On the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Guerrero, there’s a destination where colorful buildings cascade down the slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains, along the curve of calm bays and white sandy beaches – a charming town called Zihuatanejo.
In the 1970s, Zihuatanejo – which translates to ‘place of women’ in Nahuatl – was a more low-key getaway than its nearby neighbor, Ixtapa, and attracted the likes of Andy Warhol, John Wayne, Liz Taylor and Mick Jagger. Today too, travelers tired of the crowded, resort-heavy destinations in the Yucatan and Baja Peninsula make their way to Zihuatanejo in search of something different – a place where they can easily delve into the culture, community, and nature.
The beauty of Zihua, as most people call it, is found in the warm waters along its four beaches, in the restaurants in town and on the boardwalk. It’s in these places that tourists and locals mingle, because Zihua isn’t like other coastal Mexican destinations where the two are separated – here, they connect.
Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo
While resort culture abounds in many coastal Mexican cities, Zihuatanejo has maintained its individuality, and there are as many Mexican travelers here as locals and foreigners.
Walk the Boardwalk
The city’s boardwalk, Paseo del Pescador (Fishermen’s Passage), is the town gathering place: fishers bring their catch to sell in the morning, and people come to purchase – or at least marvel – over the day’s haul.
On any given day you’ll see cyclists, photographers, people playing basketball, and even dance classes in session. Be sure to stop for a break and have a cafecito on one of the patios, perhaps at Café Marina.
Have Pozole on a Thursday
If there is one thing to keep in mind when visiting Zihua, it’s Pozole Thursday. Every Thursday from 2 PM to 5 PM, people line up at the city’s pozolerias – restaurants that serve bowls of green pozole, a type of soup with hominy and chicken. Expect a line, so get there early.
Hit the Beach
Zihua’s warm waters don’t generally dip below 65°F, which makes swimming and relaxing on the beach just about perfect. There are four beaches here to explore. Playa Municipal and Playa Madera are located near the city center; however, Playa Madera is the better option. Playa La Ropa is the largest and our personal favorite. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat ride to Las Gatas, a lovely white-sand beach with clear blue waters that’s lined with open-air restaurants serving fresh seafood and cervezas.
Sail the Bay
A boating excursion is a great way to explore the Zihua coast. You can rent a sailboat to explore the bay or a party boat for a group outing. Don’t miss the city’s annual SailFest in February, which raises money for local education and children’s services.
Explore Under the Sea
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities in Zihuatanejo, thanks to a mix of shallow reefs and abundant biodiversity. The water is teeming with marine life. Snorkeling is best experienced at Manzanillo Playa, Playa Coral, and Playa Las Gatas. For scuba diving, the best time to dive is between November and May, and there are dozens of dive sites in the area.
Take a Surf Class
Less than a 40-minute drive away, nearby towns like Saladitas and Troncones are beloved surf spots. Swells are biggest from April to October, but you can still enjoy chest-high waves from November to March. If you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills, take a class with local surf instructors.
Seafood: A Culinary Delight
To truly appreciate Zihuatanejo, indulge in its seafood. Each morning, fishers return to Playa Principal with their big catches. Make sure to try some of the local seafood specialties like tiritas de pescado, where fish is marinated in lime juice and served on a cracker, often dressed with onions, chilies, or avocado.
Budget and Costs
Zihuatanejo is not only beautiful but affordable. Drinks typically cost less than $2, and fresh seafood meals are often under $15. Taxi rides generally don’t exceed $5, making it easy to get around.
Beachfront Hotels
Most visitors prefer a beachfront hotel, and Playa La Ropa offers the best options. The Thompson Zihuatanejo stands out with great service and direct beach access. Enjoy dining at its two restaurants while admiring ocean views.
The Best Time to Go
With temperatures in the 80°F range year-round, many travelers visit Zihuatanejo during the winter. The high season runs from October to June, while July to September is the rainy season, yet rain usually falls in the evening, allowing for sunny days.
Getting Around
From Zihuatanejo International Airport, it’s a short drive to the city center. While some visitors opt to rent cars, getting around on foot or using taxis is convenient and cost-effective. Bus tickets are another economical option, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas.
