about the ethnic group who took the knowledge of pottery to a higher level.
Travel in a luxury van with a small group of people and enjoy and excellent lunch on a traditional Mexican food and seafood restaurant on the country side with handmade tortillas and fresh fish, chicken or tasty shrimp.
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Private Xihuacan Archaeological Tour
During the tour, your tour guide’s attention will be focused only in your group or family.
You will have a local tour guide with a full knowledge and love for the archeology and culture in Mexico.
You will have access to all the areas on the Xihuacan Archeological excavation site.
Lunch will be authentic Mexican, in Mexican environment away from the tourist area.
You will visit the rural community Soledad de Maciel where you will learn the life style and culture in the small villages away from the tourist areas.
During the tour, there will be a COVID-19 prevention plan:
• By using a clean and disinfected vehicle, available just for your group , with enough space to provide comfort and hygiene.
• Having an initial conversation at the beginning of the tour , that will talk about the following topics: use of mouth cover, use of hand sanitation, use of gloves, avoid visiting places where there is a large concentration of people to minimize physical contact.
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Archaeological Site Tour in Zihuatanejo
In this archaeological journey we will visit the brick and tile factory, The coconut museum, the creation in the community of El Coacoyul, located just 15 minutes from the center of Zihuatanejo Guerrero. With the purpose of becoming a center of information and culture of the coconut that also provides a value to the community and finally xihuacan the "la chole" which is a Mesoamerican archaeological site located in the Costa Grande de Guerrero, near Zihuatanejo. The site had been occupied for over 3,000 years by three cultures that maintained contact with other Mesoamerican cultures such as Olmec and Teotihuaca. The visit to "La chole" includes a delicious lunch after touring and observing great archaeological beauties.
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Private City Tour of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
This tour gives you a unique opportunity to have someone native to this area, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, to guide you. This adventure exposes the highlights and beauty of the two cities: Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. Zihuatanejo is a charming fishing village and Ixtapa is a tropical resort with modern infrastructure.
We will visit a crocodile reserve outside of Ixtapa and stop by the “Mirador” and “Cerro del Vigía” (Lookout Points) which have panoramic views of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Bay respectively.
This three-hour Adventure will include a walk down the pier of Zihuatanejo as well as a tour of a typical marketplace. We will stop by local shops to view handmade crafts, hammocks, and souvenirs.
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Water Sports
Engage in activities like surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing in the clear waters of Zihuatanejo.
Las Gatas Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
Enjoy the snorkeling and kayaking at Las Gatas Beach, this tour includes transportation, kayaks, snorkel gear, lunch and a professional tour guide. Because of the sea wall the Las Gatas beach is a great place to swim and snorkel. It is also the right place to relax or maybe have a cold drink in a nice laid-back atmosphere. The tour will last approximately 5 hours.
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Snorkel Tour in Las Gatas Water Break
Join us for a nice snorkel beach day at the stunning La Gatas Beach, one of Zihuatanejo's main attractions.
The calm water and the very few tourist that visit the las Gatas Beach during the week days, makes it a great place to spend the day, in a nice tropical atmosphere with friendly people that will make the Las Gatas Beach Tour a pleasant experience.
Find Jesus under water, an 18 feet statue of Jesus made out of bronze located under water at the Las Gatas Bay.
After You snorkel you will have time to relax in a comfortable lounge chair, have cold drink, maybe read a book and swim in crystal clear water.
The tour will last about 4 hours.
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Snorkeling Tour in Ixtapa Island
This is a beautiful island with access to three beaches, among these Coral Beach renowned for its pristine waters, colorful fish, and live coral. Restaurants offer a variety of fresh seafood, shellfish, chicken and beef dishes.
You can sit back and enjoy the sea breeze under a palm-roofed restaurant, swim in the tranquil waters of “Playa Varadero” or spend all day snorkeling at Coral Beach.
There is also the option of a swiss massage.
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Snorkel and Kayak in Las Gatas Beach
On the Las Gatas adventure tour in Zihuatanejo, you can choose pure relaxation (easy to do in shaded hammocks strung between towering palms) or thrilling exploration! With our adventure, tour, the day is yours to create, you choose your adventure.
The natural beauty of Las Gatas beach was originally discovered along the Zihuatanejo bay by famous Oliverio Maciel, the man of the sea, from Zihuatanejo, actor by chance, diver by choice, shark tamer, and pioneer in the tourism promotion of Zihuatanejo.
Transportation from your hotel to the beach and back.
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Beach Activities
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports at the beautiful beaches of Zihuatanejo.
Horseback Riding on the Beach and Through a Coconut Plantation
Enjoy a great morning horseback ride through coconut plantations, mangrove trees and on Playa Larga Beach which is the longest beach of the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area. As you ride your horse on the beach there will be a nice ocean breeze and the results of: vegetation, ocean waves, lagoon and mountain range will make the horseback ride beautiful and pleasant.
The horses are friendly, well trained and very good for experienced riders and also for beginners, you will have the chance to go at your own pace and while riding on the beach you can even make the horse go at a faster pace.
You will ride on the horse for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and will have the opportunity to take pictures with your own camera and the tour guide will also offer to take pictures of you with your camera.
At the end of the ride we will provide you with a good cold beer or a bottle of water.
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Horseback Riding Playa Larga
We’ll begin the horse back ride on a small family-run ranch right next to the Playa Larga Beach. The ride will then continue through a majestic coconut orchard and stop next to a small lagoon before continuing to the Playa Larga beach for the rest of the tour. This tour combines a ranch and beach experience. We will be alongside to take pictures and help you capture your best moments. Length of tour: 60-90 minutes.
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Horseback Riding Zihuatanejo
If you want you will lear how to saddle your horse, besides you wil know the history of this noble animal and its particular impact in Mexico history, from the conquerors, independence fight, mexican revolution, the horse has been in our history and story, as a tool for production, conveyance, it changes the rules in diferent fields.
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