Last weekend, seeking an escape from the everyday grind, we found ourselves drawn to the allure of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Imagine white sand beaches, the gentle sway of palm trees, and the refreshing taste of mango margaritas – Zihuatanejo delivered on all fronts, and more.
For those familiar with cinematic escapes, Zihuatanejo might ring a bell as the idyllic haven Andy Dufresne yearned for in The Shawshank Redemption. This tranquil fishing village, affectionately known as “Zihua” by locals, is nestled along Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Guerrero. It sits in close proximity to Ixtapa, a more developed resort destination, but offers a distinctly different and arguably more authentic Mexican experience. We’ll delve into the Zihuatanejo versus Ixtapa debate later on.
Planning Your Perfect Zihuatanejo Getaway
What Makes Zihuatanejo Special?
Zihuatanejo’s charm lies in its warm, welcoming locals and its stunning, near-perfect beaches. Our experience wholeheartedly confirmed this reputation. The genuine kindness of the people and the breathtaking beauty of the coastline were immediately apparent.
For both of us, this trip marked a departure from our usual travel styles. My childhood vacations were characterized by rustic camping adventures, complete with midnight bathroom dashes and bear-encounter anxieties. And since getting married, Tyler and I hadn’t prioritized a purely relaxing beach vacation. Zihuatanejo was our first venture into a destination solely focused on sun, sand, and sea.
Our four days in Zihua were blissfully simple: we spent countless hours immersed in the perfectly temperate waters of Playa La Ropa, indulged in refreshing green juices, and happily devoured mountains of chips and salsa. It was the quintessential beach vacation we didn’t know we needed.
Couple relaxing on Playa La Ropa beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
While planning our trip, we noticed a scarcity of comprehensive online resources about Zihuatanejo. This inspired us to create this guide, sharing essential insights to help you plan your own unforgettable Zihuatanejo vacation.
View of Zihuatanejo coastline with boats from the water, Mexico
Colorful boats docked in Zihuatanejo bay, Mexico
Walking along the sandy beach of Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Sunset over the beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico casting warm colors
Location, Location, Location: Where is Zihuatanejo?
Zihuatanejo graces the Pacific coast of Mexico, within the state of Guerrero. On a map, it’s situated almost directly west of Mexico City. While the straight-line distance to Mexico City is approximately 200 miles, flying takes about an hour. However, driving is a much longer journey, winding through mountains and taking upwards of 8 hours. This relative remoteness contributes to Zihuatanejo’s tranquil and less crowded atmosphere compared to other Mexican beach destinations.
Getting to Zihuatanejo: Your Travel Options
One of Zihuatanejo’s major appeals is its accessibility, especially for those coming from the West Coast of the United States. A direct flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) is a mere three hours. We opted for Alaska Airlines and found their flights to be significantly more affordable than other airlines, and our overall travel experience was excellent. For those interested in travel rewards, we utilized Chase Sapphire Reserve points to cover our flights.
The Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport boasts exceptional convenience. The taxi ride from the airport to our accommodation in Playa La Ropa was a quick and easy 20 minutes, allowing us to swiftly transition from travel mode to vacation relaxation.
Arriving at Zihuatanejo airport in Mexico
Zihuatanejo vs. Ixtapa: Choosing the Right Vibe
When planning a trip to this region, you’ll likely encounter both Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. While geographically close, they offer vastly different vacation experiences. Zihuatanejo is a vibrant, authentic Mexican fishing town brimming with history and local culture. In contrast, Ixtapa was intentionally developed by the Mexican government in the 1970s as a purpose-built resort destination to attract tourism.
Ixtapa presents a polished, resort-centric atmosphere, attracting a large influx of tourists annually. However, for those seeking a more genuine taste of Mexico, Ixtapa might feel somewhat sterile and lacking in character. We wholeheartedly preferred Zihuatanejo, with its charming cobblestone streets, bustling local restaurants, and authentic Mexican ambiance. If you’re deciding between the two, we strongly recommend choosing Zihuatanejo for a more enriching and culturally immersive experience.
Accommodation in Zihuatanejo: Where to Stay
During our visit, we were fortunate to stay at friends’ condo, a mere three-minute walk from the beautiful Playa La Ropa. The added bonus of a private community pool enhanced our relaxation.
For an authentic “local” experience, consider renting an apartment or condo through Airbnb. This option allows for more independent living and often provides a deeper connection to the community. Alternatively, for a luxurious hotel experience, the Thompson Zihuatanejo, part of the Hyatt portfolio, is highly recommended and looks absolutely stunning.
Beautiful pool area at a Zihuatanejo hotel, Mexico
Timing is Everything: Best Time to Visit Zihuatanejo
Reflecting on our trip, we realized our late May visit wasn’t ideally timed in terms of weather. We experienced considerable heat and humidity throughout our stay, leading to quite a bit of sweating! Apparently, the weather in Zihuatanejo is at its most perfect during January, February, and March. We highly suggest planning your trip within this timeframe. These months offer dry conditions and wonderfully warm temperatures, providing the best possible weather for enjoying all that Zihuatanejo has to offer.
Palm trees lining Playa La Ropa beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Language Essentials: Brush Up on Your Spanish
While Zihuatanejo is becoming increasingly popular with international tourists, it retains a strong local feel. We found that roughly half of the people we interacted with spoke some English, while the other half spoke only Spanish. While it’s certainly possible to navigate Zihuatanejo without Spanish proficiency, knowing some basic phrases will significantly enhance your experience and interactions with locals.
Consider utilizing language learning apps like Duolingo to practice Spanish before your trip. For on-the-go translation assistance during your visit, TripLingo is a helpful tool. Even a few key Spanish phrases will be greatly appreciated and contribute to a more immersive cultural exchange.
