Tips for travel to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

Introduction

Ixtapa offers 14 unspoiled beaches, golf courses, and fine quality shops. Tennis courts and a yacht marina add to the resort amenities. Launches explore the turtles, fish, and pelicans at El Morro de los Pericos, and excursion b oats tour Ixtapa Island, which served as the location for the film Robinson Crusoe.

Zihuatanejo, an old fishing village, has cobblestone streets with restaurants, shopping, and art galleries. The area's three beaches invite all water sports. In addition, the waters off Zihuatanejo are famed for their abundance of game fish- including sailfish, marlin and rooster fish.

Ixtapa borders a wide bay dotted with small rocky islands inhabited solely by sea birds. The beach in town, Playa del Mar, is a two-mile stretch of white sand that gave Ixtapa its Nahuatl Indian name the white place.

What To Do

Sportfishing
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo is just being discovered as Mexico's exciting sportfishing destination. Anglers thrill at the profusion of sailfish, black and blue marlin (the record is over 1,000 pounds), as well as yellowfin tuna and dorado (mahi-mahi). The fleets are on specialized cruisers or pangas with expert and caring bilingual skippers.

Scuba Diving
Some 30 dive sites in the area range from deep canyons to shallow reefs. The waters here are teeming with sea life and visibility is excellent. Many opportunities exist for divers & snorkelers.

Water Sports
A variety of water sports is available in Ixtapa, along Playa del Palmar (the beach of the Hotel Zone) and in Zihuatanejo on La Ropa Beach. Parasailing costs about $20 for about a 10-minute ride; water skiing and wave runners cost about $30 per half-hour; banana boat rides are about $5 for a 20-minute trip.

On La Ropa Beach, in front of the Hotel Villa del Sol, Hobie Cats rent for $20 per hour and classes cost $30 per half-hour. Windsurfers rent $10 per hour; classes which include 6 hours over 4 days cost $40.

Golf
There are two 18-hole championship courses in Ixtapa. The Campo de Golf Ixtapa designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a wildlife preserve that runs from a coconut plantation to the beach. Part of the Marina Ixtapa complex, the highly challenging links layout Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa was designed by Robert von Hagge. Each as its own clubhouse with all facilities and a restaurant as well as tennis courts. Green fees run approximately $55; caddies or carts $20. Please click on Golf below for more information.

Tennis
All major Ixtapa hotels have night-lit tennis courts as do the Campo de Golf Ixtapa and the Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa. In Zihuatanejo, theHotel Villa del Sol has two courts which are primarily for guest use.

Horseback Riding
You can rent horses near Playa La Ropa in Zihuatanejo, and at Playa Linda just up the coast from Ixtapa. The beaches are excellent for relaxing rides.

Guided Tours
Most major hotels have lobby tour desks or travel agencies which offer a selection of sightseeing tours, land or sea, of Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and surrounding areas. There are many jungle, lagoon and sea tours also available and you can even ask the local taxi drivers to show you the crocodiles found in the area.

Dining

Ruben's - The choices are easy here -- you can order either a big, juicy burger made from top sirloin grilled over mesquite, or a foil-wrapped packet of baked potatoes, chayote, zucchini, or sweet corn. Ice cream, beer, and soda fill out the menu, which is posted on the wall by the kitchen. It's kind of a do-it-yourself place: Patrons snare a waitress and order, grab their own drinks from the cooler, and tally their own tabs.

Beccofino - This restaurant is a standout in Mexico. Owner Angelo Rolly Pavia serves the flavorful northern Italian specialties he grew up knowing and loving. The menu is strong on pasta. Ravioli, a house specialty, comes stuffed with seafood (in season). The garlic bread is terrific, and there's an extensive wine list.

Kau-Kan - A stunning view of the bay is one of the many attractions of this refined restaurant. Stucco and whitewashed walls frame the simple, understated furniture. Head chef Ricardo Rodriguez supervises every detail, from the ultra-smooth background music that invites after-dinner conversation to the spectacular presentation of all the dishes. Baked potato with baby lobster and mahimahi carpaccio are two favorites. For dessert, pecan and chocolate cake served with dark chocolate sauce is simply delicious.

