There are various issues to do in Zihuatanejo, equivalent to lounging on the seashore, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, together with exploring the tiny however charming city of the identical title.
It’s a very good factor that Zihuatanejo often doesn’t seem on the shortlist of well-known Mexican seashores. This low-key fishing village on the Pacific coast doesn’t get practically as a lot consideration as Cancun, Acapulco, or Puerto Vallarta, giving it a extra relaxed and off-the-beaten-track vibe.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Zihuatanejo
Not solely are there attractive seashores and lots of different issues to see in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, but in addition great meals, pleasant individuals, and good climate year-round. This is likely one of the high locations to see in all of Mexico!
On aircraft tickets and tour brochures, Zihuatanejo is usually paired with neighboring Ixtapa, referred to as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. A visit to at least one doesn’t mechanically imply that you just’ll be seeing each.
The 2 are roughly 10 kilometers from one another and a little bit totally different: Ixtapa is extra trendy and unfold out, with tall inns and massive resorts, and its seashores are on the open ocean, not like sheltered Zihuatanejo Bay.
I’ve visited Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo many occasions through the years, often to scuba dive, and I used to be all the time stunned by the nice issues I discovered — each above and under the water.
You’ll be able to profit from a visit to Mexican paradise by testing this checklist of the 15 finest issues to do in Zihuatanejo.
1. Cling Out at Playa la Ropa
Giant and shielded from the massive waves of the Pacific Ocean, Zihuatanejo Bay accommodates a number of seashores, together with Playa Principal (actually, the Major Seaside) proper subsequent to the city and secluded Playa Las Gatas on the opposite facet of the bay.
Between these two is the most important and nicest, Playa la Ropa (Clothes Seaside — the place this title comes from, I’m unsure). There’s good swimming and snorkeling, particularly close to the big rock on the far northeastern finish.
It’s additionally a implausible place for watching the sundown. You could find yourself sharing the view with a tranquil flock of pelicans floating on the water after their lengthy day of diving into the ocean for fish.
Playa la Ropa is a 30-minute stroll from the village, so if hanging out on the seashore comes first in your checklist of issues to do in Zihuatanejo, take into account getting a lodge there.
2. Wander Round Downtown
Moreover tourism, the first exercise within the village of Zihuatanejo is fishing.
The east finish of Playa Principal is jammed with fishing boats pulled onto the sand. Earlier than sundown, anglers return with recent fish to promote to eating places or to anybody proper there on the seashore.
Playa Principal has stunning surroundings, however sadly, the water will be fairly murky. You’ll find higher swimming elsewhere, like at Playa la Ropa.
As a substitute, exploring the city is likely one of the finest issues to do in Zihuatanejo if you don’t really feel like swimming or laying within the sand.
The core vacationer space occupies two or three blocks instantly behind the seashore. There are slender pedestrian streets, busy eating places, quirky cafes, and rowdy bars. Search for the stage close to the seashore, which regularly has performances and stay music, particularly throughout Mexican holidays.
You’ll find some good eating places blended in with the touristy ones within the downtown core. Attempt to discover a crowded spot that has extra Mexican vacationers and locals than worldwide vacationers to get the tastiest and most consultant meals.
After darkish, the bars get noisy and the streets get crowded, making it a superb space to search for issues to do in Zihuatanejo after darkish.
For those who’d want some peace within the late hours as an alternative, search for a lodge exterior this central space. When you cross Benito Juarez Avenue to the east of downtown, issues get loads calmer and extra authentically native.
The municipal market is positioned on Benito Juarez avenue simply north of the vacationer space. Go there to browse for souvenirs, purchase recent fruit and greens, and eat an affordable lunch of real Mexican meals within the tiny eating places there.
3. Stroll Down the Paseo del Pescador
Between Playa Principal and Playa Madera is a protracted concrete path constructed into the rocks and cliffs referred to as the Paseo del Pescador — the Fisherman’s Path.
