Overview
Zihuatanejo is a Pueblo Mágico on the Pacific Coast of Guerrero, retaining its small-town fishing village feel despite being one of Mexico's most-visited resort areas. Unlike the planned resort of sister city Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo's historic downtown offers a genuinely relaxed, Mexican atmosphere where backpackers mix with Mexico City families and holidaymakers.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Nightlife
Before you go
Beaches
Bahía Zihuatanejo offers safe swimming. Playa Las Gatas accessed by lancha; palapas free with food purchase. Playa La Ropa and Playa la Madera are walkable from centro.
Culture
Zihuatanejo is a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town). Friday summer basketball and Sunday folkloric dancing at the amphitheater near the fish market pier.
Food
Pozole is the regional specialty—try blanco, verde, or rojo on Thursdays at street vendors on Avenida Benito Juarez or at Fonda Doña Licha.
Money
Mexico uses Mexican Peso (MXN). ATMs available in centro near banks. Street food 40-120 MXN, restaurant meals 100-300 MXN.
Transport
Most of downtown is walkable. Taxis for airport and bus station. Lanchas from muelle to Playa Las Gatas. Buses to Ixtapa and regional destinations.