Coconuts - What a find! Not only is the food innovative and delicious, but the restaurant is also in a historic building -- the oldest in Zihuatanejo. This popular restaurant in a tropical garden was the weigh-in station for Zihuatanejo's coconut industry in the late 1800s. "Fresh" is the operative word on this creative, seafood-heavy menu. Chef Patricia Cummings checks what's at the market, then uses only top-quality ingredients in dishes like seafood pâté and grilled filet of snapper Coconuts. The bananas flambé has earned a loyal following, with good reason. Expect friendly, efficient service here.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Entertainment

With an exception or two, Zihuatanejo nightlife dies down around 11pm or midnight. For a good selection of clubs, discos, hotel fiestas, special events, and fun watering holes with live music and dancing, head for Ixtapa. Just keep in mind that the shuttle bus stops at 11pm, and a taxi to Zihuatanejo after midnight costs 50% more than the regular price. The most popular hangout for local residents is Paccolo, around the corner from Amueblados Valle. It's the one place where you can find a lively crowd of locals almost every night.

Hotel Fiestas & Theme Nights--Many hotels hold Mexican fiestas and other special events that include dinner, drinks, live music, and entertainment for a fixed price. The Barceló Ixtapa stages a popular Wednesday night fiesta; the NH Krystal and Dorado Pacífico in Ixtapa also hold good fiestas.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Entry Requirements

* As of October 1, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
* As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea, may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

Please be sure the name you give to our Reservations Specialists matches your Driver's License and your Passport. Married women with a different last name should carry a marriage license or a notarized affidavit with their married name.

Money

Banks & ATMs
Banks in Mexico are rapidly expanding and improving services. They tend to be open weekdays from 9am until 5pm, and often for at least a half day on Saturday. In larger resorts and cities, they can generally accommodate the exchange of dollars (which used to stop at noon) anytime during business hours. During times when the currency is in flux, a particular bank may not exchange dollars, so check before standing in line. Some, but not all, banks charge a service fee of about 1% to exchange traveler's checks. However, you can pay for most purchases directly with traveler's checks at the establishment's stated exchange rate. Don't even bother with personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank -- the bank will wait for your check to clear, which can take weeks, before giving you your money.

Travelers to Mexico can easily withdraw money from ATMs (automated teller machine) in most major cities and resort areas. In most resorts in Mexico, the use of ATMs is perfectly safe -- just use the same precautions you would at any ATM. Universal bank cards (such as the Cirrus and PLUS systems) can be used. This is a convenient way to withdraw money and avoid carrying too much with you at any time. The exchange rate is generally more favorable than that at a casas de cambio. Most machines offer Spanish/English menus and dispense pesos, but some offer the option of withdrawing dollars. The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) before you leave home and be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Also keep in mind that many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at a different bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely more than $1.50). On top of this, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee.

Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are something of an anachronism from the days before the ATM made cash accessible at any time. Traveler's checks used to be the only sound alternative to traveling with dangerously large amounts of cash. They were as reliable as currency, but, unlike cash, could be replaced if lost or stolen.

You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank. You can also get American Express traveler's checks over the phone by calling tel. 800/221-7282.

Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide, as well as at several other banks. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks without a fee at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel. 800/223-9920 for a location near you.

If you choose to carry traveler's checks, be sure to keep a record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if you know the numbers.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are a safe way to carry money: They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can also withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN. If you've forgotten yours, or didn't even know you had one, call the number on the back of your credit card and ask the bank to send it to you. It usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though some banks will provide the number over the phone if you tell them your mother's maiden name or some other personal information.

Charges will be made in pesos, then converted into dollars by the bank issuing the credit card. Generally you receive the favorable bank rate when paying by credit card. However, be aware that some establishments in Mexico add a 5% to 7% surcharge when you pay with a credit card. This is especially true when using American Express. Many times, advertised discounts will not apply if you pay with a credit card.

