Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, one of Mexico’s most beautiful beach destinations, is located on the Pacific coast, in the state of Guerrero, 245 km (152 mi) northwest of Acapulco, off Highway 200. The climate is hot, with an average year-round temperature of 28º C (82º F). 

Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific ocean, this destination consists of the picturesque town of Zihuatanejo, which has a traditional rural feel, and Ixtapa, a modern tourist resort with quality hotels and a marina with more than 600 slips. 

In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo you can enjoy gorgeous beaches like La Ropa and Playa Linda, which have small waves, making them ideal places for windsurfing and relaxing. Nearby, you can go scuba diving along coral reefs. At this destination you also can go fishing for sailfish, which is fairly abundant in these waters. In fact, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo hosts the Zihuatanejo Annual International Sailfish Tournament in May.

But Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo isn’t just about the sea and sun. In the surrounding areas, which are covered with lush vegetation, you can go camping, do ecotourism outings and observe wildlife at such places as the Club de Golf Palma Real, where you can spy crocodiles and eagles. What’s more, you can participate in wildlife conservation programs to help protect endangered species such as the hawksbill turtle and the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Just about anywhere you go, you’ll find Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo simply fascinating.

Click Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo Map to Enlarge

Ixtapa Group Transportation & Tours

Photos courtesy J. Robert Whitehead

It's also worthy to note that half of Ixtapa has been set aside as an ecological reserve, dedicated by the government when the resort was developed. 
 

Those looking for a more authentic cultural experience can head seven kilometers south to Zihuatanejo, a classic pueblo village criss-crossed by cobblestone streets.

A pleasant contrast to the refinement of Ixtapa, rustic Zihuatanejo is set around one of Mexico's most picturesque bays. Activities center around the lively seaside promenade, laid-back cafés and wonderful markets.