Search Sun Country Vacation Packages to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

The resort destination of Ixtapa and the smaller fishing town of Zihuatanejo offer a Mexico vacation that can be either a laid-back holiday of beach hopping or an activity-filled fiesta of watersports, golf, fishing, and horseback or ATV riding. 

Both destinations are much loved, with vacationers returning year after year — perhaps because an Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo vacation offers the best of both worlds — the charm of a Mexican village and a modern, luxurious Mexican resort area.

Things to Do in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

Isla Ixtapa

Located a short boat ride from Playa Linda, north of Ixtapa, this island is perfect for a day of swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, as well as lunch at a beachfront restaurant. 

Watersports

Unique to most destinations, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offer big water for sailing, fishing, and jet skiing, as well as calmer waters for kayaking, small boating, snorkeling, and swimming. A great excursion is to go kayaking from Playa Linda to Isla Ixtapa.

Beach Hopping

There are numerous beaches in the area, each with its own personality.

• Playa el Palmar— Ixtapa's main beach. Lovely, long, and with watersport rentals.
• Playa Quieta— As the name suggests, calmer waters ideal for swimming.
• Playa Linda— North of Ixtapa with water taxis to Isla Ixtapa.
• Playa Principal— Where the local fishermen keep their boats and therefore lined with fresh seafood restaurants.

Dining

With more than 200 restaurants in the area, there is something for every taste, including international cuisine and the freshest of seafood. For a truly local experience, grab a beachside table on Playa La Ropa or Playa Las Gatas and enjoy “Tiritas de Pescado”, a local delicacy made of strips of fish, marinated in lemon or lime, and mixed with chopped onions and chili peppers.

Nightlife

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offer a wide variety of nightlife, ranging from quiet and cozy cantinas in Zihuatanejo to cocktail lounges and dance clubs along the main boulevard in Ixtapa's Hotel Zone.

Shopping

Both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo have wonderful opportunities for shopping. For handicrafts, head to the markets – Ixtapa's is on the eastern part of the Hotel Zone; the one in Zihuatanejo is next to the church on Cinco de Mayo Street. Ixtapa's main shopping area has alluring shops with beautiful clothing and jewelry, including exquisite silver items. The shops of Zihuatanejo are smaller and offer exceptional art, including hand-painted masks, wood carvings, and exceptional silver items and jewelry.

IMPORTANT FACTS Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo International Airport Airport Code – ZIH Airport Address Zihuatanejo, Guerrero  Mexico Check-in Information Ticket counters are not open for in-person check-in and baggage check until two hours prior to departure at all designated Sun Country locations. Please arrive with proper identification to allow for check-in requirements and security processing. Ticket Counter Main Terminal, Sun Country Ticket Counter Closes one hour prior to flight departure Useful Information Currency Mexican Peso, but U.S. dollars are often accepted. ATMs can be found at most hotels and around town. Electricity 110V, the same as the U.S. and Canada. Many outlets are of the two-prong type. Entry requirements U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. U.S. and Canadian passports in good condition must be valid for the duration of the passenger’s stay in Mexico. The U.S. Department of State recommends that passports be valid for at least six months after the expected return date. Passport cards are not accepted for air travel to Mexico. U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Mexico must fill out an official entry immigration form prior to their arrival. Forms are available during the flight, however, to expedite the immigration entry process, you can now complete the form online and print it prior to travel. You will need your passport, flight information, and address or name of your hotel. For more details and to access the form, visit www.mexicotouristcard.com. Note that one form per traveler is required. Language Spanish, but most people in the tourism industry speak English. Time zone The same as Central Time in the U.S. Transportation Taxis are the best way to get around town if you are traveling more than walking distance. Smaller buses (micros) run continuously between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, including the beaches; fares are very affordable, starting at 50 cents. There are also two bike trails, one running trail five miles between Marina Ixtapa and Playa Linda, and another running trail 2.5 miles between the Palma Real Golf course in Ixtapa and the entrance to Zihuatanejo.