Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Zihuatanejo is the perfect combination of Mexican flair, breathtaking nature, and old-fashioned charm. This picturesque fishing town is a unique beach destination, and the perfect place to relax by the shore and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. With Ixtapa, a more frantic party and resort destination only a few kilometres away, you get a two-for-one deal coming here, combining traditional and laid-back Zihuatanejo, and modern, buzzing Ixtapa.

Population:

City: 62,000
Municipality: 105,000

Currency:

Mexican peso (MXN) 1 = 100 Centavos

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 066, 112 (cell phone)

Opening Hours:

Shops in Zihuatanejo are generally open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, with a break over lunch between 2pm-4pm. Shops are open on Sundays at their own discretion.

Newspapers:

La Voz de Zihuatanejo
Another Day in Paradise (for tourists)
Diario de Zihuatanejo
Despertar de la Costa

The City

Zihuatanejo is located on the Mexican Riviera, about 240 kilometres northwest of Acapulco, in the state of Guerrero. The old fishing town is quite small and has great weather all year around. If you plan on coming here, keep in mind that a short rainy season goes on from June until September.

Ixtapa is a tourist destination located only five kilometres north of Zihuatanejo, which was the original settlement. The two cities are often referred to together, as "Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo". Ixtapa was a government planned destination and has been a major tourist resort area since the 1970s, when both Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa became popular getaways for the rich and famous. Zihuatanejo still keeps a calm feel to it, while Ixtapa is more like a miniature Acapulco. Pick one of the two, or combine them for the perfect holiday.

Do & See

Both Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa are great destinations for entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy the vibe at relaxing Zihuatanejo or party it up in Ixtapa. Wherever you go along the Mexican Riviera, you will find an endless array of beautiful beaches, water activities and world-class dining.

Beach Life

One of the main attractions in Zihuatanejo is the large bay, most of which is surrounded by beautiful beaches, all located on the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Because of the bay protecting the beaches from the stormy ocean, the waves here are mostly gentle, making the whole area great for swimming and other beachside activities. If you are lucky you might come across one or two turtles on the beach, as many hotels sponsor the turtle conservation campaign.

Dining

When dining in Zihuatanejo, the beautiful views over the bay are often included. You can enjoy some great traditional Mexican food and numerous seafood dishes, or try some of the local specialties like Huachinango (red snapper) with tomato or garlic sauce. Zihuatanejo is also surrounded by several mango farms, making them a staple at most tables.