IxtapaThings to do

Things to do in Ixtapa

  1. Playa del Palmar

    Playa del Palmar is all about big hotels and a lovely long stretch of white-sand beach that's teeming with parasail and jet-ski outfits. Be very careful if you swim here: the large waves crash straight down and there's a powerful undertow. The west end of this beach, just before the entrance to the lagoon, is locally called Playa Escolleras and is favored by surfers.

    reviewed

  2. Villa de la Selva

    This elegant contemporary Mediterranean restaurant was once the home of Mexican president Luis Echeverría. The cliffside villa has superb sunset and ocean views. Offerings include duck tacos, salmon with couscous, shrimp in tamarind sauce, lobster and an extensive wine list. Reservations are a must.

    reviewed

  3. Playa La Ropa

    The broad expanse of Playa La Ropa, bordered by palm trees and seafood restaurants, is one of Zihuatanejo's most beautiful beaches and great for swimming, parasailing, waterskiing and sand-soccer. You can also rent sailboards and sailboats.

    reviewed

  4. Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande

    This small but highly recommended archaeology museum houses exhibits on the history, archaeology and culture of the Guerrero coast. Captions are in Spanish, but a free English-language brochure includes translations.

    reviewed

  5. Catcha L’Ola Surf & Stuff

    Surfing is good on Playa Linda and Playa Escolleras. You’ll find everything you need – rentals, repairs, classes and surfing trips – at Catcha L’Ola Surf & Stuff.

    reviewed

  6. Soleiado

    This extremely good, moderately priced, always crowded sidewalk café opposite the Park Royal hotel has an extensive international menu ranging from eggs Benedict to Szechuan chicken to linguine.

    reviewed

  7. El Faro

    Located at the top of the Pacifica Resort and accessed by a gondola, El Faro has amazing views and live jazz music Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations required.

    reviewed

  8. Isla Ixtapa

    Just offshore, Isla Ixtapa has four beaches good for snorkeling; you can rent gear and a lifejacket here for the day. The island also has some seafood restaurants.

    reviewed

  9. Parque Aventura

    Parque Aventura, about 5km north of Ixtapa on Hwy 200, is an outdoor adventure course through the woods with suspension bridges and zip-lines.

    reviewed

  10. Kopado’s Music Bar

    With good drink specials and occasional live music, this local favorite occupies a palapa-covered perch in Ixtapa’s main shopping center.

    reviewed

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  12. El Alebrije

    A fog machine, banks of computerized lights, pop, rock, house, salsa and merengue, plus an open bar: what more do you want?

    reviewed

  13. Christine

    Christine has the sizzling sound and light systems you’d expect from one of the most popular discos in town.

    reviewed

  14. Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Las Gatas Beach Half-Day Tour

    Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Las Gatas Beach Half-Day Tour

    5 hours (Departs Ixtapa, Mexico)

    by Viator

    When you dock in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, hop off your cruise ship and straight onto a boat to Las Gatas Beach for a day of fun in the sun! Playa Las Gatas is a popu…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$61.99
  15. Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Snorkeling at Manzanillo Beach

    Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Snorkeling at Manzanillo Beach

    5 hours (Departs Ixtapa, Mexico)

    by Viator

    When you’re in port in Ixtapa, discover the magical underwater world off Manzanillo Beach on a snorkeling shore excursion. Swimming through the azure water, adm…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$149.99
  16. Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Horseback Riding on Zihuatanejo Bay

    Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Horseback Riding on Zihuatanejo Bay

    2 hours (Departs Ixtapa, Mexico)

    by Viator

    When you arrive in port in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, let your hair loose and enjoy a horseback riding shore excursion in tropical paradise! Explore the breathtaking s…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$84.99
  17. Magic World

    The aquatic park Magic World has rides, waterslides, toboggans and other amusements.

    reviewed

  18. Fun on Wheels

    Mountain bikes can be rented in Ixtapa from Fun on Wheels for M$50/250 per hour/day.

    reviewed

  19. Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Ixtapa Island Adventure

    Ixtapa Shore Excursion: Ixtapa Island Adventure

    5 hours (Departs Ixtapa, Mexico)

    by Viator

    When you’re in port in Ixtapa, cruise to Ixtapa Island to enjoy a fun day of swimming, snorkeling, water sports and relaxation on a deserted beach. Renowned for…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$61.99
  20. Señor Frog’s

    The Frog serves up zany antics along with familiar Mexican dishes, burgers and iguana.

    reviewed