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Zihuatanejo is a fishing town turned beach destination on Guerrero's Pacific coast, curled around a sheltered bay of the same name. Unlike its planned neighbor Ixtapa, it grew organically, and its center still has narrow streets, small hotels, a working fleet and a strong local feel. Its relaxed reputation has long attracted travelers who prefer character to big resorts.
The Paseo del Pescador, a waterfront promenade, runs past the fishing pier, cafés and the town beach. The Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande presents regional history in a modest building, and the Mercado de Artesanías sells crafts and souvenirs. Around the bay, Playa La Ropa offers calm water and restaurants, while Playa Las Gatas, reached by boat or a walk, is sheltered by an old rock reef good for snorkeling. Farther north, Playa Linda is the jumping-off point for boats to Isla Ixtapa.
Ixtapa, a short taxi ride away, adds a bike path, Playa Quieta and the Cocodrilario Tamakun, and nearby protected areas include Vicente Guerrero National Park. Zihuatanejo suits couples, families and winter visitors who like walkable towns and seafood dinners. Sportfishing is popular, and the dry winter season is busiest.
WiserMap travel guideZihuatanejo Mexico Playa Las Gatas La Ropa and Fresh SeafoodPlan a trip to Zihuatanejo in Guerrero with Paseo del Pescador, Playa Las Gatas, La Ropa, Isla Ixtapa, local seafood, where to stay and the best time to go.Read the guide
The Paseo del Pescador is the seaside walkway along Playa Principal in the centre of Zihuatanejo, where fishing boats are pulled onto the sand and the morning catch is sold. Restaurants, shops and benches line the route and it fills with families in the evening. Come early to watch the fishermen at work.
The municipal pier at the end of the Paseo del Pescador is where water taxis leave for Playa Las Gatas and where sport fishing and snorkel boats pick up passengers. It is a lively place in the morning when the fleet goes out. Buy water taxi tickets at the booth on the pier and keep your ticket for the return trip.
At the east end of the Paseo del Pescador, this small museum covers the archaeology and history of the Costa Grande region of Guerrero. Displays include ceramics, stone tools and figurines, and panels on trade along the Pacific coast. It takes under an hour to visit and the entry fee is low, so it is a good stop on a hot afternoon.
The artisan market on Calle 5 de Mayo near the waterfront gathers rows of stalls selling textiles, silver from Taxco, ceramics, masks, hammocks and beachwear. It is a convenient place to compare crafts from Guerrero and other parts of Mexico. Prices are usually open to friendly bargaining, and mornings are quieter.
The municipal market a few blocks inland from the bay is where locals buy fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and spices. Small fondas inside serve cheap breakfasts and lunches such as pozole, which in Guerrero is traditionally eaten on Thursdays. Go in the morning, when it is busiest and freshest, and bring small change.
Tucked on the southern side of the bay, Playa Las Gatas is protected by an old rocky reef that keeps the water calm and clear. Snorkeling and swimming are the main activities, and simple restaurants with loungers line the sand. Water taxis from the municipal pier are the easiest way to get there; the last boat back leaves late afternoon.
Playa La Ropa is a long sandy beach on the eastern side of the bay with gentle waves and a backdrop of hillside hotels and palms. It suits swimming, paddleboarding and long walks, and beachfront restaurants rent loungers and umbrellas. It is a short taxi ride from the centre; sunset views across the bay are especially good.
Playa La Madera is a small beach just east of the town centre, reached by a walkway along the rocks from the Paseo del Pescador. It has calm water, a few small hotels and restaurants, and a relaxed local feel. It is an easy walk from downtown, so it is ideal for a quick swim; the walkway can be slippery when wet.
Playa Larga is a long, open beach south of Zihuatanejo on the way to the airport, lined with palm trees and family run seafood restaurants. People come for long walks, horseback rides and fresh fish under the palapas. The surf is strong and there is little shelter, so swim with great care and stay near the restaurants.
Playa Manzanillo is a small beach on the outer edge of Zihuatanejo Bay beyond Las Gatas, reached mainly by boat from the municipal pier. Its rocky points and clear water make it one of the best snorkeling spots near town, with reef fish and sometimes rays. Book a boat with snorkel gear included and bring water and shade.
Zihuatanejo hosts one of the oldest international sailfish tournaments in Mexico, held in spring with boats competing for sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna. Most fish are released. Even if you do not fish, it is fun to watch the boats come in at the pier in the afternoon; check dates in advance, as hotels fill up.
Every year, usually in March, the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival brings guitarists from Mexico and abroad to play in bars, restaurants and open air venues around town and on the beaches. Styles range from flamenco and blues to Latin and jazz. Many concerts are free or low cost; check the program for times.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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