This stroll gives nice views of Zihuatanejo Bay and passes cozy artisanal retailers, seafood eating places with thatched roofs, and swanky worldwide eateries with in depth menus and trendy decor.
A stroll down this path is undoubtedly the most effective issues to do in Zihuatanejo, particularly at sundown. After darkish, you’ll have views of the lights on each side of the bay. However in any respect hours, this stroll is likely one of the compulsory Zihuatanejo actions.
4. See the Shows on the Costa Grande Archaeological Museum
On the Paseo del Pescador is the Costa Grande Archeological Museum, some of the attention-grabbing locations to go to in Zihuatanejo if you’ve had sufficient of the seashore.
The museum accommodates six exhibition halls with artwork and artifacts present in close by archeological websites from the Olmeca, Teotihuacan, Mexica, and Tarasca cultures.
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to six:00 PM on daily basis besides Monday.
Handle: Paseo del Pescador 1, Centro, 40890, Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
5. Catch a Boat to Playa Las Gatas
Though Playa la Ropa is the largest, many individuals want Playa Las Gatas (the Seaside of the Cats.) It’s in a tiny cove close to the tip of Zihuatanejo Bay, and though it will get crowded, it’s extra secluded than the opposite seashores close by.
Playa las Gatas additionally has a few of the finest snorkeling within the space. Moreover coral and different sea life like starfish and countless sea urchins, there’s additionally a four-meter bronze statue of Jesus Christ erected below the water.
Attending to Playa las Gatas is half the enjoyable. It’s attainable to stroll all the way in which from Playa la Ropa, and it’s a fairly stroll too, on twisting paths that go over and under the rocky bluffs alongside the ocean.
The quicker and extra scenic method, nevertheless, is to take a ship from city.
From sunup to sunset, boats depart the docks positioned on the far east finish of Playa Principal. When you’re there, you may lease snorkel gear and eat at a number of first rate eating places alongside the seashore.
Or, you may prepare a tour from Zihuatanejo. Some excursions embrace snorkeling and kayaking, whereas others mix with different locations to see in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa.
6. Scuba Dive at Los Morros de Potosi
A few of the finest diving on the Mexican Pacific coast is positioned at a rocky cluster of barren islands referred to as Los Morros de Potosi, which is positioned about an hour south of Zihuatanejo by boat.
The shallow waters surrounding the islands of Morros de Potosi are stuffed with coral reefs, colleges of fish, sea turtles, and different aquatic life like octopuses.
For those who’re fortunate, you could even see a whale on the boat journey there.
This occurred to me as soon as when two humpback whales cruised previous the dive boat, making it the primary time on a scuba diving journey that probably the most attention-grabbing creatures I noticed have been above the floor of the water as an alternative of under it.
There are different nice dive websites round Zihuatanejo, with some within the small coves positioned simply exterior the bay and others on the many small islands offshore from Ixtapa.
Zihuatanejo has a number of dive retailers, all with related costs. I went with Dive Zihuatanejo and extremely suggest them.
7. Break Out the Binoculars for Some Whale Watching
Yearly from late December to late March, round 20,000 humpback whales migrate by the realm. Throughout that point, a whale watching journey is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Zihuatanejo on the water.
Moreover humpbacks, you’ll have a very good probability of seeing minke whales, beaked whales, a number of species of dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and plenty of birds.
Bilingual whale watching journeys are usually guided by a marine biologist. They preserve monitor of the whales passing by, supplying you with a very good probability of seeing them. You may also be a part of a whale watching tour with Dive Zihuatanejo.
8. Devour Scrumptious Mexican Model Contemporary Seafood
Mexican meals is rightly thought of one of many world’s best cuisines, and consuming seafood is important if you go to a seashore city and fishing village like Zihuatanejo.
Excellent seafood eating places abound, and discovering them is likely one of the high issues to do in Zihuatanejo. Basically, fancier locations have ocean views, touristy locations are a block or two from the seashore, and native hangouts with probably the most scrumptious meals are simply exterior the downtown core.
