Guidebook for Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Drinks & Nightlife
Bars, places locals hang out
Upstairs, enjoy delicious "pub" food - wings, burgers, roast beef sandwiches and more. Downstairs, mix with the locals for a drink, insider tips and to cheer on your favorite sports team.
15 personas locales recomiendan
La Hija del Capitan / Bar La Playa
39 Nicolás BravoUpstairs, enjoy delicious "pub" food - wings, burgers, roast beef sandwiches and more. Downstairs, mix with the locals for a drink, insider tips and to cheer on your favorite sports team.
Coconuts is housed in an historic building in Zihua and although is a restaurant of fine dining has a great bar and bar menu for those with a more moderate budget. The atmosphere is not to be missed.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Coconuts Restaurant & Bar
1 Agustín RamírezCoconuts is housed in an historic building in Zihua and although is a restaurant of fine dining has a great bar and bar menu for those with a more moderate budget. The atmosphere is not to be missed.
Loot is the best place on La Ropa to grab an espresso but most go for the events it hosts. Art exhibitions, music, dancing, meeting locals...there's a bit of everything to enjoy.
41 personas locales recomiendan
LOOT Surf & Lifestyle Store
55 La RopaLoot is the best place on La Ropa to grab an espresso but most go for the events it hosts. Art exhibitions, music, dancing, meeting locals...there's a bit of everything to enjoy.
Stob by, have a beer and hang with many expat locals. Many nights during the season you can find live music.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Barracruda Bar
5 Av. CuauhtémocStob by, have a beer and hang with many expat locals. Many nights during the season you can find live music.
Bandidos is a fun spot to stop, have a drink and dance some salsa on weekend nights. It also is a delicious restaurant. Try the kiwi-goat cheese salad or the molcajetes. It is a lively spot filled with tourists and a live music venue.
42 personas locales recomiendan
Bandido´s Restaurant Bar
8 Av 5 de MayoBandidos is a fun spot to stop, have a drink and dance some salsa on weekend nights. It also is a delicious restaurant. Try the kiwi-goat cheese salad or the molcajetes. It is a lively spot filled with tourists and a live music venue.
Food Scene
Restaurants, Cafes, Bakeries etc
We highly recommend trying out local Mexican pan dulce from this popular bakery (panaderia in Spanish).
8 personas locales recomiendan
Panaderia Del Buen Gusto
11 Vicente Guerrero We highly recommend trying out local Mexican pan dulce from this popular bakery (panaderia in Spanish).
The best fish tacos in town! With a special - spicy! sauce and a great spot for people watching. They also offer a very indulgent breakfast including stuffed french toast & Guerrero coffee.
28 personas locales recomiendan
La Sirena Gorda
90 P.º del PescadorThe best fish tacos in town! With a special - spicy! sauce and a great spot for people watching. They also offer a very indulgent breakfast including stuffed french toast & Guerrero coffee.
A popular restaurant on La Ropa with delicious traditional Mexican recipes - we recommend the chili rellenos, a house specialty
65 personas locales recomiendan
Restaurante La Perla
S/N CaracolitoA popular restaurant on La Ropa with delicious traditional Mexican recipes - we recommend the chili rellenos, a house specialty
Paty's has a yoga studio on her upper level - practice while looking out over the bay and enjoying the early morning breeze. Then go downstairs, bury your feet in the sand and enjoy her all-day menu.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Paty's Miramar
Paty's has a yoga studio on her upper level - practice while looking out over the bay and enjoying the early morning breeze. Then go downstairs, bury your feet in the sand and enjoy her all-day menu.
Excellent upscale mexican food. Many nights with live music or salsa dancing. Try the chicken or fish molcahete or the chile relleno with shrimp.
42 personas locales recomiendan
Bandido´s Restaurant Bar
8 Av 5 de MayoExcellent upscale mexican food. Many nights with live music or salsa dancing. Try the chicken or fish molcahete or the chile relleno with shrimp.
The absolute best authentic mexican food in Zihuatanejo at a reasonable price.
29 personas locales recomiendan
Carmelitas Café
S/N C. Heroico Colegio MilitarThe absolute best authentic mexican food in Zihuatanejo at a reasonable price.
Il Mare has delicious food at a reasonable price but the real reason to dine there are the sunset views. Perched on a cliif with views to the bay and town it's a great place to spend an evening.
11 personas locales recomiendan
Ristorante il Mare
Il Mare has delicious food at a reasonable price but the real reason to dine there are the sunset views. Perched on a cliif with views to the bay and town it's a great place to spend an evening.
Best pizza in Zihuatanejo and they deliver! Also serving hamburgers, salads and the infamous Lolly ice cream cake for dessert.
11 personas locales recomiendan
Jungle pizza
s/n La RopaBest pizza in Zihuatanejo and they deliver! Also serving hamburgers, salads and the infamous Lolly ice cream cake for dessert.
Good food, great view and excellent service only a 10 minute walk from the Studios at Solana. Mediterranean restaurant in the Pacifica Grand Hotel open for dinner only. Reservations required.
El Suspiro
73 P.º de La BahíaGood food, great view and excellent service only a 10 minute walk from the Studios at Solana. Mediterranean restaurant in the Pacifica Grand Hotel open for dinner only. Reservations required.
Best for dinner. Streetside restaurant in the historic La Madera neighborhood. Best grilled fish in Zihuatanejo!
Restaurant El Arrayan
n AdelitasBest for dinner. Streetside restaurant in the historic La Madera neighborhood. Best grilled fish in Zihuatanejo!
Authentic Italian food in a garden setting in the heart of La Ropa. In the high season it is necessary to make a reservation in advance.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Trattoria da Gianni
55 Escénica La RopaAuthentic Italian food in a garden setting in the heart of La Ropa. In the high season it is necessary to make a reservation in advance.
Good burgers, salads and sandwiches. Free delivery to Solana!
30 personas locales recomiendan
Margaritas Zihuatanejo Restaurant
102 Josefa Ortiz de DomínguezGood burgers, salads and sandwiches. Free delivery to Solana!
Excellent salad, burgers and grill. Try the grilled catch of the day. Right on Fisherman's walk. A fab place for people watching and the prices are just right.
La Porteña Pizza & Grill
37 P.º del PescadorExcellent salad, burgers and grill. Try the grilled catch of the day. Right on Fisherman's walk. A fab place for people watching and the prices are just right.
Absolutely the best fish & seafood on Playa La Ropa. El Manglar is an open air restaurant located next to a small estuary where you can see iguanas, shore birds and even the occasional crocodile. Try their food, you will not be disappointed!
14 personas locales recomiendan
El Manglar
Presidente Darío Galeana FarfanAbsolutely the best fish & seafood on Playa La Ropa. El Manglar is an open air restaurant located next to a small estuary where you can see iguanas, shore birds and even the occasional crocodile. Try their food, you will not be disappointed!
Delicious mexican fusion cuisine awaits at this friendly dinner spot. Lunches are more traditional and they serve up a mean tuna tostada for those so inclined.
14 personas locales recomiendan
La Terracita
S/N P.º del PescadorDelicious mexican fusion cuisine awaits at this friendly dinner spot. Lunches are more traditional and they serve up a mean tuna tostada for those so inclined.
New restaurant with friendly proprietors, good food and a beautiful city view serving Middle Eastern, Thai and Indian dishes. They offer take out.
Orient Bay - Um Souk
Escénica La RopaNew restaurant with friendly proprietors, good food and a beautiful city view serving Middle Eastern, Thai and Indian dishes. They offer take out.
The best vegan food in Zihua. Try the tacos, ginger beer and frozen desserts. You won't be disappointed in this lunch spot.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Vegano EntreZankas
64 Avenida CuauhtémocThe best vegan food in Zihua. Try the tacos, ginger beer and frozen desserts. You won't be disappointed in this lunch spot.
Choose from an inside air conditioned space or street side open air dining and enjoy well prepared & presented food. Mito has excellent options for the carnivore and vegan alike.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Mito Restaurante and Wine Store
64 Av. CuauhtémocChoose from an inside air conditioned space or street side open air dining and enjoy well prepared & presented food. Mito has excellent options for the carnivore and vegan alike.
Sightseeing
Book with Pako to discover all of the best scuba & snorkel spots or just to get out on the water and explore! You can even get PADI-certified while you are on vacation!
10 personas locales recomiendan
Adventure Divers Zihuatanejo
43 Ejido Book with Pako to discover all of the best scuba & snorkel spots or just to get out on the water and explore! You can even get PADI-certified while you are on vacation!
Spend a day in a small mexican fishing village. Rent a boat in the morning to bird watch in the lagoon or simply lounge at one of Barra's many beachfront enramadas, swimming, eating and relaxing.
40 personas locales recomiendan
Barra de Potosí
Spend a day in a small mexican fishing village. Rent a boat in the morning to bird watch in the lagoon or simply lounge at one of Barra's many beachfront enramadas, swimming, eating and relaxing.
A great place to dine on local food, (muy economico), shop and people watch! Find that coconut grater or mortar & pestle that you've always wanted and have a quesadilla while you browse!
41 personas locales recomiendan
Mercado Municipal
MangosA great place to dine on local food, (muy economico), shop and people watch! Find that coconut grater or mortar & pestle that you've always wanted and have a quesadilla while you browse!
La Madera neighborhood is one of the oldest in Zihuatanejo. Narrow streets curve up the hillside and are lined with many local restaurants. A beachside walkway connects with the town.
50 personas locales recomiendan
Playa la Madera
La Madera neighborhood is one of the oldest in Zihuatanejo. Narrow streets curve up the hillside and are lined with many local restaurants. A beachside walkway connects with the town.
A must do! The Picante offers fun daytime snorkel cruises as well as more sophisticated sunset sails. An open bar and tapas will keep you content while viewing Zihuatanejo from the sea.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Picante Catamaran
5 Paseo del MorroA must do! The Picante offers fun daytime snorkel cruises as well as more sophisticated sunset sails. An open bar and tapas will keep you content while viewing Zihuatanejo from the sea.
Arrive by small boat and spend the day snorkeling and dining on fresh fish. Don't forget the piña coladas served in a pineapple!
60 personas locales recomiendan
Ixtapa Island
Arrive by small boat and spend the day snorkeling and dining on fresh fish. Don't forget the piña coladas served in a pineapple!
Non-profit turtle hatchery that offers turtle releases in the evenings in season.
Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli
Non-profit turtle hatchery that offers turtle releases in the evenings in season.
Everything Else
Las Gatas surf break is popular with the Zihua locals during the summer season. Check it out if you surf! Or spend some time snorkeling in clear waters and sipping a drink under a beachside umbrella.
10 personas locales recomiendan
Las Gatas surf break
Las Gatas surf break is popular with the Zihua locals during the summer season. Check it out if you surf! Or spend some time snorkeling in clear waters and sipping a drink under a beachside umbrella.
Great manicures, pedicures, massages and haircuts at a reasonable price. Located just off Fisherman's walk in downtown Zihuatanejo. Appointments preferred.
Khushi Manos y Pies Spa
Juan N. ÁlvarezGreat manicures, pedicures, massages and haircuts at a reasonable price. Located just off Fisherman's walk in downtown Zihuatanejo. Appointments preferred.
A great place to purchase groceries as well as a few clothes, housewares & alcohol, Mega Soriana is a large grocery chain located near the bus station in Zihuatanejo.
28 personas locales recomiendan
MEGA Soriana
Calle del CocoteroA great place to purchase groceries as well as a few clothes, housewares & alcohol, Mega Soriana is a large grocery chain located near the bus station in Zihuatanejo.
Neighborhoods
Spend the day lounging at the best swimmer's beach in Zihuatanejo. Small restaurants line the beach and for a small fee or the price of food and beverages you can enjoy their umbrellas and lounge chairs.
119 personas locales recomiendan
Playa La Ropa
La RopaSpend the day lounging at the best swimmer's beach in Zihuatanejo. Small restaurants line the beach and for a small fee or the price of food and beverages you can enjoy their umbrellas and lounge chairs.
The town of Zihuatanejo is a picturesque town which still retains its fishing village charm. Restaurants, markets & souvenir stores abound downtown. It's a great place to amble, shop and have a margarita or some traditional mexican food.
57 personas locales recomiendan
Zihuatanejo
The town of Zihuatanejo is a picturesque town which still retains its fishing village charm. Restaurants, markets & souvenir stores abound downtown. It's a great place to amble, shop and have a margarita or some traditional mexican food.
La Madera was the original hotel zone of Zihuatanejo. Although the town has grown since then it still retains a historic charm with winding streets leading to some of the most authentic restaurants Zihuatanejo offers. Find a spot that offers grilled seafood, vegetables and rice with tortillas. Oh, and, don't forget the salsa...
50 personas locales recomiendan
Playa la Madera
La Madera was the original hotel zone of Zihuatanejo. Although the town has grown since then it still retains a historic charm with winding streets leading to some of the most authentic restaurants Zihuatanejo offers. Find a spot that offers grilled seafood, vegetables and rice with tortillas. Oh, and, don't forget the salsa...
Take a side trip to Playa Larga for the day. A long stretch of white sand beach lined by open air enramada type restaurants where the fish and guacamole are fresh and the margaritas tart.
Horseback riding is available for those that are activity inclined. A small sweat lodge also hosts a pre-hispanic temezcal ceremony certain days. Reservations are required.
Please remember that Playa Larga has rip tides and strong ocean currents. We suggest to not swim in the ocean there.