Dear Visa: I'm Off to Ixtapa! -- Some credit card companies recommend that you notify them of any impending trip abroad so that they don't become suspicious and block your charges when the card is used numerous times in a foreign destination. Even if you don't call your credit card company in advance, you can always call the toll-free emergency number if a charge is refused -- a good reason to carry the phone number with you. But perhaps the most important lesson is to carry more than one card on your trip; if one card doesn't work for any number of reasons, you'll have a backup.

Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo Weather

 

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Fun Things To Do in Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo

Attractions & Activities

Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo Attractions

Museum of Archeology
The museum is located in the building once used as City Hall, a beautiful work of the Spanish Renaissance. The gallery is a modest archaeological display, exhibiting statues, gravestones, coats of arms, local artifacts as well as extensive maps and information of the area.

Plaza de los Heroes
The plaza is a quiet tree shaded square with concrete benches, dedicated to the renowned men of the Mexican republic. You will see stone-carved statues on pedestals and a large colorful significant mural illustrating the panoramic history of Mexico.

Zihuatenejo
This small town conserves the friendly atmosphere of the old fishing village, with "True Mexican Flavor". The downtown streets are cobblestones and most of the newer buildings have that tropical-coastal look to conserve the village feel.

Petatlán Village
A short trip from Zihuatenejo is the town of Petatlan. The downtown district is built around a white church named "Cristo Jesús de Petatlán", located atop a hill. Many miracles are said to have happened here. Relics of the famed priest of miracles is displayed here.

La Soledad de Maciel
Also known as La Chole, this archaeological site still a very recent finding. You will see 350 year old cactus, stones with hieroglyphics, cave of fallen rocks, excavation site, and a small village town. In the nearby town is a small museum in which displays artifacts excavated from the hill.

Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo Activities

In Zihuatanejo
At Zihuatanejo's town beach, Playa Municipal, the local fishermen pull their colorful boats up onto the sand, making for a fine photo op. The small shops and restaurants lining the waterfront are great for people-watching and absorbing the flavor of daily village life. Playa Madera (Wood Beach), just east of Playa Municipal, is open to the surf but generally peaceful.
South of Playa Madera is Zihuatanejo's largest and most beautiful beach, Playa La Ropa, a long sweep of sand with a great view of the sunset. Some lovely small hotels and restaurants nestle in the hills; palm groves edge the shoreline. Although it's also open to the Pacific, waves are usually gentle. The name Playa La Ropa (ropa means clothing) comes from an old tale of the sinking of a galeón during a storm. The silk clothing that it was carrying back from the Philippines washed ashore on this beach -- hence the name.
The nicest beach for swimming, and the best for children, is the secluded Playa Las Gatas (Cats Beach), across the bay from Playa La Ropa and Zihuatanejo. The small coral reef just offshore is a nice spot for snorkeling and diving, and a little dive shop on the beach rents gear. The waters at Las Gatas are exceptionally clear, without undertow or big waves. Open-air seafood restaurants on the beach make it an appealing lunch spot. Small pangas (launches) with shade run to Las Gatas from the Zihuatanejo town pier, a 10-minute trip; the captains will take you across whenever you wish between 8am and 4pm. Usually the last boat back leaves Las Gatas at 6:30pm, but check to be sure.
Playa Larga is a beautiful, uncrowded beach between Zihuatanejo and the airport, with several small palapa restaurants, hammocks, and wading pools.

In Ixtapa
Ixtapa's main beach, Playa Palmar, is a lovely white-sand arc on the edge of the Hotel Zone, with dramatic rock formations silhouetted in the sea. The surf can be rough; use caution, and don't swim when a red flag is posted.

Playa Linda is the primary out-of-town beach, with watersports equipment and horse rentals available. Playa las Cuatas, a pretty beach and cove a few miles north of Ixtapa, and Playa Majahua, an isolated beach just west of Zihuatanejo, are both being transformed into resort complexes. Lovely Playa Vista Hermosa is framed by striking rock formations and bordered by the Las Brisas Hotel high on the hill. All of these are very attractive beaches for sunbathing or a stroll but have heavy surf and strong undertow. Use caution if you swim here.

Health & Safety Links

Travelers' Health, US Department of Health and Human Resources

Flight Overview Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo

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