Ixtapa

A planned modern beach resort next to the rustic charm of Zihuatanejo, offering contemporary hotels, restaurants, and water sports on a wide sandy beach. It provides a good balance between development and accessibility without the chaos of larger resort cities.

Things to do

• Playa Principal Beach — The main sandy beach in Ixtapa offers calm waters ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching along the waterfront promenade.
• Water Sports at Ixtapa Beach — Rent jet skis, parasails, or paddleboards from vendors along the beach, or take a banana boat ride for thrills on the Pacific waters.
• Isla Ixtapa Snorkeling Trip — Take a boat to this small island offshore to snorkel among tropical fish and coral formations, with options for beachside dining.
• Day Trip to Zihuatanejo — Walk or take a short taxi to the adjacent rustic fishing village to explore colonial architecture, local markets, and authentic seafood restaurants.
• Ixtapa Golf Club — Play an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., overlooking the coast with ocean and mountain views.
• Sunset Dinner Cruise — Board a catamaran from the marina for an evening sail along the Pacific coast with drinks, appetizers, and ocean views.
• Shopping at Ixtapa Centro — Browse the modern mall and street vendors for Mexican handicrafts, silver jewelry, and duty-free shops in the resort center.

Food to try

• Huachinango a la Veracruzana — Fresh red snapper prepared Veracruz-style with tomatoes, olives, capers, and peppers, a signature coastal dish throughout the region.
• Ceviche de Camarón — Raw shrimp cured in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and fresh chiles, served ice-cold as an appetizer in beachfront restaurants.
• Tamales de Elote — Fresh corn tamales steamed in corn husks, often sold from street vendors in the morning and best enjoyed with hot chocolate or atole.
• Tostadas de Atún — Crispy tortilla discs topped with fresh tuna, avocado, cabbage, and lime crema, a light lunch favorite from seafood stands.
• Camarones al Ajillo — Large shrimp sautéed in abundant garlic and butter, served with rice and warm tortillas in oceanfront dining establishments.
• Agua Fresca de Jamaica — A refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and water, served ice-cold at beach kiosks and markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Tipping in Restaurants — Leave 15-20% gratuity for good service at sit-down restaurants, as staff rely on tips to supplement their wages.
• Beach Vendor Etiquette — Politely decline unsolicited vendors rather than ignoring them, and negotiate prices respectfully if you wish to purchase crafts or services.
• Siesta Time — Many small local shops and services close between 1-4 PM for midday rest, so plan major shopping or errands for morning or late afternoon.
• Sun Protection — The tropical sun is intense year-round; locals and visitors wear high SPF sunscreen, hats, and reapply frequently even on cloudy days.