Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Hotels

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, paradise times two

Like peanut butter and jelly, the towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offer two strikingly different tastes -- and they can be combined to make one amazing travel experience. Located about four miles apart, visitors get the best of both worlds when they go to these sister destinations. Unlike Mexico's well-known beach resort cities like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, there are few major attractions in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo. But both places are peaceful and boast fine bays and beaches, perfect for a relaxing escape from everyday life.

Ixtapa was mainly known for being the home of a huge coconut plantation until the 1970s, when the government cleared it away and began to create a planned resort area. Funds were allocated to develop high-rise hotels and luxury condominiums. Over the years, numerous shopping centers, a modern marina and two golf courses were also built. Today, most of the tourist-oriented activity is focused around a hotel zone that extends along a two-mile stretch of beach called Playa del Palmar.

While the charm and ambiance of Ixtapa's small town past were greatly lost in the transformation, nearby Zihautanejo grew at a slower pace. Movie fans may recall this picturesque fishing village as the dream place Andy described to Red in 1994's "The Shawshank Redemption." Although it witnessed the arrival of a few new beachfront hotels and restaurants, Zihuatanejo has managed to retain an old world vibe. Here everything radiates out from the main beach and Paseo del Pescador (or Fisherman's Walk), where fishermen still take off each morning in skiffs and return later in the day to sell their catch right out on the sand.  

The Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo International Airport serves both areas, which are easily accessible by rental car, taxi or bus. There's a pleasant, sunny climate year round, so visitors can enjoy two unique getaways for the price of one any time they want.

Beaches and Water Sports

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are pure beach towns. All the action is centered around the gorgeous shores of this idyllic patch of the Pacific coastline. See our Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo beach guide. Prefer more challenging recreation in the water? Check out our Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo water sports guide.

Golf

Renowned designers created the two championship-caliber golf courses that visitors can tee off on in Ixtapa. Each offers fabulous fairways and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Read about both courses in our Ixtapa golf guide.

Nightlife and Dining

The small towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offer a variety of charming restaurants with cozy atmospheres. Most have outdoor patios with spectacular views of the coast. Check them out in our Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo dining guide. Plus, partiers will find a good selection of bars and clubs in the area -- but be sure to arrive early, as many of them die down around 11 p.m. See our Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo nightlife guide.

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Attractions

With the combined benefits of a resort destination and quaint seaside village, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo provide a diverse range of things to see and do. Imagine getting up close and personal with dolphins and other regional wildlife or flying through the trees on a thrilling zipline tour. See our Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo guide for a list of ways to have a blast.

*Terms and conditions for hotel-only rates: Sample prices for hotel rates are for select midweek (Sun.-Thurs.) dates. Offers subject to change. Prices do not include taxes and fees. Based on availability.

*Terms and conditions of air + hotel packages and promotions: Advertised air + hotel package prices include all domestic taxes and Mexico.com-imposed air + hotel package fees. Sample prices shown are updated every Tuesday and are per person, based on double occupancy, from select departure cities unless otherwise cited on select weekdays between 33 and 53 days out. Offers are subject to change. Based on availability. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Some airlines charge baggage fees at airport or online check-in. See specific airline websites for details. Some hotels charge additional fees at check-in.