A little more laid back than Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo offers a more traditional beach town vibe and quaint resorts lining the beach. Its cobblestone streets are full of artisan studios and restaurants, and the waterfront Paseo del Pescador is one of the best places to watch the sunset.
Thompson Zihuatanejo (formerly Viceroy Zihuatanejo) is a beautiful hotel on Playa La Ropa Beach, one of Mexico’s most swimmable beaches. Its small but luxurious atmosphere is perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape.
Xihuacan Museum and Archaeological Site
The Xihuacan Museum and Archaeological Site is a fascinating place to learn about Mexico’s pre-Columbian past. Here you can see a 45-foot-high pyramid, as well as ball courts and other structures restored from the Mesoamerican era.
The site was once one of the largest ceremonial centers of agricultural and religious rites, reaching its peak during the Epiclassic period (650-900 AD). However, it was gradually abandoned due to floods.
Today, the ruins of Xihuacan are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the region is home to some of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the country. There are a variety of tours to choose from, many of which include access to the Xihuacan Museum.
Fishing is a major activity in Zihuatanejo, and the east end of Playa Principal is jammed with boats pulled into the ocean. Before sunset, these anglers bring in their catch and sell it to restaurants or right on the beach.
Playa Larga Beach
About 12km south of Zihuatanejo all inclusive, Playa Larga has big surf, beachfront restaurants and horseback riding. It’s also a great place to watch dolphins and whales playing in the waves or help usher baby sea turtles off into the ocean.
The town beach, La Playa Principal (Playa Municipal or Playa del Puerto), is lined with small shops and restaurants specializing in seafood. This is also the place where local fishermen pull their colorful boats up on the sand, making for a great photo opportunity.
Another beach worth visiting is Playa Lerdo de Tejada, which is a short walk from the main town beach and is a good place to bodysurf the mild waves.
The secluded beaches in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo each offer their own distinctive personality, blending luxurious resort styling with fabulous local culture. Ixtapa is home to high-rise hotels and all-inclusive resorts while Zihuatanejo features folk art shops, boutique hotels and street-style seafood restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day.
Sunday Night Shows
Located in the quaint fishing village of Zihuatanejo, this small but mighty resort is the place to stay in this neck of the woods. Its illustrious award winning amenities include a state of the art spa and wellness center, two outdoor pools and a private beach worthy of any high powered jet setter. For the dedicated golfers in the household, the aforementioned enclave also offers a slew of other stomping grounds to enjoy while the sun goes down.
Local Cuisine
The charming town of Zihuatanejo all inclusive has a wide range of restaurants that cater to all tastes. From traditional Mexican cuisine to international fare, there are plenty of options.
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, check out La Vista at Pacifica Grand or Tentaciones on Cerro del Vigia, which offer gorgeous views of the bay. Espuma Mediterraneo and El Suspiro are two other excellent spots to enjoy fine Mediterranean cuisine in Zihuatanejo.
For a casual meal, head to Rufo’s Grill or Los Braseros, both located in downtown Zihuatanejo. Both offer delicious meals at reasonable prices.