Public parking sign in Spanish "estacionamiento publico" in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Beach Bliss: Choosing Your Perfect Zihuatanejo Beach
Zihuatanejo boasts a diverse range of beaches, each with its own unique character. We recommend steering clear of Playa Principal, the main downtown beach, unless you’re heading to the pier for a sunset cruise or fishing excursion. Our absolute favorite was Playa La Ropa, conveniently located just steps from our accommodation. This beach is characterized by a picturesque curve of soft, almost unbelievably fine sand, backed by rows of swaying palm trees.
View of boats at Playa Principal in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Idyllic Playa La Ropa beach with calm water in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Playa La Ropa offers a plethora of beachfront restaurants. We became regulars at La Perla, establishing our spot there every day around 5 pm. Their piña coladas were simply divine, and we admittedly indulged in an embarrassing amount of guacamole throughout the weekend. La Perla also offers beach chair and umbrella rentals for a reasonable $5 USD per day, providing comfortable beachside lounging.
La Perla beachfront restaurant sign in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Dining at a beachfront restaurant in Zihuatanejo, Mexico with ocean view
Culinary Delights: Arrive Hungry to Zihuatanejo
As is often the case with our travels, the food in Zihuatanejo was a major highlight. We savored some truly exceptional dinners, all prepared with incredibly fresh, local ingredients and accompanied by outstanding service. For a lively Friday night experience, head to Bandido’s around 10 pm for salsa dancing and freshly made salsa prepared right at your table. We also adored the ambiance and garden setting of El Vigía; be sure to try their steak and homemade chocolate ice cream! And a definite must-try is the blackened tuna with sesame seeds at El Manglar – just don’t be startled by the resident crocodile lurking in the lagoon adjacent to the patio!
Crocodile relaxing in a lagoon in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Embrace Flexibility: Decide on Activities After Arrival
In the past, we’ve been meticulous about pre-planning and booking activities before arriving at our destination. However, for Zihuatanejo, we recommend a more relaxed approach. While pre-planning can be beneficial, we realized that some online activity descriptions didn’t quite align with the actual experience.
Man relaxing in a hammock on the beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
For instance, we pre-booked a “sailboat sunset cruise” for our first evening. Upon arriving at Playa Principal, ready for a romantic sail, we discovered our “sailboat” was actually a rather dated, covered motorboat that seemed more suited to a historical reenactment than a sunset cruise. We politely excused ourselves.
Couple walking on the beach in Zihuatanejo at dusk, Mexico
The key takeaway is to avoid feeling pressured to have every moment mapped out in advance. Arrive in Zihuatanejo, get a feel for the local offerings, and then decide how you want to spend your time. Many activities advertised online are presented in a more glamorous light than they may actually be.
One notable exception to this flexible approach is horseback riding. If you’re interested in exploring the beaches on horseback, booking in advance is advisable. We booked through Ixtapa Tours Luis and had a positive experience. While I wasn’t as enthusiastic about horseback riding as Tyler, my highlight was riding along Playa Blanca, a vast and stunningly deserted beach.
Couple horseback riding on the beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Close up of horseback riding on the beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Beyond horseback riding, we suggest settling in and getting your bearings before committing to specific activities.
Daily Dose of Green: Green Juice at LOOT
A daily ritual we wholeheartedly embraced in Zihuatanejo was visiting LOOT. This trendy coffee shop, art gallery, and surf store, with its spacious patio adorned with lush tropical plants, became our go-to spot. Escape the heat under their refreshing mist fans and comfortable couches, and order a “jugo verde” (green juice) or iced coffee. Their avocado toast is also highly recommended.
Woman enjoying a green juice at Loot cafe in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Close up of a refreshing green juice at Loot cafe, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Panoramic Views: Hillside Vistas of Zihuatanejo Bay
While we weren’t particularly impressed with the food at Pacifica Grand Zihuatanejo, and be prepared for potential timeshare sales pitches upon entry, the restaurant’s deck offers arguably the most breathtaking panoramic views of Zihuatanejo Bay. It’s well worth the short trip up the hill to enjoy a fruity cocktail and soak in the spectacular sunset views.
Beach Hopping: Jet Ski to Playa Las Gatas
If Tyler had been feeling better, our plan included renting a jet ski from Playa La Ropa to explore the bay and visit the secluded Playa Las Gatas for an afternoon. For those prone to motion sickness, like myself, Playa Las Gatas is also accessible by a walking path from Playa La Ropa.
Safety in Zihuatanejo: Is it Safe to Visit?
During our visit, we felt completely safe in Zihuatanejo. However, it’s essential to stay informed about the evolving security situation in Mexico, particularly concerning organized crime. We recommend regularly checking the U.S. State Department website for updated Mexico travel advisories.
The Verdict: Is Zihuatanejo Worth Visiting?
We unequivocally loved Zihuatanejo. Between its stunning beaches, delicious food, and authentic Mexican charm, our visit was incredibly enjoyable. It offers a unique “off the beaten path” experience compared to many of Mexico’s more heavily touristed destinations, making our trip all the more adventurous and memorable.
View of Zihuatanejo town and bay from above, Mexico
We thoroughly enjoyed our time unwinding and embracing the relaxed pace of life in the fishing village of Zihuatanejo. We hope you too will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish and experience the delightful beaches for yourself. Let us know about your Zihuatanejo adventures!
Planning a warm-weather getaway this year? Check out my spring and summer 2024 packing list for essential travel items.
Zihuatanejo, Mexico: Map for Exploration
[Interactive map of Zihuatanejo, Mexico – Consider embedding a map here if possible in markdown, or link to an online map.]
Essential Packing List for Zihuatanejo
[Link to packing list – As per original article, link to: https://ruthnuss.com/spring-packing-list-for-2024/]
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