Ixtapa activities and amenities

If you’ve already been there, done that in Playa Troncones, the Zihuatanejo area has tons more activities to offer, just 20 minutes away.
And afterwards, you still get to escape back to your world class beach in a time-warp town.

Tourist Favorite

A favorite area for tourists of all nationalities, full of shopping, restaurants, and bars.

Surf

Ixtapa has a pretty famous little surf break, in the shadow of the giant hotels. Parking area and beach access at the North end of the main Ixtapa beach avenue. (Also La Europea is over there…)

Hotel beach

If you really, really miss high-rises, you can get a more urban beach experience in Ixtapa.

Scenic Area

Ixtapa’s like a mini-acapulco. Big hotels, fancy tropical avenues, etc.

Island snorkeling

Ixtapa island offers a fun little expedition, snorkeling and some restaurants.

Golf

Ixtapa boasts two full golf courses, just 15 minutes away.

Giant trees

Ixtapa is one of the few places around where you can see examples of the giant Parotas and other tropical trees that used to cover this area, and where Troncones (“big trunks”) got its name. Visible in the overgrown interior lots around the movie theatre, etc. The area used to be covered in those.

Movieplex

The Cinemex in Ixtapa has four screens. Kids’ movies are always dubbed.

Cafe del Ferrocarril

Great coffee shop in the same parking area as the Ixtapa movie theatre. Stop for a latte, and a delish sandwich or salad.

Ruben’s Burgers

Good grilled barbecue spot, inside the mall across from the hotel strip. Try the pickled veggies!

Ixtapa bike path

The Ciclopista de Ixtapa is a well-maintained bike path that spans the entire town. Six miles each way, from the marina, through a nature preserve, to Playa Linda. You can rent bikes nearby.

Boutiques!

Ixtapa shopping ranges from beachy junk to nice beachwear to designer boutiques and a smaller, pricier artisan’s market. It’s all in the sprawling mall across the avenue from the hotel strip.

Jewelry stores

Lost of silver jewelry in the area, even at the artisan’s market. Favorite find: US $20 long strand of freshwater pearls.

Mexico’s most overpriced supermarket

Craving a tiny jar of US $12 Skippy peanut butter? This is your place! In the mall across from the hotel strip.

La Europea

The best liquor and import store in the area. Great wine selection at good prices. Full stock of liquors, including Siete Leguas tequila— a great gift for Uncle Bob.