Culture is represented in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo by a variety of art galleries featuring work by both local and foreign artists and the La Costa Grande Archaeological Museum. Located in Zihuatanejo, the museum features exhibits on the history of human habitation of the era from pre-historic times to just before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th Century. Based on finds from 54 archaeological sites along the coast, the exhibits features art and artifacts created by indigenous culture, including the Olmecs, the Tarascans, the Teotihuacanos and the Mexica, or the Aztecs.
La Costa Grande Archeological Museum
Paseo del Pescador y Plaza Olof Palme
Zihuatenejo, Mexico 40880
755-554-7552
Aquatic sports in Ixtapa include scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and fishing. Scuba divers and snorkelers are often surprised by the diversity of life in Ixtapa's waters including coral reefs, exotic fish and sea turtles. Areas recommended for diving and snorkeling include Manzanillo Beach, Caleta de Chon and Morros de Potosi.
Area beaches are considered excellent for both longboard and shortboard surfing. Recommended surf areas include Zihuatanejo Bay, Playa Madera, Playa Linda, Playa Escolleras, Trocones and La Saladita. Unlike beaches in northern regions, Ixtapa's tropical water is warm all year long and wet suits are unnecessary.
Ixtapa is a newly discovered destination for sportfishing. Large fish that can be caught in Ixtapa's waters include sailfish, marlins, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi. Smaller varieties pursued by sportfishermen include grouper, roosterfish, mackerel, bonito, wahoo and barracuda.
Adventure Divers
Lot 68 Calle Adelita
Playa La Madera
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico CP 40884
011-52-755-554-9191
adventuredivers.com
Anfibios Surf & Skate
52 Nicolas Bravo
Zihuatanejo, Mexico CP 40880
011-52-755-554-5693
anfibios.com
Cooperativa de Pesca Triangulo del Sol
Paseo del Pescador/Muelle de Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo , Mexico CP 40880
011-52-755-554-3758
Visitors can encounter Ixtapa's natural beauty through a variety of adventure tours, including the Island Adventure Tour, Adventure at Las Gatas Beach and the Crocodile and Exotic Bird Hike. Visitors on these tours enjoy activities, such as boating, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking while encountering exotic animals, such as crocodiles, turtles and birds. Tours include all necessary equipment, food, purified water and bilingual tour-guides.
Aventours
C.C Plaza Ambiente Local 9
Ixtapa, Mexico CP 40884
011-52-755-553-3584
ixtapa-adventours.com
Upscale boutiques offering fashion, folk art, beachwear, home furnishings and jewelry can be found at the shopping plazas across from Ixtapa's Hotel Zone and in Zihuatanejo. Both towns also feature markets where local artisans and craftspeople produce an astonishing array of intricately designed ceramic bowls, figurines and plates as well as local handicrafts such rugs, embroidery, hammocks and souvenirs.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at either of Ixtapa's two 18-hole courses located at opposite ends of the "Hotel Zone."
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1977, Palma Real Golf Course was built on a former coconut plantation and features natural lakes, lagoons and lush tropical vegetation. The par 72 course is also a nature preserve home to exotic birds, rabbits and iguanas. Balls that land in the water hazards, stay in the water hazards because they are home to crocodiles.
Marina Ixtapa Golf Club features a par 72 golf course designed by Robert von Hagge. The course's design features dune-style topography, canals and bridges. Amenities at the club include restaurants and lounges, a full-service pro-shop, locker rooms, tennis courts and swimming pool.
Campo de Golfo Palma Real
Boulevar Ixtapa
Frente a la Zona Hotelera s/n
Ixtapa, Mexico CP 40884
011-52-755-553-1163
Campo de Golfo Marina Ixtapa
Calle de la Darsena s/n 8Mz. 4 interior Casa Club Marina
Ixtapa, Mexico CP 40884
755-553-1410
Visitors seeking fun in the sun will find that Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo both offer numerous beaches. Also known as the "Hotel Zone," Playa El Palmar is Ixtapa's main beach. It is lined by the resort's major hotels and features umbrella covered lounges where waiters serve food and drink. Other beaches include Playa Linda, Playa Quieta and Isla Ixtapa.
Beaches in Zihuatanejo surround an oyster-shaped natural harbor. The town's main beach, Playa Principal features fisherman tending their gear and selling their catch to local housewives and restaurant chefs. It is bordered by the charming Paseo del Pescador, a walkway that extends from the Municipal Pier to the Costa Grande Archaeological Museum. It features shops, restaurants and craft stands. Other beaches include Playa la Madera, Playa la Ropa, Play las Gatas and Playa Larga.
Area restaurants vary from stylish and expensive establishments featuring international gourmet cuisine to homey restaurants steeped in tradition. Many of them specialize in seafood made from local ingredients, including the famous local specialty Tirista de Pescado, or fish strips. Vistors will never go hungry and can satiate just about any taste including Mexican, Italian and even Japanese.
Chili Beans
Ixtapa Plaza, No. 5
Ixtapa, Mexico CP 40884
011-52-755-553-3313
ixtapa-mexico.com
Ristorante Beccofino
Plaza Marina Ixtapa
Ixtapa, Mexico CP 40884
011-52-755-553-1770
ixtapa-mexico.com
Frogs'Ito
Centro Commercial
Ixtapa, Mexico CP 40884
011-52-755-553-2282
The Dolphinarium and Crocodrilarium are two of the many ways for visitors to encounter local aquatic life. Located at Playa de Palmar, the Dolphinarium features a giant outdoor pool where visitors interact with seven bottlenosed dolphins through swimming and physical contact. Programs are carefully designed and supervised by marine biologists and include activities for adults, seniors, children and toddlers.
Located in Popoyote Lagoon at Ixtapa's Playa Linda, the Crocodrilarium is a lagoon-estuary that provides a home for many forms of life. Its chief residents are a number of crocodiles of all ages. The Crocodrilarium allows visitors the chance to see the carnivores in their natural habitat from behind the safety of a fenced area near the road.