One in every of these is Mariscos El Tiburón de la Costa, which you could find in entrance of a visitors circle after strolling just a few blocks east from the tip of Playa Principal. Their in depth menu has every kind of recent seafood, some land-based choices, and tropical drinks like piña coladas and margaritas.
9. Expertise a Loopy Potato
Loopy potatoes are an anomaly of Mexican meals that aren’t well-known exterior of northern Mexico. Though Zihuatanejo isn’t precisely north, it’s north sufficient for a lot of native eating places to have them on the menu.
A big baked potato is full of no matter you need: totally different sorts of meat, seafood, or greens, after which it’s smothered with cheese, salsa, and bitter cream. Principally, no matter could possibly be put in a taco will get put within the potato.
There’s a transparent winner for the primary loopy potato on the town: Papa Loca Zihua.
It’s exterior of the downtown core and is unquestionably a favourite of locals. And for those who’re not within the temper for a potato, Papa Loca serves wonderful tacos and different Mexican specialties as nicely.
10. Calm down All Day at Playa El Palmar in Ixtapa
In case your thought of a seashore trip is an all-inclusive lodge with swimming swimming pools and a number of buffets, then the Playa Palmar (Palm Seaside) space of Ixtapa is unquestionably for you.
Not like Zihuatanejo, which is a functioning fishing village, Ixtapa is absolutely dedicated to tourism. Situated in Ixtapa’s foremost zone, Palmar Seaside is huge and on the open ocean, that means nonstop waves and good bodyboarding.
Eating places, bars, and small retailers are clustered behind the row of inns on the seashore.
Centro Mercado is likely one of the prime locations in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for purchasing, particularly at night time, when the shops and slender walkways between them are lit up in colourful lights.
There are even excursions obtainable that take you to the retailers and handicraft markets of Ixtapa. And for meals, you may’t go incorrect with some nachos and massive glasses of beer at Señor Frog’s, or pizza and cocktails at Frank’s Bar and Grill.
Ixtapa continues to the north of Palmar Seaside, the place there are extra seashores, like Playa Quieta and Playa Linda. These zones are much less developed than Playa Palmar, however in addition they have many eating places, inns, and vacationer locations.
11. Journey a Bicycle By means of the Rainforest
The Ixtapa Bicycle Path begins within the Vaso de Miraflores neighborhood on the far northern fringe of Zihuatanejo, passes by the Playa Palmar space in Ixtapa, and continues over the mountains to Playa Linda.
Alongside the way in which, it passes the Parque Aztlán ecological reserve, the place you may see caimans, parrots, and curious teams of coati, an unique tree mammal from Mexico and Central America.
Driving this path and exploring the park is unquestionably the most effective issues to do in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to get pleasure from nature. To lease a motorcycle, you may search for a motorcycle store close to the trail or guide a non-public tour like this one.
12. Take within the Views from the Mirador Playa Linda
At kilometer 5 on the bicycle path, a smaller path branches off that results in a viewpoint excessive within the mountains above Playa Linda.
Biking down the path takes you thru the luxurious vegetation of the native rainforest, and it’s simply one of many prettiest points of interest in Zihuatanejo.
The highest of the picket platform gives panoramic views of the forest under and the lengthy twisting shoreline past. There’s little question that this viewpoint is likely one of the most stunning locations to go to in Zihuatanejo.
That is a type of actions in Zihuatanejo that you just’ll have to be in fine condition to get pleasure from as a result of it’s a steep experience as much as the point of view. Don’t overlook to deliver plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.
13. Gawk at Crocodiles within the Playa Linda Cocodrilario
On a small peninsula on to the south of Playa Linda is the cocodrilario (crocodile reserve).
Dozens of the large beasts float within the water or lounge within the mud whereas huge turtles, iguanas, and birds cross amongst them. It’s a small website, however there’s no charge to enter.
