Ixtapa city information

Our Opinion of Ixtapa

Ixtapa is an approximately 3 mile stretch of beach-front development where modern high rise hotels are strategically placed, one right next to the other (careful spacing ensures one does not cast a shadow on the other's pool). Two world class golf courses, a new Marina, a commercial shopping center, numerous restaurants and smaller shops all make up the pristine Ixtapa vacation destination.

The Barcelo Ixtapa and Melia Azul are great resorts for families, while the Las Brisas is good for couples and honeymooners.

More Ixtapa Vacation Information

In an beautiful site, in the heart of the Mexican Pacific, surrounded by mountains covered with tropical forest that come down to the coast, lies the peaceful, picturesque fishing village of Zihuatanejo, with its wonderful combination of tranquility, exuberant surroundings and affordable tourist facilities. Only 7 km away you will find the more modern city of Ixtapa where the Playa Palmar awaits, you with its 3 km of soft golden sand, a perfect beach vacation destination.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has managed to preserve all the attractions that have made it so highly sought after. Although it has been modernized, Zihuatanejo still retains the village atmosphere that has made it famous throughout the world.

The beaches are of brown sand with deep blue water, and the Sierra Madre mountains covered with the lush tropical vegetation of the region serve as a backdrop to great resort. Ixtapa beaches are wide, but tend to be a bit too rough for ocean swimming. They are, however, well tended and manicured, offering palapas and chaise loungess.

Ixtapa Hotels

Top Picks in Ixtapa

Barcelo Ixtapa Resort

Las Brisas Ixtapa

Melia Azul Ixtapa

All hotels in Ixtapa

Barcelo Ixtapa Resort

Emporio Ixtapa

Fontan Ixtapa Beach

Holiday Inn Ixtapa

Krystal Ixtapa

Las Brisas Ixtapa

Melia Azul Ixtapa

Park Royal Ixtapa

Posada Real Ixtapa

Presidente InterContinental Ixtapa

Sunscape Dorado Pacifico

Tesoro Ixtapa

Ixtapa Destination Reviews

Been to this destination?

Rating:

"This is our 14th trip to Mexico, but our first to Ixtapa and our first stay at a Barcelo Resort (Barcelo Premuim, Ixtapa) and we had a most wonderful time (there were six of us - three adult couples). The hotel was very well run, clean and had very nice rooms (even a Bede in our bathroom - rare in North America)! The food was excellent and it was never crowded at meals as there were several restaurants open at any given meal time. The staff were all older (seasoned and experienced) and very friendly, and all seemed happy in their work environment (speaks well for the management of the hotel). The weather was superb (last week of December) and the beach was fantastic - being an avid swimmer, that is an important criteria.
We will most definitely go back to this same place many more times in the future. Next trip will be in Dec 10, if not sooner!
Tarek Jandali"
Reviewer: Syriancamel
Date: Jan. 05, 2010

Rating:

"Not a lot to sightsee in town but it was quiant and cute. We went to Zihuatenejo town N the open market area by bus with the locals, even ate there no worries very safe. Travelling to diff places you should have an open mind to accept the area for what it is. And you'll have a good time sure. Stay home if you want comfort of home! "
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 26, 2009

Rating:

"I believe that Ixtapa is a resort that many Mexicans use for their vacation. This was the case for us at the time of our trip. We were one of only 2 families from another country. staying at our hotel so not many people spoke English which meant that we couldn't understand the shows, the food menus or to make general chit chat. I found the beach to be ok and the shops close by. I did think it was very overpriced. $7 for a bucket and spade for my child!! It was quiet and scenic though."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Sep. 02, 2008

Rating:

"Great family destination, kids love the beach and ocean."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jul. 22, 2008

Rating:

"I've always felt very safe, even at night while walking around at the market across the street."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jul. 19, 2008

Rating:

"The destination was beautiful - great beach and ocean. Just stay at another resort!"
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jun. 19, 2008

Rating:

"Ixtapa was a 5 minute cab ride away and had all we needed for evening strolls and "market" shopping and Zihuateneho (sp) was about 10 minutes away if you needed a bigger authentic Mexican atmosphere ..You can find everything in these 2 locations, except the pesky timeshare people found in the larger vacation spots. They seemed almost non existent to us ...Ixtapa is a quiet spot with just enough nightlife to keep you interested .....We will return ......"
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Apr. 16, 2008

Rating:

"IXtapa-Zihua's weather is great as well as the beaches! Enjoyed staying farther out away from hotel row in Ixtapa."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Apr. 13, 2008

Things to know about Ixtapa Vacations

Watersports & Activities
Many facilities offer water sports, excursions and walks. Facilities are available for several sports, such as golf, tennis, cycling, motor cycling, horseback riding and beach volleyball.

Sport fishing enthusiasts can catch marlin, black marlin, sailfish or mahi-mahi, according to the time of the year.

Zihuatanejo's beaches are famous for their horse rides. All you have to do is walk down to the beach and find a place where horses are available for hire. At the Scuba Center in Zihuatanejo, beginner and advanced divers can dive with instructors who all have dive master certificates. Surfers should head for the beaches at Majahua, El Palmar, San Juan and Don Rodrigo near Zihuatanejo, which are all ideal for surfing.

Dining & Nightlife
There are lots of dining choices in restaurants and bars overlooking the bay in Zihua and along Playa del Palmar in Ixtapa. Casa Morelos and El Faro are great places for Mexican cuisine, and El Galeon and Beccofino's have seafood specialties.

Ixtapa's nightlife has something for everyone, since it offers Mexican fiesta shows, bars with romantic music and discotheques to suit every taste. During the high season some of the major hotels arrange a Mexican Fiesta Evening one day a week, which begins at approximately 7 p.m. with a sophisticated dinner-buffet, live folk music and regional dances. Plenty of nightclubs abound for those who wish to dance the night away.

Shopping
There are a number of malls located near the beachfront hotels which offer clothing, souveniers, and arts & crafts. Visit the authentic Mexican markets in Zihuanatejo for ceramics and other local crafts.

Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
Montreal: Approximately 5 hours
Calgary: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
Vancouver: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

Languages: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Pesos. U.S. currency widely accepted.
Climate: Sub-tropical with average tempuratures of 28'C
Electricity: Same as Canada and the U.S.

Documents: Canadian citizens require a valid passport or birth certificate and government issued photo ID (ie. drivers licences). All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Mexican consulate.

Note: Some hotels require credit card imprint upon check-in for any incidental charges. Hotel check-in is typically between 3pm and 4pm. If your flight arrives early, it is a good idea to pack essential items in your carry-on luggage (i.e. bathing suit, suntan lotion, medications, etc.), so you do not miss any valuable vacation time.

Mexican tourist cards are supplied & validated with vacation packages. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when travelling without parents. Contact the Mexican Government Tourist Office toll free at 1-800-446-3942.

Ixtapa Vacation Tips

Beach vendors are prohibited in Ixtapa, however, the city has provided them with tourist markets where they may sell there goods. Visit one of the markets for great Mexican hand crafts.

Vacationers will find that a tip can go a long way and is greatly appreciated as wages in Mexico are quite low. In Mexico, tipping servers, house keeping and bellmen can bring you better service and make your vacation more enjoyable.

Ixtapa Weather Averages

Avg. °C	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
High	30	30	31	31	32	33	33	33	32	32	31	31
Low	20	20	22	23	24	25	25	25	24	24	23	21
Rain (mm)	1	2	2	1	8	77	75	150	80	28	5	3

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