Why Ixtapa?

Is it because Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo delivers the best of both worlds:

modern comfort and tropical beauty with seaside village charm?

Is it because Zihuatanejo are famed for its abundance of game fish?

Or is it because Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo offers unique and challenging golf courses like no others?

When to go?

Ixtapa is a “year-round” destination – the sun shines an average of 340 days a year and sea breezes keep the climate agreeable year-round, but in general, October to May is the most pleasant time to visit – temperature averages 26 ºC/ 79 ºF.

Where to stay?

While Ixtapa has accommodations for every taste and budget, we suggest you to stay in at least, a 4 star resort. Melia Azul is located on the picturesque Playa Linda beach – overlooking the Pacific, it is one of the most prestigious hotels of the Mexican Riviera! Presidente Inter-Continental is a pleasant resort located on El Palmar Beach – 15 minute drive from Zihuatanejo – perfect for sun seekers!

What to do? Where to go?

Simply stroll down the white sand beaches and enjoy the sun and fun! Playa Linda is a long beach that is good for swimming and surfers. The spot near the mouth of the river has big waves when there is a north or west swell.

For a quiet vacation with little to do with watch wildlife, peer into tidal pools or comb the beachhead – Playa Troncones may be your cup of tea! It is a small beach community with a population of less than 1,000 – 37 kilometers north of Ixtapa. There are tour companies there that can take you diving, snorkelling or fishing.

Simply want to get a suntan? Carey Beach, Ixtapa Island is where you should head to! It is a 10-minute boat ride from Playa Quieta – boats are located in front of Club Med and the cost is roughly US$5 for a round trip.

Zihuatanejo is well known for fishing – marlin, sailfish, dorado, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, wahoo and more! The area is considered on of the best sailfishing destinations in the world, rated second only to Costa Rica . One of the most popular trips is to fish a half a day and then head over to Ixtapa Island to lunch on the fresh caught fish.

With the addition of Marina Ixtapa Club de Golf, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo sealed its standing as a golfer’s mecca. There are two excellent and very different courses in the hotel zone:-

El Club de Golf Palma Real – 18 hole, par 72, 6898 yard course was designed by Robert Trent Jones. It is located on Ixtapa Boulevard near Hotel Barcelo. It provides a diverse assortment of challenges, wandering through settings that range from lagoons to jungle hilltops to the sands of Playa Palmar. The course also serves as a wildlife preserve. Although reservations are unnecessary, we suggest you book in advance, Green fees are about US$75, cart fees US$25 and caddie fee US$20 approximately. Club rentals is about US$22.

Marina Ixtapa Club de Golf – 18 hotel, par 72, 6793 yard course designed by Robert Von Hagge. It features a series of saltwater inlets, allowing water to come into play on 13 of the 18 holes – a real beauty! Green fees are from US$60-US$900 (depends on the season), cart fees US$20 and club rentals is about US$30.

Where to eat?

As most of the packages to Ixtapa are all-inclusive – meals are included, but if time allows, take a night or two and try the local Mexican dishes. Carlos & Charlies – fun atmosphere with dancing on the beach. La Perla on La Ropa beach – fresh seafood in an open-air typical Mexican setting.

How to get around?

There are plentiful of taxis – the average fare from the hotel zone in Ixtapa to downtown Zihuatanejo is US$4. Taxis charge a 50% surcharge for trips after mid-night so watch out.

Mopeds can be rented by the hour or day. There are also cuatriciclos (pedicabs) and bikes for rent by the hour in Ixtapa.

The Weather

Seasonal Highs and Lows (ºC)

Currency

Mexican Pesos (MXN) [click here to find out the latest exchange rate]

Other information you should know!

It is now recommended that Canadians travelling to Mexico should carry a valid passport and a travel card (a small paper form) that is available free from airlines and Mexican Government Tourist Offices. It is valid for six months.

Click here to check the latest passport/visa requirements.

Want to know more?!

To learn more about Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, call (604) 273-8228 now, or, click here to check the latest deals on Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.

Disclaimer: This article is being written based on the travel experiences of our consultants. There are many sources to review in preparation of making the most of your “Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo” experience. The tips are subjective and do not necessarily represent the views of travelSavingstoday.com.