A calm fishing village on Mexico's Pacific coast, with palm-lined beaches and clear waters. Local fishermen sell their catch at the pier while pelicans watch from above.
Zihuatanejo, a coastal town in Guerrero, Mexico, keeps the calm feel of a traditional fishing village, even with the modern resort area of Ixtapa nearby. Walk along the Paseo del Pescador, a waterfront promenade where seafood restaurants and artisan stalls line the path. Swim in the gentle waves of Playa La Ropa or explore the archaeological museum that explains the Costa Grande region's past. Each February, sailboats from Alaska and other distant ports fill the bay for the Zihua Sail Fest. In March, live guitar performances take over streets and plazas. Local menus highlight fresh catches like red snapper grilled with garlic sauce. Known from The Shawshank Redemption, Zihuatanejo remains true to its roots as a fishing village despite increased attention.
Beaches and Waterfront Activities
Playa La Ropa stretches 1.2 kilometers with pale sand and gentle waves, making it a good spot for swimming. Rent a kayak or paddleboard directly from vendors on the beach. Each morning, you can watch fishermen bring in their catch. Take a 10-minute boat ride to Playa Las Gatas, where a coral reef keeps the water clear and calm, ideal for snorkeling. The municipal beach links to Playa Madera through a coastal walkway lined with small cafes and shops. Head further north to Playa Larga for horseback rides along a shore edged with rocky outcrops and coconut palms.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
The Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande sits at the southern end of the municipal beach, with six rooms of pre-Hispanic artifacts. Discover the Olmec's impact on the area or study stone carvings from old settlements. In the town center, the Mercado Municipal sells fresh produce, handmade textiles, and pottery. On Saturdays, the Eco-Tianguis Sanka market includes organic foods and live music. Stop by the Iglesia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, a modest church near the plaza. The Casa de Cultura community center provides salsa classes for visitors.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
The Annual Zihua Sail Fest in February supports local children's education with sailboat races, street fairs, and chili cook-offs. More than 100 boats join, some coming from international ports. In March, the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival hosts free concerts in the main plaza and beachfront venues for a week. From December to January, guided tours let you help release baby sea turtles on Playa Blanca, part of a local volunteer conservation project.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Restaurants along Playa La Ropa serve red snapper cooked with garlic or in tomato sauce, paired with handmade tortillas. Try pozole, a hominy stew available on Thursdays at family-run spots downtown. Beachside palapa restaurants like Ceniza grill fresh fish over wood fires. Mar & Cielo serves seafood dishes with views of the ocean. Visit the municipal pier early to see fishermen auction tuna, dorado, and grouper straight from their boats.
Getting There and Staying Safe
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport is a 20-minute drive from town, with direct flights from Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Taxis from the airport charge about $32 USD, and many hotels offer shuttle service. The U.S. State Department recommends caution in Guerrero due to cartel activity, but Zihuatanejo has few reported issues. Visitors often feel safe here. Check travel advisories, stay in populated areas after dark, and secure your belongings.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The dry season from November to April has daytime temperatures of 27–32°C (80–90°F) and cooler nights. January to March is best for festivals and beach days, with little rain and lower humidity. May to October brings higher heat and humidity, with short afternoon storms, but cheaper hotel rates. Ocean temperatures stay warm all year, usually above 24°C (75°F).
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Drive 15 minutes north to Ixtapa for golf courses, marina views, and resort-style amenities different from Zihuatanejo's calm streets. Troncones, 40 minutes northwest, has surfing and sea turtle releases. For a longer trip, Acapulco's cliffs and nightlife are four hours southeast by car. The Sierra Madre del Sur mountains have hiking trails through tropical forests.
