The towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, about 140 miles Northwest of Acapulco and 360 miles from Mexico City. Unique among the beach destinations of Mexico, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo offers the best of two paradisiacal worlds: the modernity and luxury of Ixtapa, and just four miles away, the fishing village charm of Zihuatanejo. This destination is also easily accessible, with the Zihuatanejo International Airport just 10 minutes away from Zihuatanejo and 20 minutes away from Ixtapa.
The combined population of the two cities is 105,000 people. The average temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) year-round, with more than 300 days of sunshine. The purple mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur range offer a dramatic backdrop to the area’s yellow-white sand beaches.
Zihuatanejo (“Place Governed by Women”) was already a fishing village long before Columbus discovered the new world, and today it retains its traditional Mexican charm, with cobblestone streets, open-air markets, and its municipal pier where the fishermen arrive with their catch each morning. On the other hand, Ixtapa (“White Place”) was handpicked by the federal tourism bureau of Mexico for development in the 1970’s because of its gorgeous, two-mile stretch of beach (Playa del Palmar). It features first-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping with all the modern conveniences.
If you want to experience both authentic Mexican culture and a comfortable, modern environment, you’ll love the friendly towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo