Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is an area frequented by tourists, and therefore, it's relatively safe. But it's in the Mexican state of Guerrero, which has a reputation for having more crime and violence than other states.
How to Get Around Zihuatanejo
- Public Transportation. Buses and colectivo vans are a convenient way to get around town.
- Taxi. Finding taxis in Zihuatanejo is very easy if you are near the pier.
- Car. You can rent a car for Mex$600 a day, including insurance.
You might remember Zihuatanejo as the paradise that Andy dreamt of and finally escaped to in The Shawshank Redemption. This sleepy fishing town is nestled on the Pacific coast of Guerrero, Mexico, and neighbors a plush and sterile resort town called Ixtapa (will discuss Ixtapa later).
The distance between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo is 513 km.
Once a coconut plantation and mangrove estuary, Ixtapa is now a world-class resort city with its beach as the main hub for all activities. Ixtapa has attracted a following of loyal guests who fly to Ixtapa to enjoy its waters, sunny weather, historical sites, and many more.
The Manzanillo International Airport or Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (IATA: ZLO, ICAO: MMZO), was built north of the town of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico near the border with the state of Jalisco.
Sun Country Airlines is the only airline flying nonstop from Minneapolis to Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo.
The distance is 10k, or 6 miles.
All beaches in Zihuatanejo are safe for swimming. Undertow is rarely a problem, and the municipal beach is protected from the main surge of the Pacific. The best beach for swimming, and for children, is secluded Playa Las Gatas (Cats Beach), across the bay from Playa La Ropa and Zihuatanejo.
Zihuatanejo's bay offers safe haven from storms and is a favorite for boating and all types of water sports.
Beaches in Zihuatanejo - Ixtapa
- Playa La Ropa. The main beach for swimming and water sports is Playa La Ropa.
- Playa Las Gatas.
- Playa La Madera.
- Playa Municipal.
- Playa Contramar.
- Playa El Palmar.
Huatulco is a bit more desert-like (lots of cacti) and Zihua a bit more tropical feeling, more palms. Beaches are nice in both places- but you are right, not as nice as the Caribbean side. Sunsets better in Ixtapa/Zihua as you face west, not south.
Zihuatanejo was notably mentioned in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption, in which the protagonist Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins) escapes from prison to Zihuatanejo.
Tap water is fine to drink as long as you either boil it first or have some kind of reliable water purification or filtration system.
About 350 meters (0.21 miles) long. Ixtapa island is in front of this beach, so waves are soft most of the time. Ideal for swimming, kayaking and wind surfing. Entrance to the beach is on the side of the hotel located there.
Although some parts of the state of Guerrero, where Zihuatanejo is located, are currently unsafe (the U.S. State Department has given the state a Level 4 travel warning due to criminal activity), Playa la Ropa remains safe for tourists. Exercise caution, though, and avoid traveling on roads at night.
Ixtapa. Ixtapa is a word of Náhuatl origin that comes from the Iztal roots meaning “salt (sal)†or “white(blanco)†and “pa†that means “inâ€.
In addition to having the perfect waves, the weather in Ixtapa is also ideal for surfing year round. With average temperatures ranging between 67 degrees F and 89 degrees F, you can surf comfortably at any time.