Close by is a market with native handicrafts and some eating places. Playa Linda is attractive too, and strolling down it after testing the crocodiles is a type of issues to do in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo if you’d like a little bit extra privateness.
14. Go {Golfing} at Ixtapa
For those who’re questioning what to do in Zihuatanejo whereas sporting humorous checkered pants, then Ixtapa has two golf programs: the Palma Actual Golf Membership and the Ixtapa Marina Golf Membership.
Each have 18 holes and good surroundings, with ocean views and tall palm bushes. In addition they comprise plenty of native wildlife like birds, iguanas, and crocodiles, so suppose twice earlier than reaching into the water to really feel round for a misplaced ball.
Costs fluctuate in accordance with season. For those who come at a busy time, you need to most likely reserve a tee time beforehand, however for those who go to in off-season, you might be able to simply present up if you need to play.
15. Discover the Xihuacan Archeological Web site
For those who loved the shows on the Costa Grande Archaeological Museum, then for positive you’ll need to try the not too long ago excavated ceremonial heart of Xihuacan.
It’s some of the attention-grabbing issues to see in Zihuatanejo, and definitely probably the most historic.
Xihuacan, also referred to as the Soledad de Maciel Archeological Zone, is probably not as large or well-known as Mayan websites like Chichen Itza in southern Mexico or Teotihuacan close to Mexico Metropolis, but it surely’s a formidable space nonetheless.
Constructions embrace a mud-brick stepped pyramid and an historical ball courtroom. The small onsite museum homes quite a few artifacts and offers additional explanations concerning the historical past of the realm.
It’s a little bit far and complex to get there from Zihuatanejo by yourself, so a very good choice is to take a small group tour like this one, which takes about 4 hours and contains lunch.
The Xihuacan Archeological Web site is open from 10 AM to five PM and is closed on Mondays.
FAQs About Issues to Do in Zihuatanejo
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Zihuatanejo? Take a look at these solutions to some ceaselessly requested questions.
Zihuatanejo is called a captivating and pleasant fishing village and seashore city. It’s thought of a extra laid-back different to Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta. It’s additionally well-known for being the ultimate vacation spot of Andy Dufresne within the film The Shawshank Redemption.
Zihuatanejo is a small fishing village that’s now largely dedicated to tourism. It’s positioned on Zihuatanejo Bay, so its seashores have calm, flat water. The seashores at Ixtapa are on the open ocean and comprise largely bigger inns and resorts. Ixtapa is absolutely devoted to tourism.
The most effective time to go to Zihuatanejo is within the cooler months from November to April. Nonetheless, it’s a good suggestion to keep away from excessive vacationer season in Mexico throughout that point, which is from Christmas to New 12 months’s and Semana Santa, the week earlier than Easter.
Sure, the seashores are good for swimming in Zihuatanejo. Most seashores are in Zihuatanejo Bay, in order that they’re sheltered from the massive waves and rip tides of the Pacific Ocean. As a result of it’s proper subsequent to city, the primary seashore (Playa Principal) is usually a little murky, so that you’re higher off heading to Playa la Ropa or Playa las Gatas.
Zihuatanejo is mostly secure, though take primary precautions, particularly at night time. The state the place it’s positioned, Guerrero, has many harmful areas, however Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa have prevented many of the state’s issues.
Now You Know What to Do in Zihuatanejo
As you may see, there are a lot of extra issues to do in Zihuatanejo than go to the seashore. Enjoyable actions in Zihuatanejo embrace snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking, {golfing}, mountain biking, and even crocodile gazing.
The charming and fairly fishing village is likely one of the high points of interest in Zihuatanejo. Good eating places, pleasant individuals, and a particularly laid-back vibe make it a terrific base for exploring the realm and a worthwhile vacation spot in its personal proper.
Every time I went to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, I had a totally totally different expertise. Whether or not it was after chilling on the seashore, devouring large plates of coconut shrimp, or night time diving amongst neon blue bioluminescence, I all the time left questioning about once I might return for extra.
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