53 personas locales recomiendan
Playa Linda
Playa LindaTake a side trip to Playa Larga for the day. A long stretch of white sand beach lined by open air enramada type restaurants where the fish and guacamole are fresh and the margaritas tart.
Horseback riding is available for those that are activity inclined. A small sweat lodge also hosts a pre-hispanic temezcal ceremony certain days. Reservations are required.
Please remember that Playa Larga has rip tides and strong ocean currents. We suggest to not swim in the ocean there.
Ixtapa is the sister city to Zihuatanejo. It is only a 15 minute drive from Zihuatanejo but world's apart in appearance & vibe. High rise hotels and malls line the main boulevard. A cinema, shops and various restaurants can be found. There is even a small marina with high end yachts available for lease. One gem that can be found near Ixtapa is Ixtapa Island, a great place to hang out for the day; snack on fresh seafood and snorkle in the sheltered waters of the of the island. A short boat trip is required to get you to the island but, don't worry, assistance is available to help you on and off the small boat.
20 personas locales recomiendan
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa is the sister city to Zihuatanejo. It is only a 15 minute drive from Zihuatanejo but world's apart in appearance & vibe. High rise hotels and malls line the main boulevard. A cinema, shops and various restaurants can be found. There is even a small marina with high end yachts available for lease. One gem that can be found near Ixtapa is Ixtapa Island, a great place to hang out for the day; snack on fresh seafood and snorkle in the sheltered waters of the of the island. A short boat trip is required to get you to the island but, don't worry, assistance is available to help you on and off the small boat.
Playa Blanca makes a great day trip. We like to head to Restaurant Chula Vida. Centered on the miles long beach, it is an excellent relaxation spot. Walk a bit, scan the horizon for whales and chill. While Playa Blanca is a beautiful spot, it is extremely dangerous to swim so take care near the waves and enjoy siesta Costeño style (in a hammock!)
13 personas locales recomiendan
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca makes a great day trip. We like to head to Restaurant Chula Vida. Centered on the miles long beach, it is an excellent relaxation spot. Walk a bit, scan the horizon for whales and chill. While Playa Blanca is a beautiful spot, it is extremely dangerous to swim so take care near the waves and enjoy siesta Costeño style (in a hammock!)
Consejos para la ciudad
Qué empacar
Zihuatanejo is a casual place with shorts and sandals being the norm
You also want to pack a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, a cover up, aloe vera gel for burns & mosquito repellent in the summer season. To swim at Las Gatas beach you should pack water shoes and decent sneakers for the trail down.
Frases útiles
Locals, whether Mexican or Expat are very friendly but a few spanish phrases will ease your trip
Cerveza is beer, baño is bathroom, cuanto cuesta is how much is (an item or thing), la cuenta is the bill at a restaurant, la cancha is the basketball court at the center of town where everyone gathers in the evening and el mercado is the market. Taxi is taxi and la combi is the minibus that runs from the center of town to La Ropa beach
Formas de ahorrar
Zihuatanejo is an inexpensive town but there are a few tricks that will save you money and headache
Always ask how much a taxi charges before agreeing to the ride. Inquire about the cost of a restaurant's ''specials'' before ordering especially if the restaurant is beachside. Be sure that the menu lists prices.
Bargain a bit with the streetside vendors. Use the ATM's at the airport to withdraw money upon arrival since many places do not accept foreign currency or credit cards and often the exchange rate given is poor.
Just a note* It is very difficult to exchange foreign currency for Mexican pesos in Zihuatanejo these days.
Viajar en solitario
Solo travelers will find Zihuatanejo to be a comfortable place
Generally speaking Zihuatanejo is a very safe place for solo travelers including women traveling alone. Local people are normally helpful and friendly.
Follow the usual precautions, don't wear flashy jewelry, don't flaunt your money, take care with your wallet, purse & cell phone.
Some bars are perfectly safe for solo travelers, some bars (cantina style) not so much. Just ask us and we can point you in the right direction. As usual it's best not to stay out after 11:00pm if you are traveling solo.
Costumbres y cultura
Tipping in Zihuatanejo
Tipping for good service is a way of life in Zihuatanejo. 5-10% is adequate at hole-in-the-wall restaurants but at nicer restaurant 15% is recommended. If you choose a high-end restaurant 20% is expected.
Taxis don't necessarily expect tips but if your taxi ride includes waiting, luggage handling or a tour, a tip is suggested.
Hotel staff expect tips for good service, bellboys, waiters, maids & spa staff. The tip should take into account the duration of your stay.
As in most countries around the world, tipping for good service encourages good service and helps to improve lives.